When most people think of LSVT BIG®, they picture physical therapists (PTs) helping individuals with Parkinson’s disease and other neurological conditions improve their movement, balance, and mobility. And indeed, PTs have done extraordinary work advancing the reach of LSVT BIG.
But here’s something you might not know: occupational therapists (OTs) can also deliver LSVT BIG. With only one-quarter of LSVT BIG Certified Clinicians being OTs, that’s a missed opportunity. OTs are uniquely positioned to transform big movements into real-world independence. They specialize in translating improved mobility into daily activities that matter most to patients—from buttoning shirts to preparing meals to writing clearly. OTs bridge the critical gap between what happens in the clinic and what patients need to thrive at home.
At LSVT Global, we want to change that balance of certified therapists to better reflect the holistic needs of patients. When OTs are included in the LSVT BIG team, the impact is transformative.
The Unique Value of Occupational Therapists in LSVT BIG
OTs have a specialized skill set that complements PTs beautifully. Where PTs may focus on gait, posture, balance, and general mobility, OTs bring expertise in helping people apply those big, powerful movements directly to the daily activities that matter most.
Here are some ways OTs enhance LSVT BIG:
- Activities of Daily Living (ADLs): OTs help patients integrate LSVT BIG techniques into tasks like dressing, bathing, cooking, or handwriting—areas where even small improvements can dramatically increase independence and quality of life.
- Fine Motor Skills: PTs typically concentrate on large body movements, while OTs additionally address precision tasks such as buttoning a shirt, using utensils, or typing—all of which are vital for maintaining roles at home and in the community.
- Home and Work Adaptation: OTs consider how a patient’s environment—whether at home, work, or in the community—affects their ability to use larger, more efficient movements. They tailor LSVT BIG principles to real-world contexts.
- Holistic Function: PTs focus on mobility across spaces, and OTs help translate those gains into meaningful participation in everyday life. Together, they close the gap between movement ability and movement application.
PT + OT: A Team Approach that Benefits Everyone
When an LSVT BIG program includes both PTs and OTs, patients receive care that is more comprehensive and practical. But patients aren’t the only ones who benefit—this team-based approach also makes treatment delivery more flexible and feasible for providers.
For example:
- Shared Treatment Sessions: In the standard 4x/week, 1-hour format, PT and OT can share responsibilities—perhaps alternating treatment days, or each providing 30 minutes of the daily session. This allows for seamless integration of large-movement practice with application to functional skills.
- Improved Access: With more clinicians trained, patients can be scheduled more easily, reducing bottlenecks and making programs more sustainable for clinics.
- Enhanced Outcomes: Patients motivated by functional progress (like returning to hobbies, managing household tasks, or resuming community activities) often make greater gains when their OT works alongside their PT to reinforce carryover into real-world settings.
Do you have LSVT BIG Certified OTs where you work?
If your practice doesn’t yet include LSVT BIG Certified OTs, now is the time to change that! By inviting OTs to become certified, you not only strengthen your team but also give your patients access to the full potential of the LSVT BIG program.
Together, PTs and OTs create a truly patient-centered model of care—one that addresses both the way patients move and the way they live.
Encourage your OTs to get certified today—for the good of your patients, your practice, and your outcomes.