Crooks becomes Certified in LSVT BIG Techniques to Help Parkinson’s Patients
- April 29, 2014
Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) Laura Crooks recently became certified to administer LSVT BIG™ therapy, a revolutionary program that empowers people with Parkinson’s disease to move better.
LSVT BIG is a research-based exercise approach in which therapists work with Parkinson’s patients in an intensive, whole body amplitude-based training.
Brookings Health System began offering the program last fall. Crooks became certified in order for Brookings Health System to meet the increasing demand for LSVT BIG therapy. She joins Physical Therapist Karla Hanson and Occupational Therapist Terri Sellers on the LSVT BIG team.
Research has documented improved ratings on tests of motor functioning for Parkinson’s disease patients following LSVT BIG treatment, including faster walking with bigger steps, improved balance and increased trunk rotation. These changes can help improve self-care abilities, such as dressing, showering and grooming as well as improve leisure activities.
Treatment consists of 16 one-hour sessions, four consecutive days a week for four weeks. Patients are also expected to practice daily exercises at home in order to maximize motor skill improvement.
To learn more about how you or a loved one with Parkinson’s may benefit from LSVT BIG therapy, please visit www.brookingshealth.org/BIG or call (605) 696-8821.
About Brookings Health System
Brookings Health System, located in Brookings, South Dakota, includes a 49-bed hospital, the 79-bed The Neighborhoods at Brookview nursing home, Brookhaven Estates senior living apartments, Yorkshire Eye Clinic, Arlington Medical Center and White Medical Clinic. It is a non-profit, city-owned facility that offers the community a full range of inpatient, outpatient, surgical and extended care services. The emergency room is staffed 24 hours a day and provides around the clock patient needs ranging from minor injuries to life threatening crises. For more information about the services offered at Brookings Health System, please call (605) 696-9000 or visit us on the Web at brookingshealth.org.