Speech Language Pathologist, Kathryn Martin, a part of Rehab Care Group at Shell Point’s Larsen Pavilion, has earned certification in LSVT LOUD® , an effective speech treatment for individuals with Parkinson’s disease and other neurological conditions.
An estimated 89% of people diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease have a speech disorder, but only 3-4% of these people receive voice treatment.
“I became certified in LSVT LOUD to help spread awareness and help provide the opportunity for people diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease to be able to communicate and socialize with their friends and family,” said Martin.
Christine Gulotta, Program Director of the therapy department at The Rehabilitation Center in the Larsen Pavilion, said Martin’s training in LSVT LOUD adds a research-proven protocol to their Parkinson’s disease treatment. “We are proud to offer this high level of service to our patients and residents.”
LSVT LOUD, named for Mrs. Lee Silverman, was developed in 1987 and has been scientifically studied for nearly 20 years with funding support from the National Institute for Deafness and other Communication Disorders (NIDCD) of the National Institutes of Health.
Published research data support improvements in vocal loudness, intonation, and voice quality for individuals with Parkinson’s who received LSVT LOUD, with improvements maintained up to two years after treatment. Recent research studies have also documented the effectiveness of this therapy in improving the common problems of disordered articulation, diminished facial expression and impaired swallowing.
The Rehabilitation Center in the Larsen Pavilion at Shell Point offers inpatient and outpatient rehabilitative and individualized physical therapy through a team of physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech therapists, physical therapy assistants, certified occupational therapy assistants and technicians. Whether welcoming individuals from outside Shell Point or residents from within the community, the Larsen Pavilion provides the best quality of care available. Specialized programs include orthopedics, stroke care, memory care, dysphagia, pain management, and low vision. A dedicated occupational therapy suite and aqua therapy pool are also available. To learn more about the Larsen Pavilion or to register for an upcoming inpatient rehab stay call 239-415-5432.
Shell Point Retirement Community is a not-for-profit continuing care retirement community located in Fort Myers just off Summerlin Road and McGregor Boulevard, two miles before the Sanibel causeway. A nationally recognized leader in the retirement industry, the community offers retirement living in a resort-style environment with an 18-hole championship golf course that is open to the public, deep water boating access with free boat dockage, and recreational and fitness facilities. To learn more about Shell Point, visit www.shellpoint.org or call 1-800-780-1131.
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