Strategies for getting out of a freeze episode

Here are some strategies for getting out of a freeze episode – Please be patient with yourself or others during a freezing episode – keep calm.

1. Visualization: Use self-cueing strategies like envisioning yourself stepping over a log, or turning in a wide U shape, to act as a stimulus for movement.
   
   
2. Visual cues: Implement visual cues such as floor markers at the entryways or turning points to help with the flow of movement.
   
   
3. Auditory cues: Studies using metronomes have been conducted for overcoming start- hesitation, and freezing, or motor blocks, occurring during movement. These studies show encouraging responses to the sound of a metronome where the individual is sensitive to this form of stimulus. Research supports that the playing of a person’s favorite music can increase dopamine production in the basal ganglia which assists in initiating movement and decreases freezing, while the beat can act as an auditory cue for gait tempo (Lim et al 2005a, 2005b, Rochester et al 2005).
   
   
4.  Assistive devices: Transitioning to a walking aid can be difficult for some, but it can help to keep you independent longer by keeping you safer during freezing episodes.
   

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