On Nov. 17-18, 2012, eight therapists from the Hawaii Region of Life Care Centers of America attended the training and certification workshop for the BIG component of the Lee Silverman Voice Treatment.
Jenny Tuccitto, physical therapist, led the training, certifying three therapists from Life Care Center of Kona, three from Ka Punawai Ola in Kapolei and two from Life Care Center of Hilo.
The BIG program addresses movement and self-care abilities, primarily for individuals with Parkinson’s disease, but also for those with multiple sclerosis, multiple-system atrophy or cerebral vascular accidents.
BIG reduces the risk of falls, improves patients’ abilities to complete daily activities and helps them enjoy activities that are meaningful for them and their families.
“I had seen amazing results from the patients treated in our facility by previous certified therapists,” said Jennifer Hulen, rehab services manager and physical therapist at Life Care Center of Kona. “The patients were so pleased with the results, and I wanted to learn this successful technique.”
Hulen added, “I have already treated two people since the class, with excellent results.”