Another song title seems appropriate to use after the LSVT Loud® therapy I have been delivering this week. Even more appropriate given my client is a keen collector of vinyl records. Although I am not sure Jennifer Lopez and Let’s Get Loud, released in 1999 will be in his collection!! However, the sentiment behind the song title fits with aims of the therapy programme.
My client, Adrian, is an accomplished writer with a possible diagnosis of PSP (Progressive Supranuclear Palsy). He had been noticing his voice was failing him, negatively impacting conversations with his wife and friends. Using the telephone has been increasing in difficulty and he shared that his confidence in social situations was being affected. Adrian is articulate and engaging, with a great wit and sense of humour. His interests are diverse, with so much he would like to say. However, due to his voice reducing at times to a whisper he recognises that he is saying less and less.
Adrian and I have joined forces to put my newly acquired skills as a certified LSVT Loud® clinician into practice. The LSVT Loud® programme is not for the faint hearted. It is an evidenced based intensive four-week programme originally developed for people with Parkinson’s Disease. However, further research has shown that individuals affected by conditions including ‘Parkinson’s Plus’ disorders, Stroke and Cerebral Palsy also benefit significantly from this approach. Overcoming the symptoms caused by these progressive neurological conditions is no mean feat and takes huge effort. In fact, Adrian might go so far as describing it as exhausting.
For my part, I feel that I have become the equivalent of a coach or personal voice trainer. Four days per week we meet for an hour. My role is to provide a vocal model, encourage and shape Adrian’s voice to produce the sounds and words he is striving for. I feel like the Speech Therapy version of Joe Wicks! Establishing a personalised programme, then implementing this with motivation, support, and reassurance to guide Adrian on his journey to find and keep his voice.
In the intervening days between therapy, there’s no time off for Adrian. He carries out daily practice at home. All the time ‘Thinking Loud’ and trying out his re-found voice in different situations. It’s not a linear progression. Some days are tougher than others. However, he is striving every day to ‘Keep it Loud’.
In just one week, Adrian’s voice is getting louder. The smile on his and his wife’s faces are testimony to the changes they are noticing. We meet again on Monday for our next session. I might have the song lined up to start our session!
Let’s Get Loud
