Freezing & Rigidity

Overview: People with mid- and advanced stage Parkinson’s (PD) may experience “freezing” – a temporary, involuntary inability to move. Freezing episodes do increase the risk of falls. These spells can last a few seconds or a few minutes, but they’re frustrating for everyone. Freezing can feel like your feet are stuck in place, or like you can’t get up from the chair or bed, move back from a refrigerator, etc. 

Causes – As is so often the case with Parkinson’s, the basic cause of freezing is unknown. However it is often associated with the medication cycles – for example, you may freeze when you are getting closer to the time of your next dose of dopaminergic medications. Usually these “off” periods lessen after taking meds. 

● Freezing episodes are often associated with moments of transition; when you are starting to move (e.g. standing to walking, sitting to standing) or as you cross a barrier (e.g. passing through a doorway, turning a corner, even turning around or changing direction). 

● Freezing episodes are exacerbated by stressful situations or multi-tasking, like crowded restaurants, walking and talking, or rushing out the door. 

Impact – 38% of people with PD will experience a fall this year, and many of those falls occur during a freezing episode. The fall risk is sometimes exacerbated by well-meaning caregivers and friends, who try to force the individual person to move. 

What can you do? When experiencing a freezing episode, the most important thing is to try to remain calm (yes, it’s easier said than done). It’s also important to discuss the episodes with your doctor and consider adjusting your medication. Additionally: For people with Parkinson’s: 

● Try marching in place to encourage movement. Focus on swinging your knees up high and parallel to the ground like a soldier on parade. Focus on the upward movement rather than forward movement. 

● Turn on music or sing a song with a good beat. You can hum, sing, or even just count up to 20 and back down again. 

● Mobile laser devices that project a line onto the floor may help. Likewise, dropping a white handkerchief or kleenex on the floor can work. Envision stepping over the line to nudge the brain into action. 

● Try to turn by walking in a half circle or square. 

● Physical therapy and occupational therapy may be helpful to reduce risk of falls during a freezing episode. 

For Caregivers: 

● Wait patiently to see if the episode will pass. Resist the urge to rush or push someone into movement. 

● Try placing your foot perpendicular to the frozen person and ask them to step over it. This works similarly to the laser and kleenex trick. 

● If the episode persists, you can try to rock them GENTLY side to side, but make sure they are in a safe space or have a support device handy in case of a fall. 

And always remember…adjustments to your medication, diet, and supplements should be discussed with your doctor.