We have a special interest in assessing and treating communication and swallowing disorders for people with Parkinson's disease, and are both LSVT® LOUD certified clinicians. Parkinson's can have a significant impact on your ability to communicate and to swallow safely. By understanding your symptoms and providing targeted intervention, we help clients improve and optimise their voice, speech, and swallowing, and build the confidence to keep engaging in everyday social activities.
 

Typical voice and speech changes with Parkinson's disease:

 

• Reduced vocal loudness — a decrease in vocal volume, resulting in a softer voice that others find difficult to hear.

• Hoarseness and breathiness — changes in vocal quality caused by Parkinson's affecting the vocal folds, leading to a strained or weak voice. This can further impact others' ability to interpret what is being said, and make you sound less like "you".

• Monotone speech — reduced variation in pitch and intonation, resulting in flat-sounding speech that lacks natural expression.

• Articulation challenges — imprecise articulation causing slurred or mumbled speech that can be hard for others to understand.
   

Swallowing difficulties:

Parkinson's can also affect swallowing function, causing difficulty safely and efficiently managing food and liquid, which can lead to reduced engagement in mealtimes, weight loss, and chest infections.
 

Our approach

 

• Comprehensive assessment. We conduct a thorough evaluation of the specific communication and swallowing challenges you're experiencing, giving a clear picture of your needs and forming the basis of a tailored treatment plan.

• Personalised treatment plan. Based on your assessment, we design a plan focused on your specific goals. This may include exercises for voice strengthening, pacing, articulation, and intonation and expression exercises to help you regain a stronger, clearer voice. Respiratory muscle strength training is another treatment option which can help both communication and swallowing. 

• LSVT® LOUD. We recommend this intensive, evidence-based treatment, specifically designed for Parkinson's, to recalibrate vocal loudness and maintain function longer term for many clients. As certified LSVT LOUD clinicians, we deliver the program using its systematic, structured protocol — including individualised, intensive sessions, home practice for carryover into daily life, and close monitoring of your progress throughout. LSVT LOUD also has the added benefit of improving swallowing safety, by strengthening the muscles that help protect you from food and drink going down the wrong way. Find out more about the treatment on the LSVT Global website here.

• Swallowing support. If you're experiencing swallowing difficulties — such as coughing when eating or drinking, or a sensation of food sticking in the throat — we provide clinical assessment and practical advice to make swallowing safer and easier, with onward referral for x-ray imaging where needed.
   

Get in touch
 

Take the first step towards improving your communication, and swallowing abilities. Early intervention is strongly encouraged — it's never too early to start. Contact us today to schedule a consultation or learn more about our services for people with Parkinson's disease.