Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy and Speech Programs Join our Community Rehabilitation 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 Programs Community 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/. SPEAK OUT!® is an evidence-based program and therapeutic approach developed by Parkinson Voice Project that combines education, individual speech therapy, and ongoing group sessions to help people with Parkinson’s improve their speech and voice. To learn more or find a local therapist, visit https://www.parkinsonvoiceproject.org/providers.aspx. Virtual – 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. This program is being delivered virtually. Click here to see Fall 2021 dates. Location: At Home, via Zoom Contact: Lisa Sommers, 413-545-4010 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 02129 Kaitlyn Cashman, PT, DPT Phone: 617-952-6293 Email: kcashman1@partners.org Rachel Licker M.S. CCC-SLP Phone: 617-952-6275 Email: rlicker@partners.org Coffee and Conversation An 8 Week program for individuals who have completed speech therapy. Participants will practice speech strategies in a fun and supportive setting. *This program is currently on hiatus due to COVID. Please contact Spaulding for more information.* Contact: Kathy Contois, 617-952-5293 Crescendo Chorus Crescendo Chorus is a therapeutic singing group for people with PD. The group is lead by a Neurologic Music Therapist and LSVT Speech Language Pathologists. *This program is currently on hiatus due to COVID. Please contact Spaulding for more information.* Contact: Linda Garrity; call 617-952-6200 on Tuesday/Thursday, ask for Linda Boston, MA – SPEAK OUT! and LOUD Crowd at Northeastern University SPEAK OUT!® & The LOUD Crowd® is a clinically proven speech therapy approach developed by Parkinson Voice Project that combines education, individual speech therapy, and ongoing group sessions to help people with Parkinson’s improve their speech and communication. Northeastern University’s Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders at the Bouvé College of Health Sciences is providing these services free of cost through participation in a research study investigating the effectiveness of this treatment on speech intelligibility and communicative participation. Click here to see a flyer with more information. For more information or to schedule an appointment: Contact: Elizabeth Martin Times: By Appointment Only Phone: 617-373-6891 or e.martin@northeastern.edu Braintree, MA – Braintree Rehabilitation Hospital This Parkinson’s Wellness Program is led by physical, occupational, and speech-language therapists, providing: Balance training Communication skills training Education for lifestyle changes specific to the condition Exercise programs for strengthening and cardiovascular health Functional mobility training for home and the community This program takes place in seven-week sessions. For more information or to register contact Anna Kerrigan. Location: Braintree Rehabilitation Hospital, 250 Pond Street, Braintree, MA 02184 Contact: Anna Kerrigan, 781-348-2110 Bridgewater, MA – Bridgewater State University Bridgewater State University’s Speech-Language-Hearing Center will begin a comprehensive treatment program for individuals diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease which will incorporate both individual and group treatments in the Fall of 2019. This is a no-fee-for-service clinic staffed by a team of clinical educators who supervise graduate students in Speech Language Pathology. Click here for more information, including a link for referring a client or family member. Location: Burnell Hall, Room 128, Bridgewater State University, 66 Hooper Street, Bridgewater, MA 02325 Contact: (508) 531-1720 or SLHC@bridgew.edu 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. Contact Joy Walsh for further information about session dates and times. Location: 300 Baker Avenue, Suite 160, Concord, MA 01742 Contact: Joy Walsh, MS, CCC-SLP; jwalsh@emersonhosp.org or 978-287-8237 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 and to register Location: Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital, 570 Worcester Road (Route 9), Framingham, MA 01702 Contact: Maria Cole at 508-532-4268 or MCole1@partners.org Hanover, MA - Spaulding Outpatient Center, Plymouth at the Emilson YMCA 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: Emilson YMCA, 75 Mill Street, Hanover, MA 02339 Contact: 781-829-8585 or ehubert@ssymca.org 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: Contact the Community Center for upcoming dates and times. 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 Hyannis, MA – LSVT® BIG and LOUD at Pavilion Rehabilitation and Nursing Center Pavilion Rehabilitation and Nursing Center now offers LSVT BIG and LOUD programs. 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. Learn more about this program here. Location: 876 Falmouth Road, Hyannis, MA 02601 Contact: Cindy Parker-Marney, 508-775-6663 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 LOUD 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: 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. Contact: Larissa St. Amand, MA, CCC-SLP Times: By Appointment Only Phone: 603-641-6700 Email: larissa.st.amand@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. 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. 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 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 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. Minimum criteria for successful participation: Must be able to walk 150 feet with or without assistive device (cane or walker) Able to get up and down from the floor with assist of chair or minimal manual assist Safely able to stand independently (with walker as needed) A screening will be performed for each participant before the class. Please feel free to call if you have questions or concerns about ability to participate. Dates and Times: Contact Gordon College for session dates and times. Location: Gordon College Center for Balance Mobility, and Wellness, 26R Hull Street, Wenham, MA 01984 Contact: 978-867-4095 Western, MA - Debra Ellis, MS PT, NCS 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. Dates & Times: Contact Debra Ellis for more information about session dates and times Locations: Hampshire Athletic Club, 90 Gatehouse Road, Amherst, MA 01002 Greenfield YMCA, 451 Main Street, Greenfield, MA 01301 – Click here to see a flyer on the session beginning January 12, 2022 YMCA of Greater Westfield, 67 Court Street, Westfield, MA 01085 Springfield Jewish Community Center, 1160 Dickinson Street, Springfield, MA 01108 Hampshire Regional YMCA, 286 Prospect Street, Northampton, MA 01060 Contact: Debra R. Ellis, MS PT, NCS, 413-695-6069 or deb@debellispt.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: 508-363-6205 Monthly 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
