Can anybody please advise if it is ‘normal’ for someone with Parkinsons to have ‘freezing episodes’ when raising from a chair ? and also is it normal for these episodes to be intermittent…… cos I am not sure whether my other half is ‘just playing at having mobility issues’ …
Hi @MandyB, thank you for your post. We are really sorry to hear about the issue your partner is having and we’re here to help.
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. You can find out more on our website here: Freezing | Parkinson's UK
If you need to speak to someone, please call our free, confidential helpline on 0808 800 0303. Our specialists will offer you the advice you need and answer any questions you have.
We hope this is helpful. Please take care.
Parkinson’s UK Moderation Team 
@MandyB Sometimes I freeze when standing up sometimes I don’t, it can happen twice in one day then no more for awhile.
I have experienced my left foot freezing when getting up from a chair. When it happens I am unable to raise my foot to start walking because my foot feels like it is stuck fast to the floor.
Hello Mandy .. I am 72 and have Parkinson’s. I too can freeze when getting up from a chair or stand still for about 2 minutes then cannot move. I would suggest exercise which you can do sitting down. Do look on youtube for free exercise videos. Also type in your concerns to Google Gemini which is an Ai search engine.
For example, your question …
Steve2
please advise if it is ‘normal’ for someone with Parkinsons to have ‘freezing episodes’ when raising from a chair ? and also is it normal for these episodes to be intermittent
Yes — what you’re describing can be a normal part of Parkinson’s. Freezing episodes, including difficulty initiating movement when rising from a chair, are well‑documented symptoms of Parkinson’s, and they often occur intermittently rather than consistently. This pattern is supported by clinical sources on Parkinson’s freezing of gait and start hesitation.
Why freezing can happen when standing up
Freezing often appears during movement transitions, especially when the brain must switch from one motor pattern to another. Standing up and taking the first step is exactly that kind of transition.
Common triggers include:
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Moving from sitting to standing
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Initiating the first step after rising
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Turning or changing direction
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Walking through doorways
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Being distracted or rushed
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Stress, fatigue, or low medication levels
These triggers are widely described in Parkinson’s resources.
Is it normal for freezing to be intermittent?
Yes. Freezing episodes are not constant. They can:
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Come and go throughout the day
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Be worse when medication is wearing off (“off” periods)
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Be absent when medication is working well
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Flare up with stress, fatigue, or environmental challenges
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Vary from day to day
This variability is typical and expected.
Why freezing may happen specifically when rising from a chair
This is often called start hesitation — difficulty initiating the first movement of a sequence. It’s considered a form of freezing and is described in Parkinson’s literature as a common issue.
People may:
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Stand up but feel “stuck” before taking the first step
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Feel like their feet are glued to the floor
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Need a moment to “reset” before moving
When to discuss it with a clinician
Even though freezing is common, it’s still important to mention it to a Parkinson’s nurse or specialist, especially if:
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It’s becoming more frequent
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It’s leading to near‑falls or falls
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It seems linked to medication timing
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It’s causing anxiety or limiting activities
Medication adjustments, physiotherapy, and cueing strategies can make a meaningful difference.
If you’d like, I can also explain:
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Practical techniques to help someone “unfreeze”
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How physiotherapists teach cueing strategies
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What signs suggest freezing is medication‑related
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Ways to make the home safer for someone who freezes
Just let me know what would be most helpful.
Dear all - thank you so much for your guidance and support - very much appreciated. xx
He’s “just playing”??? 
