Published on January 06, 2012

Specialized Therapy for Parkinson’s Helps Sanford Woman Regain Control

Top Researcher Will Present Free Lecture on Parkinson’s Disease Jan. 18

Parkinson’s disease was taking control from Evonne Lamson of Sanford, but LSVT therapy at MidMichigan Medical Center–Midland helped her regain it. Now, she can even take an occasional spin on her Harley Gold Wing, modified with ‘training wheels’ for added stability.

Evonne Lamson was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease seven years ago.

“I had symptoms for twice as long – I just tried to deny them,” said the Sanford resident. “A few years ago, one of my little nieces wanted me to play basketball with her. I couldn’t make a basket. I couldn’t direct the ball and couldn’t release it when I wanted to.”

Parkinson’s also affected Lamson’s voice, making her talk more and more softly. “I was – and am – a very vocal person. I used my voice as a counselor, and I preached a sermon every other Sunday,” she said. “I had no idea my speech had been as affected as it was.”

Parkinson’s disease (PD) belongs to a group of conditions called motor system disorders.

PD typically causes tremors, stiffness and slowness of movement, and impairs balance and coordination. Parkinson’s is a progressive disease with no cure; but medications can help relieve symptoms, and rehabilitation can also make a difference.

Improving Speech and Movement

To help Lamson regain some of the control she craved, she decided on specialized therapy from MidMichigan Medical Center–Midland. At the Medical Center, a program for physical/ occupational therapy, called Lee Silverman Voice Therapy (LSVT) LSVT® BIG, and one for speech communication, called LSVT LOUD, are offered in one-on-one sessions tailored to the individual patient’s needs.

Lamson’s program included four days of therapy weekly for four weeks. “During every visit, I had one hour of voice therapy – the LOUD program – and one hour of physical therapy – the BIG program. As the names suggest, they taught me to speak louder, with purpose, and to move big, with more deliberation,” she said.

“It was a wonderful program,” Lamson said. “First of all, it made me aware of how far the disease had progressed. The training also made me aware that I can train my brain and keep doing what I can do, slow the progression of the disease and even regain some abilities.”

“My brain might not do things automatically anymore, but I still have the physical ability, and I can still teach my brain to do what I need to do,” she said. “I believe I have a choice: I can let the disease take its course, or I can be conscious of PD and conscious of my role in maintaining function,” she said.

“As part of helping myself handle Parkinson’s, in addition to the LSVT therapy, I am also excited about a new support group for Parkinson’s patients in Midland County that will begin meeting early in 2012,” Lamson said. (The accompanying article gives more information about the new support group).

MidMichigan Health has one of only seven certified LSVT clinicians in the state. The therapy is available in Midland and Clare. Other types of physical, occupational and speech therapy for PD are available on an outpatient basis in Midland, Clare, Gladwin and Mt. Pleasant, with a physician referral. Those who would like assistance in finding a physician who can provide a referral may call MidMichigan Health Line toll-free at (800) 999-3199.