Occupational Therapy for Freezing of Gait

Common Difficulties associated with Freezing of Gait

Freezing of gait (FOG) is a phenomenon commonly associated with Parkinson's disease, although it can also occur in other neurological conditions. FOG refers to a sudden, brief episode where a person temporarily feels as if their feet are glued to the floor, preventing them from moving forward. Several difficulties are commonly associated with freezing of gait:

Mobility Challenges

Balance Issues

Increased Fall Risk

Impact on Activities of Daily Living

Reduced Independence

Psychological Impact

Disruption in Quality of Life

Medication Challenges

Gait Freezing Triggers

Response to External Cues


How can Occupational Therapy help?

Occupational therapy can play a valuable role in addressing freezing of gait, a common symptom in conditions such as Parkinson's disease. While occupational therapy primarily focuses on improving a person's ability to perform activities of daily living, it can also contribute to managing and alleviating freezing of gait through various strategies. Here are some ways occupational therapy can help:

Environmental Modifications

Assistive Devices

Gait Training

Cognitive Strategies

Functional Activities

Education and Training

Multidisciplinary Collaboration