LSVT Big® Program

LSVT BIG is an intensive, effective, one-on-one treatment created to help people with Parkinson's disease (PD) and other neurological conditions address walking, balance and other activities of daily living (for example, writing, dressing and getting up from low chairs) or even job-related tasks.

Through these sessions, LSVT BIG treatment trains people to increase the size (amplitude) of their movements from head to toe. These improvements may also extend to smaller tasks, like buttoning or writing.

Program Details

As an intensive program, it requires a significant time commitment over a one-month period but has exceptional results to improve motor (movement) tasks in your daily life. It should only be performed when you can dedicate one month of consistent attendance so it is essential to plan vacations or other commitments for other times. Time commitments and details for the program include:

One Month Program Details:

One-hour sessions
One-on-One
Four sessions per week
Four weeks in a row
Daily homework and carryover exercises
Work with your LSVT BIG Certified Clinician to develop specific goals that are meaningful to you.

LSVT BIG treatment is delivered one-on-one and is tailored to each person’s own abilities and goals so that they work towards what's meaningful to them.

Its holistic approach addresses not only movement issues but also takes into account non-motor symptoms including emotional changes and cognitive changes, and it helps people "recalibrate" to recognize when their movements are smaller or slower than they think.

Its sessions are based on the most effective, evidence-based strategies for learning and neuroplasticity (the brain's ability to change).

It's designed to help people apply what they learn in treatment sessions to more comfortable, confident movements in everyday life beyond treatment sessions.

FAQs

Is LSVT Big covered by my insurance?

We accept Traditional Medicare Part B insurance (as an in-network provider) which does cover the LSVT Big program if it is deemed medically necessary. If you have Traditional Medicare and a secondary supplement, your outpatient physical therapy services are typically covered in full.

For other insurance plans: We bill typical physical therapy CPT codes, so if your plan has out of network physical therapy benefits, they may reimburse you for any up-front, out of pocket costs. We recommend contacting your insurance provider to learn more about out of network physical therapy coverage prior to scheduling your first visit.

Do I need a doctor's referral for LSVT Big?

Yes, you need a physical therapy referral (PT order) for the LSVT Program (4x/week for 4 weeks). It does not need to say LSVT Big but it is recommended. If you would like a blank referral form to print and give to your doctor to fill out / sign, feel free to request one at: info@greathopeneuropt.com

What should I bring?

On the first visit, please bring your referral, insurance cards, doctor's contact information, a water bottle, and a list of your top 5 goals for improved movement, coordination, and safety. You and your therapist will develop a customized plan based on your goals and they will issue you a folder with exercises, an exercise log, and other resources during the first week.

What happens after the program is finished?

Completing LSVT BIG is just the start of maintaining your independence and improved mobility. You will transition to a simple long-term routine designed to keep your movement gains strong over time.

Daily Home Practice: Perform a quick 10–15 minute daily exercise routine to keep your muscles primed and prevent movements from shrinking back down.
Periodic Tune-Ups: Revisit your therapist every 3 to 12 months for brief check-ins to refresh your technique, tackle new physical goals, and keep you on track.
Everyday Application: Keep using your high-effort "think BIG" mental cues during daily tasks like walking, getting out of chairs, and reaching.
Group Maintenance: Stay motivated and connected by joining community or virtual exercise sessions designed specifically for program graduates.

You can learn more about continuing your progress through group maintenance on the BIG for LIFE® page.