Speech Therapy for Parkinson's Disease : What is Lee Silverman Voice Treatment?
What is Lee Silverman Voice Treatment ?
LSVT loud ® stands for Lee Silverman Voice Technique. It is a evidence based Speech and Language Therapy technique that improves loudness for people with Parkinson’s disease. Studies have shown it can also be used in a variety of neurological conditions, such as Stroke, to improve Speech. Speech and Language Therapists are certified after a LSVT loud ® training course and an examination.
How can Parkinson’s Disease affect speech?
Parkinson’s disease can cause people to talk quietly, have reduced variation in pitch and a hoarse voice. Their speech may sound monotone and lack emotion. People with Parkinson’s Disease are often not aware that they are talking quietly - we need to work with you to recaliberate your sensory feedback to raise your awareness of your loudness, improve voice projection and reduce effort in conversation. Difficulties with voume and clarity can impact on people’s confidence and mood. Our ultimate aim is to improve your volume, speech and confidence - your speech does not need hold you back.
How does Lee Silverman Voice Treatment work?
Lee Silverman Voice Treatment ® (LSVT Loud) focuses on increasing loudness and increasing peoples awareness that they speak too quietly. It is an intensive individual Speech and Language Therapy Technique.
Lee Silverman Voice Treatment requires an assessment session, and 16 therapy sessions, at 60 minutes each. You will also be given homework to practice outside of sessions.
Research has also shown improvements in swallowing difficulties in Parkinson’s Disease.
Can I do Lee Silverman Voice Technique online?
Studies show that Lee Silverman Voice Technique is as effective online as face-to-face Therapy. It is often easier to have Intensive Speech Therapy in the comfort of your own home than in travelling to a clinic. We use zoom which is very user friendly and allows for recordings of your speech for great Biofeedback.
We also offer Speak Out Treatment - this is less sessions (thereby reducing cost) and is shown to be as effective as Lee Silverman Voice Treatment for Parkinson’s Disease.
Our UK based Private Voice Therapists are Clinical Specialists in Voice & Neurology with a minimum of 15 years experience Specialising in Voice & Neurology Therapy. Book a free 15 minute consultation or email us at thespeechnetwork@hotmail.com to enquire about our reasonable fees for Lee Silverman Voice Treatment (LSVT loud ®) .