Sometimes people with Parkinson’s can find that they are unable to move. This is often described as “freezing”. They may feel as though their feet are stuck to the floor. This may happen whilst walking, turning or going through doorways but it can affect other activities like speaking or writing. Stress and anxiety can worsen freezing and people may notice it more in public places or when they are rushing.
Parkinson’s UK recommends the following if you freeze:
STOP: Calm yourself and take a breath
THINK: What do you want to do?
PLAN: How are you going to do it?
DO: Complete the task or movement.
What can help?
Watch this video to see some helpful hints and tips to help with freezing.
If someone tends to freeze most during “off” periods, then changing the times of medications may help so that they “switch off” less. This should be discussed with a Parkinson’s specialist nurse or doctor before changes are made. It is not wise to change medications or their times without discussing it with a specialist first.
If freezing at home is a problem, then physiotherapists and occupational therapists may be able to help find ways to move more easily, make suggestions about how to prevent freezing and what to do if it happens. There are a number of ways that freezing can be helped. Some examples include:
- Counting 1-2-3 or 1-2-1-2
- Humming a tune
- Trying a different movement (e.g., swaying or stepping sideways)
- Imagining stepping over an object on the ground
These strategies are known as “cueing techniques”; there are some examples in the video above. Different techniques work for different people. You can talk to your Parkinson’s team about what works for you.
Adapted from Parkinson’s UK information leaflet Freezing in Parkinson’s WEB.pdf
Available in Welsh here FS63W Freezing and Parkinson’s WELSH_WEB.pdf