How to Unfreeze a Parkinson's Gait

About a third of people with Parkinson’s disease experience a frustrating symptom known as freezing. Freezing is a sudden loss of mobility that occurs for a few moments, causing sufferers to feel as if their feet are “frozen” to the floor. Because freezing may occur without warning and often leads to falls, a person with Parkinson’s must give conscious thought to each movement. Sometimes the fear of freezing leads to discouragement and unwillingness to go out in public. But according to the Parkinson’s Disease Society, various techniques can be used to “thaw” a freeze and allow continuation of an active life.

Things You'll Need

• Mini-metronome the size of a wristwatch

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Instructions

• 1

  Use the weight shift method. Instead of trying to move forward during a freeze, try instead to shift weight to one leg. This will often help you move forward with the opposite leg.

• 2

  Use word cues. Determine which foot to use first when preparing to take a step and say a phrase such as, “One, two, three, walk’’ or “Ready, set, move” or some other prompt. The last word is the signal to resume walking.

• 3

  Sing or hum as you walk. Use the rhythm of a simple, repetitive tune to help you pass through an area that tends to cause you to freeze. Slow the rhythm and take bigger strides if you have a tendency to shuffle, which sometimes occurs before a freeze.

• 4

  Clip a small metronome on your belt or pocket. The beeping rhythm of the device may help to jump-start movement after a freeze.

• 5

  Plan your route in a busy place such as a grocery store or mall. Especially if busy areas cause you to freeze, stop frequently to observe the space where you will be walking and plan your route. Look for anything or anyone that might get in the way and then determine your course. Decide you will walk to a certain point and then stop, look and plan again after you reach that point.