Speech Therapy for Parkinson's Disease : What is Lee Silverman Voice Treatment UK?
LSVT loud ® stands for Lee Silverman Voice Technique. It is a evidence based Speech and Language Therapy technique that improves loudness for people with Parkinson’s disease.
Originally Published in 2023 but updated in 2025 to fully reflect latest information for voice therapy
What Is Lee Silverman Voice Treatment (LSVT LOUD®) in the UK?
Lee Silverman Voice Treatment (LSVT LOUD®) is an evidence-based Speech and Language Therapy programme designed to help people with Parkinson’s disease improve voice loudness, clarity, and communication confidence.
Developed in the USA and now widely used in the UK, LSVT LOUD® retrains the brain and body to use a stronger, clearer voice. Research also shows benefits for people with other neurological conditions such as stroke, multiple sclerosis (MS), and traumatic brain injury (TBI).
Speech and Language Therapists offering this programme must complete specialist LSVT LOUD® certification training and an exam to deliver it effectively.
How Can Parkinson’s Disease Affect Speech?
Parkinson’s disease can affect the voice and speech muscles, leading to changes such as:
Speaking too quietly or softly
Monotone speech with little variation in pitch
Hoarse, breathy, or weak voice
Mumbled or unclear articulation
Reduced facial expression or emotion while speaking
Many people with Parkinson’s don’t realise their voice has become quieter, due to reduced sensory awareness.
In therapy, we recalibrate your awareness of loudness, helping you project your voice naturally and confidently.
Improving speech can also boost confidence, social interaction, and emotional wellbeing.
How does LSVT LOUD® help people with Parkinson’s disease?
LSVT LOUD® focuses on the principle of “Think Loud!”
It helps retrain the brain to produce a louder, more powerful voice through structured, high-effort speech exercises.
The programme includes:
1 assessment session to establish a baseline
16 therapy sessions (4 per week for 4 weeks)
Each session lasts 60 minutes
Daily home practice to reinforce progress
Research also shows improvements in swallowing and voice quality for people with Parkinson’s.
How effective is LSVT LOUD and how long do results last?
LSVT LOUD® has decades of research showing improved loudness, clarity, and confidence in speech. Results can last 1–2 years or longer with regular practice and occasional refresher sessions with your Speech and Language Therapist.
Can Lee Silverman Voice Treatment (LSVT LOUD®) be done Online?
Yes — online LSVT LOUD® therapy is clinically proven to be as effective as in-person sessions.
Virtual therapy allows you to receive specialist, intensive treatment from home, which can be especially helpful for those with mobility challenges.
We use secure video platforms such as Zoom, allowing you to record your voice for real-time feedback. Many clients find online therapy more accessible and motivating, fitting seamlessly into their daily routine.
Do you have a waiting list?
No - you can be seeing within one week of your consultation.
Why Choose The Speech Network?
Our UK-based private voice therapists are all Clinical Specialists in Voice, each with a minimum of 12 years’ experience. They currently work, or have previously worked, as Senior Voice Therapists within the NHS.
All our therapists are fully registered and accredited, including:
Health and Care Professionals Council (HCPC)
Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists (RCSLT)
Association of Speech and Language Therapists in Independent Practice (ASLTIP)
Members of the British Voice Association
Our private voice therapy team is highly rated, with outstanding 5-star Google reviews and recognition as a 2024 Quality Business Award winner.
Our UK based Private Voice Therapists are Clinical Specialists in Voice & Neurology with a minimum of 15 years experience Specialising in Voice & Neurology Therapy. Book a free 15 minute consultation or email us at thespeechnetwork@hotmail.com to enquire about our reasonable fees for Lee Silverman Voice Treatment (LSVT LOUD) .
What is a vocal fold paralysis?
Frequently asked questions about vocal fold palsy
What is a vocal fold paralysis?
Vocal fold paralysis occurs when one or both vocal folds fail to open or close properly. Most cases affect only one fold, while bilateral paralysis is rare and serious.
The vocal folds, located in the larynx above the windpipe, vibrate as air passes through to produce voice. If a fold is paralysed, air escapes, resulting in a weak, breathy, or hoarse voice.
What Causes Vocal Fold Paralysis?
Common causes include:
Viral infections (most common)
Nerve damage during surgery (thyroid, chest, or neck procedures)
Trauma or injury
Cancers affecting vocal nerves
Neurological conditions such as Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, or stroke
Idiopathic cases (unknown cause)
Early diagnosis is important for effective treatment.
What are the symptoms of a Vocal Fold Paralysis?
Typical symptoms include:
Hoarse, weak, or breathy voice
Difficulty projecting your voice
Vocal fatigue
Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia) — a specialist swallowing assessment may be also required
Shortness of breath with exertion
What are the treatment Options in the UK for a vocal fold paralysis?
Voice Therapy is often recommended to:
Strengthen the voice by increasing the movement of the paralysed vocal fold
Improve clarity and projection
Restore normal breathing patterns
Reduce fatigue and strain
Surgery is rarely needed, only in severe or persistent cases.
Private therapy is available for faster access or if NHS services have long waiting times. Online Voice Therapy is also highly effective and accessible throughout the UK.
How long does Voice Therapy take for vocal fold paralysis?
Duration varies depending on severity. Many clients see significant improvements in 6-8 weeks with consistent therapy.
Can online Voice Therapy help for a vocal fold palsy?
Yes. Remote therapy is as effective as face to face therapy and allows patients across the UK to access specialist clinical voice therapy.
Do you have a waiting list?
No - you can be seeing within one week of your consultation.
Why Choose The Speech Network?
Our UK-based private voice therapists are all Clinical Specialists in Voice, each with a minimum of 12 years’ experience. They currently work, or have previously worked, as Senior Voice Therapists within the NHS.
All our therapists are fully registered and accredited, including:
Health and Care Professionals Council (HCPC)
Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists (RCSLT)
Association of Speech and Language Therapists in Independent Practice (ASLTIP)
Members of the British Voice Association
Our private voice therapy team is highly rated, with outstanding 5-star Google reviews and recognition as a 2024 Quality Business Award winner.
Specialist Training & Accreditation
Our private voice therapists are accredited in:
Myofascial Release manual therapy
Lee Silverman Voice Treatment (LSVT LOUD®)
Advanced Laryngeal Manipulation
GOOGLE REVIEWS FOR THE SPEECH NETWORK VOICE TEAM
*****
These voice sessions with Janet were life changing. I had hit a crossroads where teaching full time on zoom gave me such vocal strain I could not speak. Now I am back to teaching, albeit with a little lighter schedule, and have a new way to work with my voice that is healthy and working! - Sarah.
*****
‘I worked with Janet following post-surgery voice damage and subsequent vocal difficulties. She is great, with a kind, empathetic and friendly approach. I really appreciated the understanding she gave me about how my vocal cords (should) work, and how to manage symptoms and look after my voice, improving my confidence along the way. I very much enjoyed our sessions and would highly recommend her’ Phillipa
Book a free 15-minute consultation or email thespeechnetwork@hotmail.com for information on private Voice Therapy fees.
Our Private Voice Therapists are Clinical Specialists in Voice. Book a free 15 minute consultation or email us at thespeechnetwork@hotmail.com to enquire about our reasonable fees for Voice Therapy.
Can Dysarthria be treated?
Dysarthria is the medical term for slurred speech. Treatment depends on the cause of the Dysarthria. If Dysarthria is caused by a stroke or head injury, it can improve with Online Speech Therapy. If it caused by a neurological disorder that can become worse over time (a progressive disorder), such as Motor Neurone Disease, it is likely to get worse. However, Speech Therapy can support with strategies and assistive devices in these circumstances.
Dysarthria is the medical term for slurred speech. Speech Therapy Treatment for Dyarthria depends on the cause of the Dysarthria. If Dysarthria is caused by a stroke or head injury, it can improve with Speech Therapy. If it caused by a neurological disorder, that worsens over time (a progressive disorder), such as Motor Neurone Disease, it is likely to get worse. However, in these circumstances, Speech Therapy can also support you with strategies and assistive devices.
For Dysarthria due to Parkinson’s disease, there are recommended intensive treatments called Lee Silverman Voice Treatment (LSVT LOUD) or Speak out! We have trained and certified clinicians that can provide both treatments.
What Assessments do you use in Dysarthria?
We typically start treatment with a standardised assessment for Dysarthria. These assessments look at different aspects of your speech such as your breath support for speech, volume, intonation, voice and how clear your speech is to a listener. It is important to complete an assessment to identify the areas that are impacting on your speech so that we can focus on improving these specific impairments.
What is Goal setting in Dysarthria?
We discuss with you how your Dysarthria is impacting on your day-to-day life and set personal meaningful goals to improve your speech. Goal setting is proven to improve motivation for therapy and mood. These goals will be realistic, achievable and will be reviewed after a short block of therapy.
Dysarthria Therapy may include
- Working with you and your loved ones to make communication easier
- Exercises focusing on improving the clarity of your speech
- Alternative ways of communication to support your speech
- Biofeedback of recordings to raise your awareness of your speech
Our Speech and Language Therapists are Clinical Specialists in Dysarthria & Voice treatments. Arrange a free 15 minute consultation or email thespeechnetwork@hotmail.com
What is Speak out! What is Lee Silverman Voice Treatment (LSVT LOUD)?
Speak out and LSVT Loud are intensive Speech Therapy treatments for Parkinsons disease focusing on improving voice and volume. They both have a strong evidence that they are effective treatments.
What is Speak Out! ® & Lee Silverman Voice Treatment (LSVT LOUD) loud for Parkinson’s Disease?
Speak out ! ® and Lee Silverman Voice Treatment (LSVT Loud) ® are intensive Speech Therapy treatments for Parkinson’s disease focusing on improving voice and volume. They both have a strong evidence that they are effective treatments. Both are seen as the best Speech Therapy for Parkinson’s Disease. Certification is provided to Speech and Language Therapists following a training program. Our Speech and Language Therapists are certified in both treatment Techniques and have experience of providing these treatments online with effective results.
How can Parkinson’s Disease affect speech?
Parkinson’s disease can cause people to talk quietly, have reduced variation in pitch and a hoarse voice. People with Parkinson’s Disease are often not aware that they are talking quietly - we need to work with you to recaliberate your sensory feedback to raise your awareness of your loudness, improve voice projection and reduce effort in conversation.
What is Lee Silverman Voice Treatment (LSVT loud)® for Parkinson’s Disease ?
LSVT loud ® stands for Lee Silverman Voice Technique. It is a technique that improves loudness for people with Parkinson’s disease. Studies have shown it can also be used in a variety of neurological conditions to improve Speech.
Lee Silverman Voice Treatment ® (LSVT Loud) focuses on increasing loudness. Research has also shown improvements in swallowing and articulation. LSVT requires an assessment session, and 12 therapy sessions, at 60 minutes each.
What is Speak Out® for Parkinson’s Disease ?
Speak out! was developed by the Parkinson’s Disease Project. It focuses on producing a stronger, clearer voice. It focuses on the concept of intent and strengthens the muscles used for speaking. Speak out! ® requires 8-10 sessions, at 45 minutes each. It can be easier for people to fit Speak out! ® into their daily life, and it can reduce overall cost of treatment. Speak out! provided a free training workbook for clients.
Once treatment is complete, the Parkinson’s Disease project hold LOUD crowd groups and free Facebook practice sessions. This is important in maintaining the gains in therapy.
We offer both SPEAK OUT!® and LSVT loud ® with certified clinicians
Click on the contact us button to arrange a free consultation or send us an email for more information regarding our reasonable fees for Speech Therapy for Parkinson’s Disease.