Cutline: Pictured is Starla Roberson, OTR/L, CDP at Henry County Healthcare Center. Roberson recently received her LSVT BIG certification, a specialty rehab that is done both outpatient and inpatient for those with Parkinson’s disease and other neurological disorders.
PARIS, TN – Henry County Medical Center is proud to announce that Starla Roberson, OTR/L, CDP at Plumley Rehab at Henry County Healthcare Center has completed her certification as a LSVT BIG Therapist for inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation.
LSVT BIG trains individuals with Parkinson’s disease to use their body in more normal patterns of movement. Those with Parkinson’s disease often move differently with gestures and movements that become smaller and slower. LSVT BIG trains improved movements in any activity whether it be buttoning a shirt or getting up from a sofa by re-teaching a person how and when to apply extra effort to produce bigger motions.
Research shows that LSVT BIG leads to faster walking with bigger steps and arm swings, better balance, and more twist at the waist. Clinicians have also reported an improvement in smaller tasks such as writing and dressing skills. Ultimately, LSVT BIG helps improve the mismatch between what you “feel” you’re doing, and what you are actually doing. This helps to empower the patient and restore their confidence. LSVT BIG helps patients learn how to apply extra effort to perform bigger movement. After only one month of hard work in therapy, LSVT BIG can open doors to a more active and independent lifestyle.
There are 4,000 LSVT BIG Certified clinicians in 24 countries. LSVT BIG is implemented in 16 treatment sessions. Starla Roberson, OTR/L, CDP, LSVT BIG certified, has been practicing Occupational Therapy in Henry County for 23 years and is staffed at HCHC, Plumley Rehabilitation Center at 731-644-8934.
“I am amazed at the difference LSVT BIG can make in a person’s quality of life. I look forward to helping people to meet their individual goals and address what they feel is important in their life that they wish to regain,” said Roberson. “As an Occupational Therapist, I thrive on assisting people in returning to activities that they have missed, or set aside due to physical limitations. I am thrilled to share the practice of LSVT BIG with the community in order to help maximize the quality of life in people with Parkinson’s disease.”
Once the 16 treatment sessions are completed, LSVT BIG will become a continued part of an individual’s ongoing progress. The exercises learned in the treatment sessions can be carried over within the home setting to help slow further disease progression. This new therapy can also be partnered with the LSVT Loud speech therapy option that Christy Dukes, Director of HCHC Plumley Rehab, is also offering to patients.
HCHC Plumley Rehab is excited to offer this new outpatient or inpatient therapy along with the other therapies available at our facility. Plumley Rehabilitation Center focuses on rehabilitation for post-surgical patients, stroke patients as well as patients who may have developed weakness and functional loss due to other medical conditions or traumas. Our speech, physical and occupational therapists work together with physicians to provide a fully integrated team approach to help patients achieve their full potential.
For more information on LSVT BIG, Plumley Rehab or other rehab services at Henry County Healthcare Center go to our website at www.hcmc-tn.org or call HCHC at 731-642-5700.
About Henry County Healthcare Center
Henry County Healthcare Center is a 136-bed facility providing skilled and intermediate care with an emphasis on rehabilitation services through the Plumley Rehabilitation Center located at 239 Hospital Circle in Paris. For more information: www.hcmc-tn.org.
About Henry County Medical Center
Located in Paris, TN, Henry County Medical Center is a progressive, integrated healthcare organization committed to serving the healthcare needs of Henry County and the adjoining region. Including a 142-bed hospital and other facilities, the medical center provides a variety of outpatient services, as well as inpatient care. Additionally, HCMC owns and operates 7 provider clinics in various specialties. Henry County Medical Center is a county-owned and operated nonprofit institution. For more information: www.hcmc-tn.org.