Managing freezing of gait in Parkinson's

Freezing of gait is the feeling that your feet are stuck to the floor. It can be frightening, but cueing strategies often help you get moving.

When it tends to happen

• Starting to walk.
• Turning or changing direction.
• Passing through doorways or tight spaces.
• Under time pressure or stress.

Cueing tricks

• Step over an imaginary line on the floor.
• March to a beat or count out loud.
• Shift weight side to side before stepping.

Reduce the risk

• Slow down and give yourself time.
• Keep walking areas clear.
• Stay calm - anxiety can worsen freezing.

Get support

• A physiotherapist can teach personalised cues.
• Report frequent freezing to your team.
• Consider fall-prevention strategies.

How this site helps

You don’t have to do everything at once. Pick one small idea from above and try it this week.

• Turn a goal into a daily habit with Practice.
• See the evidence behind these ideas in Research.
• Practise the underlying skill with a calm game.

Remember: this is general education, not medical advice. Your clinician knows your situation best.