Freezing

What is freezing?

Freezing is a common symptom of Parkinson’s. Although freezing or the thought of freezing can cause people to worry, there are ways to help prevent and manage freezing.

If you freeze, you may suddenly not be able to walk or step forward, even if you want to. This can last for a few seconds, or sometimes 30 seconds or longer. You might find your leg or legs shaking on the spot. You may be able to move forward slowly, taking small steps, or not be able to move forward at all. 

Freezing can happen while you’re walking, but is more likely when you start to walk, or when you try to turn around. 

People describe freezing as feeling like their feet are "glued" to the ground.

Over half of people with Parkinson’s may experience freezing. Freezing can happen at any stage of Parkinson's, but is most common in advanced Parkinson's.

Trouble starting other types of movements (start hesitation)

Having trouble starting a movement is sometimes called "start hesitation". It can affect other movements, such as swallowing or chewing. 

You might experience start hesitation when talking, or during a repetitive movement like writing or tapping your fingers.

This is sometimes referred to as freezing.

In this information, freezing refers to freezing of gait, or freezing when you’re walking, rather than during other movements.

Where and when freezing can happen

We know that freezing can happen when something interrupts a normal sequence of movement.

If part of your walking cycle is interrupted, the whole movement can come to a stop or your steps may get smaller and smaller.

Although freezing can happen at any time, you may experience it when you are:

• starting to walk
• walking towards or through doorways
• moving from one style of flooring to another, such as from carpet to tile
• walking through a narrow or closed-in space
• turning or changing direction
• distracted by another task
• interrupted by an object, someone talking or something else that takes your attention
• in a busy or crowded place
• in a rush
• walking somewhere badly lit or dark.

All of these can stop you being able to keep a steady rhythm when you’re walking.

You may be more likely to freeze if you:

• are feeling anxious, stressed or panicked
• are feeling tired
• have trouble sleeping
• are feeling low or depressed
• have had hallucinations.

Freezing and changing surfaces 

We usually take different-length steps on smooth surfaces compared to uneven ground. If you have Parkinson’s you may find it difficult to make these changes automatically.

For example, you may be able to walk without a problem on uneven surfaces, but freeze when the floor is smoother or has a patterned surface. Or the opposite might happen.

Some people who experience freezing are surprised that they have no problems going up or down stairs, but freeze as soon as they are back on flat ground.

Freezing in a busy place 

If you freeze in a busy place, such as a supermarket or a station, give yourself time to stop, look and plan at regular points.

Some things to try:

• Step to one side, out of the main flow of people, and, if it’s close enough to you, touch something solid like a wall to help your balance. Plan ahead where you’re going to walk if you can, especially when walking in a busy area.
• Look at the area ahead of you, checking for anything in the way, such as benches, street lights or trolleys.
• Decide the route you’ll take. Repeat this method of "pause, look, plan and walk" as often as you need to. Or guess the number of steps you’ll need, before walking towards that point. Then start counting them and aim to be at your destination by the target number.

Preventing falls

Freezing or shuffling can affect your balance and make you more likely to fall over. Falls can be dangerous and the thought of them can be scary. But being aware of freezing and taking steps to prevent or manage it can help reduce your risk of falling.

Take care when walking along waterways and crossing busy roads. You may find it helpful to have someone with you when doing these activities.

It might help to avoid using escalators or automatic walkways, for example in shopping centres, train stations and airports.

You can help prevent falls by doing the following:

• Asking for help. A family member or friend can hold your arm and support your balance while you focus on moving again.
• Avoiding distractions. Try to concentrate and avoid walking and talking at the same time. If you want to have a conversation, pause and touch something solid, such as a lamp post, when you want to talk.
• Planning ahead. If you cross a busy area, plan your route in short stages so that you're not having to concentrate on too much in one go.
• Slowing down when you turn. If you need to change direction, try not to turn too quickly or pivot on the spot. It's better to slow down and take a few extra steps to walk around in a half circle. Try to imagine your feet are following the numbers on the face of a clock.
• Choosing the right footwear. You might find shoes with low heels or flat soles are easier to walk in. Your choice of shoes won’t affect whether you freeze or not, but the right shoes may make a fall less likely if you do freeze. Try to avoid unsupportive shoes, such as floppy slippers. An occupational therapist or physiotherapist can give you advice about this.
• taking your time and not rushing.

We have more information about what can help if you do fall, such as carrying a mobile and emergency contact numbers with you, in our information about falls and Parkinson’s.

Read more about falls and Parkinson’s.

Treatments and getting support for freezing

Speak to your specialist or Parkinson’s nurse about the best treatment for your freezing.

Freezing can have a big impact on daily life. It can make looking after yourself, housework and going shopping more difficult. If you do experience freezing, either at home or when you’re out, don’t hesitate to raise it with your specialist or Parkinson’s nurse.

Freezing often happens in everyday situations and can be difficult to spot in a medical setting, such as during an appointment with your specialist. This may mean that your specialist or Parkinson’s nurse does not often see you freezing. You may not be sure if what you’re experiencing is freezing, or maybe other problems with moving related to your "off" periods.

It might be helpful to bring some written notes to your appointment with your specialist, Parkinson’s nurse, physiotherapist or occupational therapist. This will help them to understand as much as possible about your freezing, so they can recommend the best treatment.

You could write down:

• when you tend to freeze
• where you tend to freeze
• what you were doing when you froze
• if anything has got you moving again.

What can I do to help myself?

Freezing can be upsetting and sometimes frightening. If you freeze often, you may avoid the places where you’re most likely to freeze, such as narrow spaces, crowded or new places, or doorways.

But worrying about freezing shouldn’t stop you doing the things you enjoy, and there are things you can do to manage it.

Movement and cueing techniques

Several techniques use a specific strategy or a "cue" to trigger your movement once you’ve frozen. A cue is a signal or prompt which tells your body to do a certain thing, such as step forward.

Knowing these will help you to take control of your freezing, and may reduce any worries you have when it happens. It may help to tell your family and friends about them too, so that they can help suggest things when you’re out walking together.

The methods below have been recommended by occupational therapists and physiotherapists with experience of working with people with Parkinson’s.

Remember that each method may work in different situations and at different stages of Parkinson’s. So, try a few things to find out which methods work best for you. You may even find ways to reduce or avoid freezing altogether.

Useful contacts

Anxiety UK is a charity with information and support services for people with anxiety. Visit the Anxiety UK website.

The Chartered Society of Physiotherapy has information on physiotherapy and details of qualified physiotherapists in your area. Visit the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy website. 

The Royal College of Occupational Therapists has information on occupational therapy and details of qualified occupational therapists in your area. Visit the Royal College of Occupational Therapists website.