From Science to Daily Life: Understanding LSVT BIG® and the Tools That Support You
Living with Parkinson’s disease means facing daily challenges that most people never think twice about: walking across a room, standing up from a chair, or even buttoning a shirt.
Parkinson’s and the Challenge of Movement
Movements that once felt natural can become smaller, slower, and more difficult over time.
But what if there was a way to retrain the brain and body to move with power and confidence again? That’s where LSVT BIG® comes in. Born out of decades of research and shaped by the needs of real people with Parkinson’s, this program has changed the lives of thousands worldwide. And now, with the launch of the Banyan & Nomad Toolbox, these tools are becoming even more accessible: offering support not just in the clinic, but at home and beyond.
What Is LSVT BIG®?
LSVT BIG® is a physical therapy program designed specifically for people with Parkinson’s disease. Its roots go back to the late 1980s, when researchers first developed LSVT LOUD®, a speech therapy program that helped people with Parkinson’s speak more clearly by training them to use their voices at a louder, healthier volume.
Building on that success, the same principles were applied to movement. Just as people with Parkinson’s often speak too softly without realizing it, they also tend to move too small—taking short steps, making limited gestures, and struggling with everyday activities. LSVT BIG® was created to counteract this by focusing on amplitude, or the size and boldness of movement.
Who Is LSVT BIG® For?
LSVT BIG® was developed primarily for individuals with Parkinson’s, but it has also shown benefits for other neurological conditions. It is appropriate for people at nearly every stage of Parkinson’s, from those newly diagnosed to those with more advanced symptoms.
It’s especially helpful for anyone experiencing:
Shorter, smaller, or slower movements (bradykinesia and hypokinesia)
Balance problems or frequent falls
Trouble walking, standing, or getting in and out of chairs
Difficulty with fine motor skills like buttoning, writing, or using utensils
And just as important—it supports caregivers, giving them practical ways to encourage and reinforce healthy movement at home.
The Core Concepts of LSVT BIG®
🌟 Bigger Is Better
What feels “normal” to someone with Parkinson’s is often too small. LSVT BIG® trains people to make bigger, more powerful movements that restore function and confidence.
🌟 Resetting the Internal Compass
Movements that are bigger may feel “too much” at first. Over time, with repetition and feedback, the brain recalibrates—so what once felt exaggerated becomes the new normal.
🌟 High Effort
Parkinson’s reduces movement energy. BIG introduces intensity—helping the brain rewire itself and the body regain strength.
🌟 Structured Intensity
Four sessions per week for four weeks. Repetition, consistency, and progression make the improvements stick.
🌟 Quantifying Progress
Step length, balance duration, reach distance—progress is measured so people can see their achievements, even when they don’t feel them day to day.
What Does the LSVT BIG® Program Include?
LSVT BIG® is not just about exercises: it’s a whole system designed to retrain movement.
Maximal Daily Exercises:
Floor to ceiling (sitting)
Side to side (sitting)
Step and reach forward, backward, sideways (standing)
Rock and reach forward/backward and sideways (standing)
Functional Component Tasks:
Focused practice on everyday movements like sit-to-stand, walking, or reaching into cupboards.
Hierarchy Tasks:
Step-by-step training for real-life goals: getting into a car, carrying groceries, or navigating a crowded space.
Adaptive Options:
Whether standing, seated, or lying down, the program can be tailored to each person’s abilities.
Support Materials:
Checklists, printouts, and guided practice tools to make carrying over into daily life easier.
How LSVT BIG® Helps Beyond the Clinic
Research has shown that LSVT BIG® can improve:
Walking: longer strides, faster pace, and smoother steps
Balance: fewer falls and greater stability
Posture: standing taller and moving with confidence
Daily Living: greater independence in dressing, eating, and household activities
Emotional Well-being: reduced frustration and greater confidence
But the true power of LSVT BIG® lies in its impact on daily life. Each sit-to-stand, each step to the kitchen, each arm swing while walking to the car becomes a chance to reinforce bigger, stronger movement.
Introducing the Banyan & Nomad Toolbox
At Banyan & Nomad, we know that therapy doesn’t end when a session is over. Parkinson’s care requires support that stretches into everyday life. That’s why we’ve created the B&N Toolbox—a new online platform that brings resources, assessments, and exercises together in one place.
The Toolbox is designed to:
Make onboarding easier with online forms and evaluations
Provide access to the exercises and step-by-step guidance you need
Offer printable checklists, affirmations, and handouts to support practice at home
Support both clients and caregivers with dedicated resources
Expand in the future to cover additional programs and conditions
The goal is simple: to bridge the gap between the clinic and the home, giving people living with Parkinson’s the tools to succeed wherever they are.
Why the Toolbox Matters
Living with Parkinson’s can feel overwhelming. But support, structure, and guidance can make all the difference. The Toolbox is more than a website—it’s a companion, a guide, and a resource designed to keep you moving forward.
With Banyan & Nomad’s expertise and LSVT BIG®’s proven science, the Toolbox offers a way to practice, track progress, and stay motivated. Whether you’re living with Parkinson’s or supporting someone who is, this is your space to learn, grow, and move BIG every single day.
Living Bigger, Living Better
Parkinson’s may change the way your body moves, but it does not take away your ability to live fully. With LSVT BIG®, you can retrain your body and brain to embrace movement again. And with the Banyan & Nomad Toolbox, you’ll never have to do it alone.
✨ Every BIG move is a step toward freedom, independence, and hope.
✨ Every tool you use brings you closer to a life lived fully, with strength and purpose.
It’s time to move bigger. It’s time to live bigger. And we’re here to walk that journey with you.