Therapy Program at Intermountain Health Holy Rosary Hospital Supports Patients Diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease
Lori Raisler, a speech pathologist at Intermountain Health Holy Rosary Hospital, is passionate about helping patients with Parkinson’s disease find their voices through a specialized therapy program.
Raisler is working to expand the program, which focuses on improving speech, swallowing, and mobility for individuals living with Parkinson’s disease.
After completing individual sessions, patients are able to join group therapy to foster camaraderie and continued progress.
“My favorite group to work with in grad school was Parkinson’s patients,” Raisler said. “This program is a great way to help our friends with Parkinson’s with their speech and their swallowing, as well as their gait, because we work on speaking with intent, swallowing with intent, and walking with intent.”
The research-based therapy program was developed specifically for people with Parkinson’s and related disorders. The program helps patients strengthen their voices, improve communication, and address motor skills.
Raisler’s approach emphasizes practical strategies that patients can continue to practice at home or with the support of family.
“I would like to see them improve their quality of life, which is completely possible with Parkinson’s,” she said. “They may continue to have challenges, but we can prevent some of that, and it can be just absolutely night and day difference in how they walk and talk.”
The group sessions provide a supportive environment for patients to practice together and share experiences.
“It gives them support and they do competitions together sometimes,” Raisler said. “One of my patients told me, ‘I don’t know anybody else with Parkinson’s around here,’ and this group helps them connect.”
While Raisler is primarily serving patients from Miles City and surrounding communities, she hopes to build a robust outreach, potentially including online group options for those unable to attend in person after they complete the initial individual appointments.
For those who are interested in the program, they can speak to their primary care provider about a referral or call Intermountain Holy Rosary Hospital at 406-233-2719 for more information.