Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy and Speech Programs Join our CommunityRehabilitation Programs (Physical Therapy, Speech Therapy, and Occupational Therapy)Exercise and rehabilitation are an important part of care for the person living with Parkinson’s. There are a number of programs designed especially for individuals with Parkinson’s disease. This is a partial list of evidence based programs that have been shared with us. The American Parkinson Disease Association supports a national exercise and therapy helpline. To speak with a physical therapist, call 888-606-1688 or email them at rehab@bu.edu. For more information, please visit www.bu.edu/neurorehab.Community Wellness Physical Therapy Programs, LSVT BIG (Physical Therapy), LSVT LOUD (Speech Therapy), and Other Therapy ProgramsCommunity Wellness Physical Therapy Programs for individuals with Parkinson’s disease are now offered in several Massachusetts communities.The Wellness Program is designed to help individuals with Parkinson’s disease living in the community learn to manage their health more effectively in order to improve day-to-day functioning and quality of life. Under the guidance of licensed physical, occupational, and speech therapists, participants will learn exercises and a problem solving approaches to managing daily mobility, self-care, and communication issues which often interfere with function and quality of life.These programs have been developed from a model established at Boston University Sargent College of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences. Healthcare professionals from interested agencies collaborate and receive intensive training by staff from Boston University’s Sargent College and the BU Department of Neurology. These initiatives are supported in part by the American Parkinson Disease Association.LSVT BIG® and LSVT LOUD® are intensive therapy programs administered to an individual with Parkinson’s by a rehabilitation specialist ( PT, OT, Speech). To learn more about these programs, visit http://www.lsvtglobal.com/.The Massachusetts Chapter has provided funds for limited scholarships. Please contact the specific agency for more information. Amherst, MA – Hampshire Athletic Club Hampshire Athletic Club is partnering with Sargent College of Health & Rehabilitation Sciences to offer a Community Wellness Program for people with Parkinson’s disease. Expanding our continuum of care within the community supports the Center’s commitment to excellence and optimal patient outcomes.Location: Hampshire Athletic Club, 90 Gatehouse Road, Amherst, MA 01002 Contact: Debra R. Ellis, MS PT, NCS at 413-695-6069 or synergyrehabconsult@hotmail.com Amherst, MA – University of Massachusetts Amherst This wellness group, supported by a grant from the American Parkinson Disease Association Massachusetts Chapter, will focus on techniques and education for improving and strengthening your communication, cognition, and swallowing skills. This group is led by Lisa Sommers, MA, CCC-SLP (a LSVT certified instructor), and a group of graduate students from UMass Amherst’s Center for Language, Speech, and Hearing. Contact Lisa Sommers for more information about dates and times.Location: UMass Amherst Center for Language, Speech, and Hearing, 358 North Pleasant Street, Amherst, MA 01003 Contact: Lisa Sommers, 413-545-8670 Attleboro, MA – LSVT® LOUD Program at Sturdy Memorial Hospital Lee Silverman’s Voice Treatment LOUD (LSVT® LOUD) is an intensive, evidence-based speech therapy program. All speech therapists are certified through LSVT Global, which includes extensive training and examination. This treatment approach has been validated to drastically improve voice loudness/quality.For more information or to schedule an appointment: Contact: Sturdy Memorial Hospital Parkinson’s Program Speech Therapy Times: By Appointment Only Phone: 508-236-7380 Boston, MA – Boston University Sargent College Sargent College of Health & Rehabilitation Sciences is offering a six-week Community Wellness Program for people with Parkinson’s disease. Expanding our continuum of care within the community supports our commitment to excellence and optimal patient outcomes.Location: Sargent College at Boston University, 635 Commonwealth Avenue, Boston, MA 02215 Contact: 617-353-7525 Boston, MA – LSVT® LOUD Program at Boston Medical Center Lee Silverman’s Voice Treatment LOUD (LSVT® LOUD) is an intensive, evidence-based speech therapy program. All speech therapists are certified through LSVT Global, which includes extensive training and examination. This treatment approach has been validated to drastically improve voice loudness/quality.For more information or to schedule an appointment: Contact: Boston Medical Center Voice and Swallowing Center in the Department of Otolaryngology Times: By Appointment Only Phone: 617-638-8124 Boston, MA – LSVT® BIG & LOUD Program at Spaulding Outpatient Center Boston Lee Silverman’s Voice Treatment LOUD (LSVT® LOUD) is an intensive, evidence-based speech therapy program. All speech therapists are certified through LSVT Global, which includes extensive training and examination. This treatment approach has been validated to drastically improve voice loudness/quality. Spaulding Outpatient Center Boston now also offers BIG and LOUD follow up programs for individuals who have completed the individualized LOUD speech therapy.Click here to see a flyer with more information.Contact:Location: Spaulding Outpatient Center, Boston – 300 First Avenue, 2nd Floor, Charlestown, MA 02129Kaitlyn Cashman, PT, DPT Phone: 617-952-6293 Email: kcashman1@partners.orgRachel Licker M.S. CCC-SLP Phone: 617-952-6275 Email: rlicker@partners.org Coffee and ConversationAn 8 Week program for individuals who have completed speech therapy. Participants will practice speech strategies in a fun and supportive setting.Click here to see a flyer with more information.2019 Session begins January 25, registration is required.Contact: Rachel Licker, 617-952-6275 or rlicker@partners.org Bradford, MA – Whittier Rehabilitation Hospital This Parkinson’s Wellness Program was created by Boston University’s Neurorehabilitation Department and has been supported by the American Parkinson Disease Association Massachusetts Chapter.To see a flyer, click here.Location: Whittier Rehabilitation Hospital, 145 Ward Hill Avenue, Bradford, MA 01835 Contact: (978) 469-1425 Braintree, MA – Braintree Rehabilitation Hospital This Parkinson’s Wellness Program is led by physical, occupational, and speech-language therapists, providing:Balance trainingCommunication skills trainingEducation for lifestyle changes specific to the conditionExercise programs for strengthening and cardiovascular healthFunctional mobility training for home and the communityThis program takes place in seven-week sessions. For more information or to register contact Anna Kerrigan.Dates & Times: Tuesdays & Thursdays, 1 – 2:30 PM Location: Braintree Rehabilitation Hospital, 250 Pond Street, Braintree, MA 02184 Contact: Anna Kerrigan, 781-348-2110 Cape Cod- LSVT® BIG and LOUD Programs at Spaulding Outpatient Centers LSVT stands for “Lee Silverman Voice Treatment”, which was developed in the 1980’s with funding from the family of a Parkinson’s patient (Lee Silverman) to improve her ability to communicate. LSVT is an intensive, evidenced-based speech and physical therapy program. All speech and physical therapists are certified through LSVT global which includes extensive training and examination. This treatment approach has been validated to drastically improve voice loudness/quality and walking/general physical function.More recently, the program has expanded to include a physical therapy specific approach to improve movement patterns based on the same principles. This is known as LSVT BIG®. We will teach you how to avoid inactivity, enhance your movements during everyday activities, and better your quality of life.Orleans, MA- Spaulding Outpatient Center Orleans LSVT LOUD® program LSVT BIG® program Please call 508-240-7203 for more information.Yarmouth, MA – Spaulding Outpatient Center Yarmouth LSVT BIG® program Please call 508-771-1300 for more information.Sandwich, MA – Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital Outpatient Center Sandwich LSVT LOUD® program Please call 508-833-4141 for more information.Raise Your Voice This class is designed to provide weekly voice and speech practice for any persons with Parkinson’s disease who are looking to exercise and maintain their voice and engage in social communication. No prior therapy is necessary. This class may be repeated.Click here to see a flyer. Call 508-833-4078 for more information.Harwich, MA Vibrant Voices: This interactive speech group is designed for individuals living with Parkinson’s disease who have completed the Lee Silverman Voice Therapy (LSVT®) LOUD Program within the past 2 years. This program is led by a licensed speech and language pathologist certified in LSVT LOUD®.Please call 508-240-7203 for more information. Concord, MA – LSVT® BIG Parkinsons Program at Emerson Hospital The LSVT BIG® program is an exciting research-based exercise approach effective in the treatment of people with Parkinson’s disease and other similar movement disorders. LSVT stands for “Lee Silverman Voice Treatment”, which was developed in the 1980’s with funding from the family of a Parkinson’s patient (Lee Silverman) to improve her ability to communicate. More recently, the program has expanded to include a physical therapy specific approach to improve movement patterns based on the same principles. This is known as LSVT BIG®. We will teach you how to avoid inactivity, enhance your movements during everyday activities and better your quality of life. This program includes whole body movements with large amplitudes, multiples repetitions and progressions from simple to complex that focus on high effort levels. BIG effort is the key to success!Ideally, the program includes a four week cycle with three to four one-hour appointments per week. Depending on your condition and physical health at the time of evaluation, modification may be recommended. All Treatments are with a LSVT certified clinician.Contact: 978-369-1400 Concord, MA – The LOUD Crowd This class, designed for individuals who have already received SPEAK OUT! individualized speech therapy, is available to help participants maintain communication skills in a group environment.Click here to see a flyer with more information.Location: 300 Baker Avenue, Suite 160, Concord, MA 01742 Contact: Joy Walsh, MS, CCC-SLP; jwalsh@emersonhosp.org or 978-287-8237 Duxbury, MA - Spaulding Outpatient Center, Plymouth at the Duxbury Senior Center Spaulding Rehabilitation Network brings specialized expertise in neuro-rehabilitation to people with Parkinson’s disease (PD) and their families. This six-week program is conducted in collaboration with Boston University and supported by a grant from the American Parkinson Disease Association Massachusetts Chapter. This program emphasizes education, self-management strategies, and peer support.Location: Duxbury Senior Center, 10 Mayflower Street, Duxbury, MA 02332 Contact: 508-927-7424 Framingham, MA – Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital Outpatient Center Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital is partnering with Sargent College of Health & Rehabilitation Sciences to offer a Community Wellness Program for people with Parkinson’s disease. Expanding our continuum of care within the community supports the Center’s commitment to excellence and optimal patient outcomes.Dates & Times: Tuesdays & Thursdays; 6:00 – 7:30 PM; Contact Spaulding to confirm dates and times Location: Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital, 570 Worcester Road (Route 9), Framingham, MA 01702 Contact: Maria Cole at 508-532-4268 or MCole1@partners.org Greenfield, MA – Greenfield YMCA The Boston University Center for Neurorehabilitation has an evidence based group exercise program for people with Parkinson’s disease that gives you the tools to get started with exercise and keep going. This class is led by certified physical therapist Debra R. Ellis, MS PT, NCS.Click here to learn more about this program.Dates & Times: Wednesdays & Fridays; 1 – 2:30 PM Location: Greenfield YMCA, 451 Main Street, Greenfield, MA 01301 Contact: Debra R. Ellis, MS PT, NCS, 413-695-6069 or deb@debellispt.com Harwich, MA – Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital Cape Cod at the Harwich Community Center The Harwich Community Center and the Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital Cape Cod are partnering with Boston University Sargent College of Health & Rehabilitation Sciences to offer a Community Wellness Program for people with Parkinson’s disease. Expanding our continuum of care within the community supports our commitment to excellence and optimal patient outcomes.Dates & Times: Click here to see a full listing of dates and times for 2018 Location: Harwich Community Center, 29 Oak Street, Harwich, MA 02645 Contact: 508-240-7203 Holyoke, MA – LSVT® LOUD Program at Holyoke Medical Center Click here to see a flyer.Dates and times are appointment based. Contact the HMC Speech & Hearing Center for an appointment.Location: Holyoke Medical Center, 575 Beech Street, Holyoke, MA 01040 Contact: HMC Speech & Hearing Center, 413-534-2508 or SpeechandHearing@HolyokeHealth.com Lebanon, NH – Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center is partnering with Sargent College of Health & Rehabilitation Sciences to offer a Community Wellness Program for people with Parkinson’s disease. Expanding our continuum of care within the community supports the Center’s commitment to excellence and optimal patient outcomes.Location: Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center, One Medical Center Drive, Lebanon, NH 03756 Contact: Diane Sherman at 603-653-6672 Lowell, MA - LSVT® BIG and LOUD at Northeast Rehabilitation Hospital Northeast Rehabilitation Hospital in Lowell, MA provides both LSVT BIG and LSVT LOUD programs for individuals with Parkinson’s. Contact Northeast Rehab to make an appointment.Location: Northeast Rehabilitation Hospital, 10 George Street, Suite 310, Lowell, MA 01852 Contact: 888-950-9939 Lunenburg, MA – LSVT® LOUD Program at Core Communication Center All speech therapists are certified through LSVT Global, which includes extensive training and examination. This treatment approach has been validated to drastically improve voice loudness/quality.Contact: Core Communication Center Times: By Appointment Only Phone: 978-827-0757 Email: CoreCommunicationCenter@gmail.com Manchester, NH – LSVT® BIG & LOUD and SPEAK OUT!® & LOUD CROWD® at Catholic Medical Center LSVT® BIG and LOUDAll speech therapists are certified through LSVT Global, which includes extensive training and examination. This treatment approach has been validated to drastically improve voice loudness/quality.Contact: CMC Outpatient Rehabilitation at Dartmouth Commons Location: 769 South Main Street, Suite 201, Manchester, NH 03102 Phone: 603-641-6700 SPEAK OUT!® and LOUD CROWD®Catholic Medical Center offers a two-part speech therapy program to help individuals with Parkinson’s build and maintain effective communication. SPEAK OUT! is one-on-one therapy with a speech pathologist. LOUD CROWD is open to all who complete SPEAK OUT! and helps maintain skills in a supportive group environment.Click here to learn more.Contact: Larissa Hebert, MA, CCC-SLP Times: By Appointment Only Phone: 603-641-6700 Email: larissa.hebert@CMC-nh.org Medford, MA - Spaulding Outpatient Center Medford The PD Warriors Exercise Group is an exercise group designed for people with Parkinson’s. Exercise has been shown to improve balance, strength, functional ability, and symptom severity in people with Parkinson’s disease. These classes run for 1 hour and are physically intensive, so participants should wear sneakers and clothing that is easy to move in.Click here to see a flyer.Dates & Times: 10 Week Sessions Location: Spaulding Outpatient Center Medford, 101 Main Street, Suite 101, Medford, MA 02155 Contact: Sara Crandall, PT, DPT: 857-238-4976 or scrandall@partners.org Medford, MA – Speech Group at Spaulding Outpatient Center Medford This speech group will provide patients with the opportunity to practice utilizing speech intelligibility strategies to increase their ability to communicate effectively within the setting of fun group activities. This group utilizes principles from LSVT LOUD. This treatment approach has been validated to drastically improve voice loudness/quality.Click here to see a flyer.Dates and Times: 10 Week Sessions Location: Spaulding Outpatient Center Medford, 101 Main Street, Suite 101, Medford, MA 02155 Contact: Mary Corrado, 857-239-4976 or mcorrado2@partners.org Northampton, MA – Hampshire Regional YMCA Community Rehabilitation Care at the Hampshire Regional YMCA in Northampton is partnering with Boston University Sargent College of Health & Rehabilitation Sciences to offer a Community Wellness Program for people with Parkinson’s disease. Expanding our continuum of care within the community supports our commitment to excellence and optimal patient outcomes.Location: Hampshire Regional YMCA, 286 Prospect Street, Northampton, MA 01060 Contact: Debra R. Ellis, MS, PT, NCS at 413-695-6069 or synergyrehabconsult@hotmail.com Needham, MA – F3 Fitness Research shows that the right exercises for people with Parkinson’s, including cardio and resistance training with balance/instability, help improve mobility, motor symptoms (balance, rigidity, walking, tremor, freeze attacks, uncontrollable and/or slow movement), brain function, and overall quality of life. F3 Fitness trainers have a health care background and provide one on one and group training in a private, confidential environment.For more information on F3 Fitness, click here.Location: F3 Fitness (Inside the Needham Dance Theatre), 33 Chestnut Place, Needham, MA 02492 Contact: 617-294-6368 Salem, NH – Northeast Rehabilitation Hospital Northeast Rehabilitation Hospital is partnering with Boston University Sargent College of Health & Rehabilitation Sciences to offer a Community Wellness Program for people with Parkinson’s disease. Expanding our continuum of care within the community supports our commitment to excellence and optimal patient outcomes. This program runs two times per week in 9 week sessions.Location: Northeast Rehabilitation Hospital, 70 Butler Street, Salem, NH 03079 Contact: 603-681-3210 Salem, NH - LSVT® BIG and LOUD at Northeast Rehabilitation Hospital Northeast Rehabilitation Hospital in Salem, NH provides both LSVT BIG and LSVT LOUD programs for individuals with Parkinson’s. Lee Silverman’s Voice Treatment (LSVT®) is an intensive, evidenced-based speech and physical therapy program. All speech and physical therapists are certified through LSVT global which includes extensive training and examination. This treatment approach has been validated to drastically improve voice loudness/quality and walking/general physical function. Contact Northeast Rehab to make an appointment.Location: Northeast Rehabilitation Hospital, 70 Butler Street, Salem, NH, 03079 Contact: 888-950-9939 Sandwich, MA – Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital Cape Cod Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital Cape Cod is partnering with Sargent College of Health & Rehabilitation Sciences to offer a Community Wellness Program for people with Parkinson’s disease. Expanding our continuum of care within the community supports our commitment to excellence and optimal patient outcomes.Location: Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital Cape Cod, 311 Service Road, Sandwich, MA 02537 Contact: Meg Petitti at 508-833-4197 Springfield, MA – Jewish Community Center The Jewish Community Center of Springfield is partnering with the Boston University Center for Neurorehabiliatation to offer a Community Wellness Program for people with Parkinson’s disease. Debra Ellis, MS PT, NCS, is a licensed physical therapist specializing in neurologic physical therapy.Fall session begins October 17, 2018. Click here to see a flyer with more information.Location: Springfield Jewish Community Center, 1160 Dickinson Street, Springfield, MA 01108 Cost: $249, paid in advance (less than $20 per session); JCC members will have a discounted rate of $239; Some scholarship money is available for those in need Contact: Debra R. Ellis, MS, PT, NCS at 413-695-6069 or synergyrehabconsult@hotmail.com Wareham, MA – Gleason Family YMCA The Gleason Family YMCA and Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital Cape Cod are partnering with Boston University Sargent College of Health & Rehabilitation Sciences to offer a Community Wellness Program for people with Parkinson’s disease. Expanding our continuum of care within the community supports our commitment to excellence and optimal patient outcomes.Location: Gleason Family YMCA, 33 Charge Pond Road, Wareham, MA 02571 Contact: Deb Merigan at 508-833-4197 Watertown, MA – Community Rehab Care This group exercise class is a collaborative program between Community Rehab Care and Boston University Parkinson’s Disease and Movement Disorders Center which aims to improve overall quality of life through exercise and socialization.Location: The Residence at Watertown Square, 20 Summer Street, Watertown, MA 02472 Contact: Gwendolyn Larsen, PT, MSPT, NCS at 617-744-8300 Wenham, MA – Gordon College Center for Balance, Mobility, and Wellness Gordon College Center for Balance, Mobility, and Wellness is partnering with Sargent College of Health & Rehabilitation Sciences to offer a Community Wellness Program for people with Parkinson’s disease. Expanding our continuum of care within the community supports the Center’s commitment to excellence and optimal patient outcomes.Click here to see a flyer with more information.Dates and Times: Contact Gordon College for new session dates; Mondays & Fridays; 10:00 – 11:30 AM Location: Gordon College Center for Balance Mobility, and Wellness, 26R Hull Street, Wenham, MA 01984 Contact: 978-867-4095 Westfield, MA – YMCA of Greater Westfield Join us at the YMCA of Greater Westfield for a Community Wellness Program for people with Parkinson’s disease. This exercise program is specifically designed to meet the needs of individuals with PD. Debra Ellis, MS PT, NCS, is a licensed physical therapist specializing in neurologic physical therapy.Location: YMCA of Greater Westfield, 67 Court Street, Westfield, MA 01085 Contact: Debra R. Ellis, MS, PT, NCS at 413-695-6069 or synergyrehabconsult@hotmail.com Worcester, MA – LSVT® LOUD and Monthly Voice Group at Saint Vincent Hospital Lee Silverman’s Voice Treatment (LSVT®) is an intensive, evidenced-based speech and physical therapy program. All speech and physical therapists are certified through LSVT global which includes extensive training and examination. This treatment approach has been validated to drastically improve voice loudness/quality and walking/general physical function.Saint Vincent Hospital Speech Therapy Department hosts both LSVT LOUD for individuals and a monthly voice group to help individuals enhance and maintain their speech quality.Please note: While the Monthly Voice Group is on a drop-in basis, programs like LSVT LOUD must be scheduled ahead of time (contact information listed below).Location: Saint Vincent Hospital, 123 Summer Street, Worcester, MA 01608 Contact: 508-363-6205Monthly Voice Group (Drop-In, no registration necessary) Dates: Second Wednesday of the Month Time: 10 AM – 11 AM Location: Saint Vincent Hospital Conference Room B Worcester, MA – Weekly Exercise Group with LSVT® BIG at Saint Vincent Hospital The Saint Vincent Hospital Physical Therapy Department offers this weekly exercise group incorporating concepts from LSVT BIG for people with Parkinson’s. Click here to see a flyer to learn more.Location: Saint Vincent Hospital, 123 Summer Street, Worcester, MA 01608 Contact: Christine Feeley, DPT; 508-363-9016 or christine.feeley@stvincenthospital.com Share this page:
