Occupational therapy added to Parkinson’s disease treatment program at HSHS St. Joseph’s Hospital Breese

Since 2019, HSHS St. Joseph’s Hospital Breese has offered the Lee Silverman Voice Treatment (LSVT) BIG and LOUD programs. The outpatient rehabilitation department provides this program designed for those with Parkinson’s disease. 

A new addition to the treatment program is occupational therapy. Casey Benhoff, OTR/L, recently joined the three members of the rehabilitation team who have gone through specific training for the LVST program. She joins trained therapists Teri Maue, PT, DPT; Megan Korte, PTA; and Mary Beth Kouri, CCC-SLP. 

LSVT BIG and LOUD programs provide patients with daily activities to help implement lifelong habits to improve their quality of life. These programs are research-based approaches that improve motor function and vocal loudness/quality for people diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease and other neurological conditions. 

• The LSVT BIG program consists of (16) one-hour sessions, led by a LSVT certified physical or occupational therapist — four days a week for four weeks. The program focuses on high amplitude and repetitive motions performed with maximal effort, which helps produce bigger and more functional movements for daily activities. 
• The LSVT LOUD program consists of (16) one-hour sessions, led by a LSVT certified speech therapist – four days a week for four weeks. It is an effective speech treatment for individuals with Parkinson’s and other neurological disorders who are experiencing difficulties effectively communicating with others. These problems can include soft, mumbled, or monotone speech. 

Additionally, HSHS St. Joseph’s Hospital Highland hosts a Parkinson’s support group on the fourth Tuesday of every month, from 2-3 p.m. in St. Joseph’s Highland’s Sullivan Room. Registration is not necessary. For more information about the support group, call 618-651-2720. 

To participate in the LSVT BIG and LOUD programs, a provider’s order is requested. To schedule an appointment or to learn more, call outpatient rehabilitation at St. Joseph’s Hospital Breese at 618-526-5436. 

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Photo Caption: Four members of HSHS St. Joseph’s Hospital Breese’s rehabilitation team have specific training for Lee Silverman Voice Treatment (LSVT) BIG and LOUD programs to help those with Parkinson’s disease. They are (left to right) Teri Maue, PT, DPT; Megan Korte, PTA; Casey Benhoff, OTR/L; and Mary Beth Kouri, CCC-SLP.