Services

Parkinson’s Disease Rehabilitation

Scripps Health offers comprehensive outpatient rehabilitation for Parkinson’s patients throughout San Diego by therapists who are specially trained to care for people with neurological conditions. Advanced certifications include Neuro-Developmental Treatment (NDT) certification, neurological clinical specialists (NCS), and Lee Silverman Voice Treatment (LSVT) certification.

As needed for their particular Parkinson’s treatment plan, Scripps patients have access to a variety of rehabilitation services including:

ReVive: Inpatient rehabilitation and deep brain stimulation

Additionally, Scripps Memorial Hospital Encinitas offers an inpatient Parkinson’s disease rehabilitation program called ReVive, that combines rehabilitation with counseling services and, in partnership with Scripps neurosurgeons and neurologists, initial management of deep brain stimulation (DBS).

DBS is a customizable and reversible surgical procedure that delivers electrical stimulation to targeted areas of the brain in order to significantly reduce some Parkinson’s symptoms. Together, this combination of therapies can help you regain mobility and function.

Patients who participate in the ReVive program receive one to three weeks of acute inpatient rehabilitation to ensure proper medical and psychological care along with specialized rehabilitative therapy, including:

  • Medication adjustments
  • Speech therapy to improve communication skills
  • Strength and coordination building to increase mobility and ability to perform activities of daily living (such as bathing, dressing, and making dinner)
  • Diet and exercise
  • Caregiver training and counseling
  • Lee Silverman Voice Treatment

Speech and voice disorder therapy

Because speech and voice disorders are common in those with Parkinson’s disease, speech language pathologists at several Scripps locations specialize in Lee Silverman Voice Treatment (LSVT) LOUD—an evidence-based training technique that focuses on improving voice quality, articulation and vocal intensity.

LSVT LOUD improves vocal loudness by stimulating the muscles of the voice box (larynx) and speech mechanism through a series of exercises. The goal of treatment is to bring the voice to an improved, healthy loudness level with no strain, so the patient can participate in conversations and have greater confidence in social settings.

Physical therapy

To simultaneously treat the unique movement impairments caused by Parkinson’s disease, physical therapists at several Scripps locations also offer LSVT BIG. Using core movements and other exercises, the training focuses on improving speed, trunk rotation, gait and balance.

The LSVT program is offered on an outpatient basis. A referral from a primary care physician or specialist is required.

Learn more

For more information about Parkinson’s rehabilitation services at Scripps or to schedule an appointment at care location near you, contact us.