HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Seven therapists with Outpatient Rehabilitation Services at Hutchinson Regional Medical Center have achieved special certification by LSVT Global, an international organization headquartered in Tucson, Arizona, whose mission is to improve communication and
movement in patients affected by Parkinson’s disease and other neurological disorders.
Therapists achieving certification are Karissa Ward, April Higgins, Jeff Kaufman, Jennifer Jacobs, Ruth Gibson, Emily Ptacek, and Megan Trent.
The certifications were granted following a rigorous online course that included multiple tests culminating with a final examination. Certification will train physical and occupational therapists in administering a protocol known as LSVT BIG, which was developed to address the unique movement impairments for people with Parkinson Disease. LSVT Global officials describe the treatment as intense and complex with many repetitions of core movements that are used in daily living.
Establishment of exercise and wellness programs coupled with physical/occupational therapy may have the best results if initiated at diagnosis, when it may have the most impact on quality of life.