On the Move

Inova Alexandria Hospital is now offering the Lee Silverman Voice Therapy (LSVT) BIG technique

The Inova Alexandria Hospital (IAH) Physical Medicine and Rehabilitative Care Department has been expanding its services over the past year. As an example, it now offers Lee Silverman Voice Therapy (LSVT) BIG, a technique that addresses the unique movement impairments associated with Parkinson’s disease. It provides people with the disease the tools they need to keep moving and stay active. The protocol is both intensive and complex, with many repetitions of core movements used in daily life. Four therapists are certified to provide LSVT BIG therapy at Inova Alexandria’s Center for Rehabilitative Care.

Since adding LSVT BIG, the Parkinson’s population at the hospital has skyrocketed, notes Srilekha Reddy Palle, PT, DPT, Rehabilitation Director at IAH. “There was a time where we had one to two Parkinson’s patients per week, and right now, our caseload is anywhere between four to six patients per week. The program has really grown, and that’s because there is a strong need for it in the community.”

In other areas of growth, the department is teaming up  with the local chapter of the Parkinson’s Foundation for patient group exercise sessions. It also has expanded its oncology rehabilitation services, specifically for breast cancer patients. Recently, the Physical Medicine and Rehabilitative Care team participated in a breast cancer education event, showcasing its program and allowing its therapists to speak  to potential patients. It also is partnering with Life with Cancer® for oncology rehab and cancer recovery exercise programs.

Visit Inova Alexandria Hospital’s Center for Rehabilitative Care online

Help for Parkinson’s

Learn more about treatments for movement disorders  at www.inova.org/movement-disorders-program.