While this symptom can be challenging, learning techniques and tricks to get yourself out of those freezes can benefit your mobility and reduce the risk of falls.
The most common technique to manage freezing is what is known as "cueing". This involves using a prompt or performing a certain action to stimulate the body to begin movement again. Cueing can come in a variety of ways:
Managing your freezing
Freezing is a common symptom seen in some people with Parkinsons Disease. This is a sensation that your feet are stuck to the floor, and can make it difficult to step. It is commonly seen when turning, or at changes in flooring or environment; such as stepping through a doorway or moving from one pattern of flooring to another. Depending on the severity of this symptom, this can not be noticeable, or it can have a significant impact on a persons mobility and quality of life, and can lead to falls and balance problems in some cases. It can last a second to over 30 seconds in some situations.
Cueing
Audible Cueing
Audible Cueing means using a verbal cue or hearing something to help the body break that freezing cycle. Examples include:
1. Counting in your head or speaking out (such as counting "1-2, 1-2" as if marching).
2. Humming a tune.
3. Singing a song.
The aim of this cueing is to distract the brain and prompt it to restart the movement pattern, which can help you break free of the freeze.
1. Counting in your head or speaking out (such as counting "1-2, 1-2" as if marching).
2. Humming a tune.
3. Singing a song.
The aim of this cueing is to distract the brain and prompt it to restart the movement pattern, which can help you break free of the freeze.
Physical cueing
Using physical cueing involves performing a physical movement or action to break the freeze. This can be any movement, with the aim purely to restart the chain of movement again. Examples of physical actions include:
1. Change direction, if you are unable to move forward, try a small sidestep, or step backward then move forward.
2. Raising one or both arms, touch your head, or point at the ceiling.
3. Shift your weight from side to side.
This can be any action that breaks the movement cycle. Snap your fingers, perform a dance move, find something that works for you.
1. Change direction, if you are unable to move forward, try a small sidestep, or step backward then move forward.
2. Raising one or both arms, touch your head, or point at the ceiling.
3. Shift your weight from side to side.
This can be any action that breaks the movement cycle. Snap your fingers, perform a dance move, find something that works for you.
Cueing with gadgets
If none of the above works for you, some people find mechanical assistance can be of benefit. These include:
1. Metronome - creates a rhythmic beat to time your stepping.
2. Playing music.
3. Having a marker or visible prompt at a particular area that causes freezing.
4. Laser pointer - Point a laser pointer on the floor and try to step your foot onto it, then begin walking.
5. There are also various vibration prompt gadgets on the market, these normally strap onto your wrist or attach to your chest and provide a beating/vibrating rhythm, that can help to break the cycle.
It's important to remember that everybody reacts differently, what works for one person may not work for the next. So try different things and find something that works for you.
Freezing might occur in certain areas, such as a particular area of the house, a certain doorway or flooring. Plan your cueing in advance to speed up how quickly you can break that freezing cycle.
1. Metronome - creates a rhythmic beat to time your stepping.
2. Playing music.
3. Having a marker or visible prompt at a particular area that causes freezing.
4. Laser pointer - Point a laser pointer on the floor and try to step your foot onto it, then begin walking.
5. There are also various vibration prompt gadgets on the market, these normally strap onto your wrist or attach to your chest and provide a beating/vibrating rhythm, that can help to break the cycle.
It's important to remember that everybody reacts differently, what works for one person may not work for the next. So try different things and find something that works for you.
Freezing might occur in certain areas, such as a particular area of the house, a certain doorway or flooring. Plan your cueing in advance to speed up how quickly you can break that freezing cycle.