Laser cane for freezing. Anyone tried this? - Cure Parkinson's

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Laser cane for freezing. Anyone tried this?

ivyanne profile image
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ivyanne
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What is it?

ivyanne profile image
ivyanne in reply to

refer to ustep.com.... walker or cane..primarily used by PWP.. helps normalize walking and increase your stride.. Helps with freezing.. my MDS mentioned it yesterday. I ordered one. Has a 2 week money back guarantee. I just wondered if anyone else had tried the walker or cane..for freezing

oh! that seems like a pretty cool idea! wonder how it really works. I was told early on by a physical therapist person that when I experience a freezing moment, that I should imagine walking up steps. It helps some.

ivyanne profile image
ivyanne in reply to

My problem is that i seem to freeze with every step outside the house. Inside i have à little more control..stress makes my feet go crazy.. stickimg with every step.i take. I. hope this works too.. supposed to retrain the brain

in reply to ivyanne

I used to have mega issues when the flooring pattern would change: like when you enter a building from the outside and there is this little vestibule area. I would totally freeze up (and sometimes still do depending on time of day) let us know how the cane works for you.

camper profile image
camper in reply to ivyanne

Snap. I have a u-step walker loaned to me by the NHS. Mine doesn't have a laser but I find kicking a football into the walker helps me to get going. I don't use it outside the back garden. When I'm out I have a wheelchair or scooter or hang onto my husband for dear life. If I get stuck he puts his foot out and I just step over it and get going again! It's frustrating but I'm getting more used to it. I don't have a tremor.Do you?

beauxreflets profile image
beauxreflets in reply to ivyanne

Do you ever walk backwards as part of exercising (with assistance of nurse friend etc.) which may help if its muscle related, as will massage.

You also mention going outside, and I wonder whether the lightness is making the eyes sending their sensory signal (as the pupils close a bit) play tricks. eg. return synapse then passes through the brain area usually associated with some other function and the freeze aspect is upon the confusion.

I wear reactolite type specs

Just a thought.

maryalice profile image
maryalice

I've used the U-Step walker for about 3 years. There is a laser light line that shines across the width of the walker. You are suppose to step on the line,which forces you to take a big step. I don't know how it works,but some how it tricks your brain allowing you to take the big step.

The only problem is that it doesn't work very well at all on pile carpet. It was also expensive, but Medicare paid for a portion of it. I would reccommend it to anyone with PD that needs a walker.

ivyanne profile image
ivyanne in reply to maryalice

Are you able to walk without freezing using the walker?

maryalice profile image
maryalice in reply to ivyanne

I'm not walking too much, because I hurt my knee. But when I did use it before it did seem to help with freezing. Something about the laser light allows your brain to make you able to move. If you Google U- Step and Parkinson's there's a lot of information that may help you.

gettome profile image
gettome

I use a walker due to a balance problem. I freeze up when sitting up or standing up and I really need the walker then. I cant remember ever freezing up when I start walker.

ivyanne profile image
ivyanne

Its like my feet stick to the ground.. especially in doorways or tight quarters.. I can be walking and then I come to a doorway and can't take that few steps to enter... Elevator doorways too. I have tried humming, counting, high stepping , talking to myself but the longer I stand there the more stressed I get and the harder it is to move.. My husband stands patiently beside me directing people around me until I can move again.. and this occurs while using a walker or grocery cart..

in reply to ivyanne

definitely been there. escalators are a real b**ch

ivyanne profile image
ivyanne

Omg i havent tried an escalator...dont think i will eithor. Ha

IamJoel56 profile image
IamJoel56

I purchased a Ustep walker with the laser about two weeks ago. Actually my insurance covered at 100% which was great. This thing is amazing. I experience freezing most every time I try to walk more than a few feet especially when I encounter close quarters or any potential for falling or tripping. When I turn this laser on and use the walker It's as if it trips a switch in my brain because my feet to do what they're supposed to do. I take big steps and don't have any freezing. As I said, I've only been using it for a couple weeks but the results were instantaious and far beyond my greatest expectations.

Joel

ivyanne profile image
ivyanne in reply to IamJoel56

I changed my order from à cane to à Ustep Walker...Im looking forward to good résults. from all Ive read.

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