Parkinson’s disease affects the speech of 89% of those with the condition. Published data documents the effectiveness of Lee Silverman Voice Treatment (LSVT) in improving vocal loudness, intonation (rise and fall of the voice), voice quality as well as unclear speech, diminished facial expression and impaired swallowing.  LSVT LOUD® is evidence based, internationally recognised and recommended in the NICE guidelines in the UK for voice problems associated with Parkinson’s disease.

LSVT LOUD®  has also been shown to be effective in Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP).

 

How does it LSVT LOUD® work?

LSVT LOUD® improves vocal loudness by stimulating the muscles of the voice box (larynx) and speech mechanism through a systematic hierarchy of exercises.  Focused on a single goal – “Speak LOUD!” –  LSVT LOUD® brings the voice to an improved, healthy vocal loudness without strain.

Why the intensity of sessions?

This intensity is consistent with theories of motor learning and skill acquisition as well as with the principles of neural plasticity (the capacity of the nervous system to change in response to signals) and is critical to attaining optimal results.  The treatment not only stimulates the motor system but also incorporates sensory awareness training to help individuals with PD recognise that their voice is too soft, convincing them that the louder voice is within normal limits, and making them comfortable with the new louder voice.

Clients are trained to self-generate the necessary loudness to make their speech understood.

Course details – Therapy Sessions

Initial assessment session of one and a half to two hours

Four individual 60 minute sessions per week for four weeks

Post treatment assessment session

Follow-up session three months post treatment either on the  telephone or Zoom.

Prices are available upon request.

ENT assessment

You will also need to see an Ear Nose and Throat consultant to check that your larynx is healthy before starting LSVT LOUD® .  This can be either through the NHS or a private referral.

Homework

On the days when clients have therapy they will do one practice session of around 20 minutes.
On the days when clients do not have therapy they will do two practice sessions of around 30 minutes each. Clients are given specific exercises to practise each day; some exercises will be the same every day, and some will be changed daily.

Maintenance Exercises

After therapy has finished, clients will need to continue to practise daily in order to maintain the improvements made in their speech and voice.

 Location

LSVT LOUD® is currently only available online via Zoom.

 What’s included?

Report to GP and consultant

 How will I know that I am practising at the correct volume?

I use the Voice Analyst App (£9.99) in the sessions and suggest that clients consider buying it to use when doing homework, to enable them to see the volume at which they are speaking when practising.

 

LSVT LOUD® Testimonials:

The quality of instruction and detail, all of which was individually tailored to me was nothing short of outstanding. I was particularly impressed again with her ability to gauge when I needed rest or encouragement to continue. And make no mistake Celia with her drive and determination for her patients to succeed becomes infectious but a word of warning she is a hard task master and continually drives one to succeed. Similarly, she has the ability to know exactly when to take the pressure off.

– DH, Basingstoke

Read full testimonial here.

It is fair to say that the results have been fantastic – and beyond what I had imagined possible. 

How fantastic?  I am now, once again, regularly presenting at conferences and was described by a colleague, who knows of my diagnosis and recently heard me speak to a room of 200 delegates, as ‘being on fire’!

I do not believe this would have happened without Celia’s support. She is thoroughly professional, rightly challenging and hugely encouraging. 

And the lively family conversations – I am right there in the middle of them!”

– SR, Portsmouth

Read full testimonial here.

It was not easy and some effort has to be put into it, but after just one week my family could see progress and therefore I decided to carry on and complete the course. I am so pleased that I did continue as my family and friends can now understand me with hardly any repetitions.

Celia was so professional, so patient especially through my Parkinson’s bad days. My improvement is all due to her drive and determination to succeed.”

– HYA, Winchester

Read full testimonial here.

Interested in LSVT LOUD®?

Please get in contact via the Contact page