Rigor in Parkinson’s disease: cause, symptoms, treatment<\/h1><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>![](\"https:\/\/parkinson-portal.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/rigor-parkinson.jpg\")
<\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>The muscles are permanently tense, the limbs feel stiff and those affected adopt a forward or slightly sideways bent posture that is typical of Parkinson’s disease: This permanent, involuntary muscle tension and stiffness in Parkinson’s disease is also known as rigor and is felt primarily in the neck and shoulder area as well as in the arms and legs. Rigor is a central symptom of the disease and occurs in most people with Parkinson’s disease. The constant tension in the extensor and flexor muscles limits them considerably in everyday life, as they have to fight against the resistance of the muscle tension with every movement.<\/p>\n<\/div>
We would like to inform you about the central Parkinson’s symptom: What exactly is behind rigor in Parkinson’s disease? What are the causes of muscle stiffness, how else does the motor symptom manifest itself in Parkinson’s disease and what therapies can be used to alleviate the symptoms and make life with Parkinson’s easier?<\/p>\n<\/div>
Contents at a glance<\/div><\/div>- What does rigor mean in Parkinson\u2019s disease?<\/a>
- Rigor versus spasticity:<\/u> what\u2019s the difference?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li>
- Rigor in Parkinson\u2019s disease: causes<\/a>
- Overactive reflexes as the cause of rigor?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li>
- Rigor in Parkinson\u2019s disease: symptoms<\/a>
- Typical signs of rigor<\/a><\/li>
- Rigor as a trigger for the bent posture<\/a><\/li>
- Cogwheel phenomenon in Parkinson\u2019s disease \u2013 special form of rigor<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li>
- Diagnosis of rigor in Parkinson\u2019s disease<\/a><\/li>
- Treating rigor in Parkinson\u2019s: what can you do?<\/a>
- Drug therapy<\/a><\/li>
- Device-supported therapies<\/a><\/li>
- Non-drug treatment<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li>
- Tips for everyday life: What to do against rigor?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>
What does rigor mean in Parkinson’s disease?<\/h2>\n
Rigor is one of the cardinal symptoms of Parkinson’s disease alongside tremor (trembling) and bradykinesia (slowness of movement). Originally, postural instability (postural instability) was also one of the cardinal symptoms of Parkinson’s disease until the updated guideline (2025). Rigor is the medical term for muscle rigidity or stiffness. Normally, our muscles relax again after they have been tense. This interplay between muscle tension and relaxation occurs automatically. In Parkinson’s disease, this fine mechanism is disrupted. The result is increased basic tension in the skeletal muscles.<\/p>\n
The increased muscle tone in rigor is noticeable as permanent resistance at rest, during movements or even during passive movements, for example of the arms or legs. The feeling of stiffness is felt by those affected all over the body and is sometimes accompanied by increasing discomfort.<\/p>\n
At the beginning of Parkinson’s disease, rigor resembles spasticity, in which control over the muscles is also lost. But there are significant differences between rigor and spasticity – this differentiation is particularly important for the diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease, especially in the early stages.<\/p>\n
Rigor versus spasticity:<\/u> what’s the difference?<\/h3>\n
Rigor and spasticity – both phenomena manifest themselves in the form of increased muscle tension in entire muscle groups. They can also occur simultaneously and are not easy to distinguish:<\/p>\n
Spasticity – damage to the central nervous system<\/h4>\n
Spasticity is caused by damage to the central nervous system (CNS). In most cases, it occurs as part of a stroke. A characteristic feature of spasticity is that muscle stiffness is influenced by the speed of a movement. If the speed increases, the muscles stiffen more and more and movements in the affected areas become increasingly difficult.<\/p>\n
Rigor – disorder of the extrapyramidal motor system<\/h4>\n
Rigor, on the other hand, is a disorder of the extrapyramidal motor system (EPMS). The EPMS consists of different sections of the brain that are functionally interconnected. For example, it includes the premotor cortex, a region of the cerebral cortex responsible for planning and organizing movements, the basal ganglia, the nucleus ruber (red nucleus), an important control center of the motor system, and the neocerebellum (posterior lobe of the cerebellum).<\/p>\n
They encompass all the processes that control our movements (motor skills) and connect various areas of the CNS with the spinal cord: they are the motor pathways that run into the spinal cord and are responsible for the voluntary, i.e. conscious control of motor skills and fine motor skills – from the cerebral cortex to our muscles.<\/p>\n
In rigor, the extrapyramidal disorder leads to an increase or reduction in movements that are simultaneously accompanied by increased muscle tension. In contrast to spasticity, the resistance of the muscles occurs regardless of the speed of the movement, i.e. even at rest, during slow or fast movements and during passive movements. A widely used term for this is “ead-pipe (muscle) rigidity”, which compares muscle stiffness to the bending of a steel pipe.<\/p>\n
Rigor in Parkinson’s disease: causes<\/h2>\n
The exact development of rigor in Parkinson’s disease is still not fully understood. However, the extrapyramidal and pyramidal systems, which influence each other, probably play an important role. Together with the cerebellum, the extrapyramidal system controls involuntary movements, while the pyramidal system mediates voluntary motor activity. They ensure that our muscles have a certain basic tension, a so-called resting tone. Rigor is a disorder of the extrapyramidal system – usually caused by a Parkinson’s-related dopamine deficiency.<\/p>\n
Parkinson’s is a neurodegenerative disease in which nerve cells in the black substance (substantia nigra) – in the area of the midbrain – that produce the neurotransmitter dopamine die off. This means that the region of the brain and the associated areas such as the basal ganglia, which are responsible for controlling our movements, are affected. Due to a lack of dopamine, the transmission of information to our muscles is disrupted. Signals no longer reach the muscles, which can cause muscle stiffness over time.<\/p>\n
Overactive reflexes as the cause of rigor?<\/h3>\n
Doctors also suspect that the rigor may be caused by overactive reflexes, for example by a rapid stretching of a muscle. The stretch reflex is the fastest reaction of our nervous system to a stretch.<\/p>\n
Many of us will have seen this reflex in a doctor’s surgery: the doctor taps the tendon of the knee with a reflex hammer and the leg reflexively springs upwards. The so-called long-loop reflex – the automatic motor response to a muscle stretch – is intensified and overactive in Parkinson’s patients. It is possible that this overactivity of reflexes can then also cause rigor.<\/p>\n
Rigor in Parkinson’s disease: symptoms<\/h2>\n
Characteristic symptoms of rigor are permanent tension of the flexor and extensor muscles, increased muscle tone that occurs independently of the speed of movement and is unchangeable, increased resistance during active movements, pain and discomfort as accompanying symptoms.<\/p>\n
Parkinson’s patients notice muscle stiffness particularly in muscle groups of the shoulders and arms as well as in the pelvic-thigh area – but the tension can also affect the muscles of the entire spine. Muscle strength remains intact with rigor. Typically, muscle stiffness occurs more in the muscles close to the body (upper arms, shoulders, thighs) and is less pronounced in the muscles away from the body (forearms, lower legs).<\/p>\n
Typical signs of rigor<\/h3>\n\n- Stiffening of the neck muscles: The pronounced muscle stiffness in the neck and throat sometimes means that the head can no longer be placed on the pillow when lying down (“pillow phenomenon”). This often results in pain in the neck and shoulder area.<\/li>\n
- Stiffness of the arms and hands: The upper arms are particularly often affected by stiffness. However, the immobility of the hands also causes difficulties in the area of fine motor skills. It can also lead to deformities in the hands.<\/li>\n
- Rigor in the legs and feet: Muscle stiffness is particularly noticeable in the thighs, which can manifest itself in the form of gait disorders. The feet, on the other hand, may show deformities. In the case of a so-called striatum toe, for example, there is a tonic, i.e. tense extension of the big toe.<\/li>\n
- Stiffening of the facial muscles: When the muscles in the face stiffen and become rigid, a mask-like facial expression develops, which is also known as a “mask face” in Parkinson’s syndrome. The jaw muscles can also be affected, which can cause difficulties when chewing.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Rigor as a trigger for the bent posture<\/h3>\n
The tension in the extensor and flexor muscles is also a trigger for the sometimes sideways leaning and often stooped posture with slightly bent knees and bent elbows of many Parkinson’s sufferers. The stooped posture can also be responsible for or exacerbate pain in the neck area.<\/p>\n
Due to the permanent tension in the muscles caused by rigor, movements become significantly more difficult and nerves can also become trapped, which can cause pain and discomfort. Chronic pain and restricted freedom of movement can severely limit quality of life. The signs of rigor and the accompanying symptoms are individual to each person affected.<\/p>\n
Cogwheel phenomenon in Parkinson’s disease – special form of rigor<\/h3>\n
The so-called cogwheel phenomenon is a typical sign of Parkinson’s disease in particular and is a special form of rigor. The phenomenon involves a brief, jerky slackening of muscle tone during a movement. The movement is then choppy – as if a cogwheel is engaging. For a brief moment, the muscle tone relaxes and the affected areas can move normally for this time. Shortly afterwards, however, the tension increases again and the movement snaps back into place.<\/p>\n
Diagnosis of rigor in Parkinson’s disease<\/h2>\n
Rigor can be diagnosed by a neurologist or physiotherapist, as the symptom is relatively easy to check. They can recognize muscle rigidity by the increased muscle tension during relaxation and rest. The diagnosis can be made using various simple tests:<\/p>\n
\n- Head drop test:<\/b> In this test, patients lie on the treatment couch. If there is abnormal tension, the head does not fall back or only falls back with a delay when lying down due to the stiff muscles. This indicates rigor in the neck and shoulder area. In healthy people, normal muscle tension would also be present in a normal head drop.<\/li>\n
- Arm pendulum test:<\/b> Here, the practitioner passively moves the patient’s arm back and forth. In the case of rigor, the passive pendulum movement would be slowed down.<\/li>\n
- Cogwheel phenomenon:<\/b> Here, the special form of rigor is used for diagnostic purposes. In the advanced stage, rhythmic interruptions occur during movements. Doctors bend and stretch an arm or leg of the affected person and notice a jerky locking of the movement in the elbow, wrist or knee joint.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Interesting:<\/b> Rigor can also be triggered by a very slow passive movement, as the symptom appears regardless of the speed of the passive movement.<\/p>\nTreating rigor in Parkinson’s: what can you do?<\/h2>\n
Important components of rigor therapy are drug treatment, device-based therapy and many non-drug measures.<\/p>\n
Drug therapy<\/h3>\n
Drug therapy is the most important pillar of Parkinson’s disease. Drugs are used that increase the dopamine level in the brain in different ways or have a similar effect to dopamine, thereby alleviating the symptoms caused by the lack of dopamine. The most important drugs for alleviating Parkinson’s symptoms, such as rigor, are levodopa (L-dopa), dopamine agonists, MAO inhibitors and COMT inhibitors.<\/p>\n
Device-supported therapies<\/h3>\n
Deep brain stimulation (DBS) and pump therapy are used as support when medication can no longer have a sufficient effect as the disease progresses. The aim of both therapies is to improve the fluctuations in the effect of medication and thus stabilize the effect:<\/p>\n
\n- Deep brain stimulation (DBS): <\/b>In this surgical procedure, electrodes are inserted into the brain, which are connected to a generator under the skin of the chest region, which in turn sends electrical impulses to the brain. The stimulation of certain areas of the brain has a positive effect and helps to keep motor symptoms under control.<\/li>\n
- Pump therapy:<\/b> Parkinson’s pumps are used to administer medication in the form of gel or liquid by injection, either via a small needle under the skin or through a catheter (tube) through the abdominal wall into the intestine. The advantage of this type of infusion treatment is that the medication administered has a continuous effect and there are no fluctuations in effectiveness, as can be the case when taking tablets.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Another possible treatment for rigor is the injection of botulinum toxin. Also known as Botox, the active ingredient reduces muscle tension.<\/p>\n
Non-drug treatment<\/h3>\n
Non-drug therapies that can be used to support the cardinal symptom of rigor include physiotherapy and occupational therapy.<\/p>\n
Physiotherapists will provide you with special movement exercises and loosening exercises to help reduce muscle stiffness and thus maintain and increase mobility. Regular stretching of the muscles is also an important part of loosening up stiff muscles. Physiotherapy also helps to improve balance and gait.<\/p>\n
As part of occupational therapy, everyday movement routines are practiced, such as getting dressed and undressed, tying shoes, going to the toilet, preparing food, handling cutlery and much more. Occupational therapists will also inform you about the many special aids that make life with Parkinson’s easier and show you how to use these everyday aids correctly.<\/p>\n
Both therapies also serve to prevent falls and help to improve the feeling of safety and independence in everyday life.<\/p>\n
Tips for everyday life: What to do against rigor?<\/h2>\n
What else can you do in everyday life to better deal with muscle stiffness, which is a direct result of the lack of dopamine in the brain? Try to make your life as active as possible: Regular exercise and sport (for example table tennis or boxing), a healthy, balanced diet, massages and relaxation methods (for example yoga, progressive muscle relaxation) to combat stress or exchanging ideas with other sufferers in self-help groups will have a positive influence on your physical and mental well-being.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>
Also worth reading<\/div><\/div>
<\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>The muscles are permanently tense, the limbs feel stiff and those affected adopt a forward or slightly sideways bent posture that is typical of Parkinson’s disease: This permanent, involuntary muscle tension and stiffness in Parkinson’s disease is also known as rigor and is felt primarily in the neck and shoulder area as well as in the arms and legs. Rigor is a central symptom of the disease and occurs in most people with Parkinson’s disease. The constant tension in the extensor and flexor muscles limits them considerably in everyday life, as they have to fight against the resistance of the muscle tension with every movement.<\/p>\n<\/div>
We would like to inform you about the central Parkinson’s symptom: What exactly is behind rigor in Parkinson’s disease? What are the causes of muscle stiffness, how else does the motor symptom manifest itself in Parkinson’s disease and what therapies can be used to alleviate the symptoms and make life with Parkinson’s easier?<\/p>\n<\/div>
- What does rigor mean in Parkinson\u2019s disease?<\/a>
- Rigor versus spasticity:<\/u> what\u2019s the difference?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li>
- Rigor in Parkinson\u2019s disease: causes<\/a>
- Overactive reflexes as the cause of rigor?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li>
- Rigor in Parkinson\u2019s disease: symptoms<\/a>
- Typical signs of rigor<\/a><\/li>
- Rigor as a trigger for the bent posture<\/a><\/li>
- Cogwheel phenomenon in Parkinson\u2019s disease \u2013 special form of rigor<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li>
- Diagnosis of rigor in Parkinson\u2019s disease<\/a><\/li>
- Treating rigor in Parkinson\u2019s: what can you do?<\/a>
- Drug therapy<\/a><\/li>
- Device-supported therapies<\/a><\/li>
- Non-drug treatment<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li>
- Tips for everyday life: What to do against rigor?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>
What does rigor mean in Parkinson’s disease?<\/h2>\n
Rigor is one of the cardinal symptoms of Parkinson’s disease alongside tremor (trembling) and bradykinesia (slowness of movement). Originally, postural instability (postural instability) was also one of the cardinal symptoms of Parkinson’s disease until the updated guideline (2025). Rigor is the medical term for muscle rigidity or stiffness. Normally, our muscles relax again after they have been tense. This interplay between muscle tension and relaxation occurs automatically. In Parkinson’s disease, this fine mechanism is disrupted. The result is increased basic tension in the skeletal muscles.<\/p>\n
The increased muscle tone in rigor is noticeable as permanent resistance at rest, during movements or even during passive movements, for example of the arms or legs. The feeling of stiffness is felt by those affected all over the body and is sometimes accompanied by increasing discomfort.<\/p>\n
At the beginning of Parkinson’s disease, rigor resembles spasticity, in which control over the muscles is also lost. But there are significant differences between rigor and spasticity – this differentiation is particularly important for the diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease, especially in the early stages.<\/p>\n
Rigor versus spasticity:<\/u> what’s the difference?<\/h3>\n
Rigor and spasticity – both phenomena manifest themselves in the form of increased muscle tension in entire muscle groups. They can also occur simultaneously and are not easy to distinguish:<\/p>\n
Spasticity – damage to the central nervous system<\/h4>\n
Spasticity is caused by damage to the central nervous system (CNS). In most cases, it occurs as part of a stroke. A characteristic feature of spasticity is that muscle stiffness is influenced by the speed of a movement. If the speed increases, the muscles stiffen more and more and movements in the affected areas become increasingly difficult.<\/p>\n
Rigor – disorder of the extrapyramidal motor system<\/h4>\n
Rigor, on the other hand, is a disorder of the extrapyramidal motor system (EPMS). The EPMS consists of different sections of the brain that are functionally interconnected. For example, it includes the premotor cortex, a region of the cerebral cortex responsible for planning and organizing movements, the basal ganglia, the nucleus ruber (red nucleus), an important control center of the motor system, and the neocerebellum (posterior lobe of the cerebellum).<\/p>\n
They encompass all the processes that control our movements (motor skills) and connect various areas of the CNS with the spinal cord: they are the motor pathways that run into the spinal cord and are responsible for the voluntary, i.e. conscious control of motor skills and fine motor skills – from the cerebral cortex to our muscles.<\/p>\n
In rigor, the extrapyramidal disorder leads to an increase or reduction in movements that are simultaneously accompanied by increased muscle tension. In contrast to spasticity, the resistance of the muscles occurs regardless of the speed of the movement, i.e. even at rest, during slow or fast movements and during passive movements. A widely used term for this is “ead-pipe (muscle) rigidity”, which compares muscle stiffness to the bending of a steel pipe.<\/p>\n
Rigor in Parkinson’s disease: causes<\/h2>\n
The exact development of rigor in Parkinson’s disease is still not fully understood. However, the extrapyramidal and pyramidal systems, which influence each other, probably play an important role. Together with the cerebellum, the extrapyramidal system controls involuntary movements, while the pyramidal system mediates voluntary motor activity. They ensure that our muscles have a certain basic tension, a so-called resting tone. Rigor is a disorder of the extrapyramidal system – usually caused by a Parkinson’s-related dopamine deficiency.<\/p>\n
Parkinson’s is a neurodegenerative disease in which nerve cells in the black substance (substantia nigra) – in the area of the midbrain – that produce the neurotransmitter dopamine die off. This means that the region of the brain and the associated areas such as the basal ganglia, which are responsible for controlling our movements, are affected. Due to a lack of dopamine, the transmission of information to our muscles is disrupted. Signals no longer reach the muscles, which can cause muscle stiffness over time.<\/p>\n
Overactive reflexes as the cause of rigor?<\/h3>\n
Doctors also suspect that the rigor may be caused by overactive reflexes, for example by a rapid stretching of a muscle. The stretch reflex is the fastest reaction of our nervous system to a stretch.<\/p>\n
Many of us will have seen this reflex in a doctor’s surgery: the doctor taps the tendon of the knee with a reflex hammer and the leg reflexively springs upwards. The so-called long-loop reflex – the automatic motor response to a muscle stretch – is intensified and overactive in Parkinson’s patients. It is possible that this overactivity of reflexes can then also cause rigor.<\/p>\n
Rigor in Parkinson’s disease: symptoms<\/h2>\n
Characteristic symptoms of rigor are permanent tension of the flexor and extensor muscles, increased muscle tone that occurs independently of the speed of movement and is unchangeable, increased resistance during active movements, pain and discomfort as accompanying symptoms.<\/p>\n
Parkinson’s patients notice muscle stiffness particularly in muscle groups of the shoulders and arms as well as in the pelvic-thigh area – but the tension can also affect the muscles of the entire spine. Muscle strength remains intact with rigor. Typically, muscle stiffness occurs more in the muscles close to the body (upper arms, shoulders, thighs) and is less pronounced in the muscles away from the body (forearms, lower legs).<\/p>\n
Typical signs of rigor<\/h3>\n
- \n
- Stiffening of the neck muscles: The pronounced muscle stiffness in the neck and throat sometimes means that the head can no longer be placed on the pillow when lying down (“pillow phenomenon”). This often results in pain in the neck and shoulder area.<\/li>\n
- Stiffness of the arms and hands: The upper arms are particularly often affected by stiffness. However, the immobility of the hands also causes difficulties in the area of fine motor skills. It can also lead to deformities in the hands.<\/li>\n
- Rigor in the legs and feet: Muscle stiffness is particularly noticeable in the thighs, which can manifest itself in the form of gait disorders. The feet, on the other hand, may show deformities. In the case of a so-called striatum toe, for example, there is a tonic, i.e. tense extension of the big toe.<\/li>\n
- Stiffening of the facial muscles: When the muscles in the face stiffen and become rigid, a mask-like facial expression develops, which is also known as a “mask face” in Parkinson’s syndrome. The jaw muscles can also be affected, which can cause difficulties when chewing.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Rigor as a trigger for the bent posture<\/h3>\n
The tension in the extensor and flexor muscles is also a trigger for the sometimes sideways leaning and often stooped posture with slightly bent knees and bent elbows of many Parkinson’s sufferers. The stooped posture can also be responsible for or exacerbate pain in the neck area.<\/p>\n
Due to the permanent tension in the muscles caused by rigor, movements become significantly more difficult and nerves can also become trapped, which can cause pain and discomfort. Chronic pain and restricted freedom of movement can severely limit quality of life. The signs of rigor and the accompanying symptoms are individual to each person affected.<\/p>\n
Cogwheel phenomenon in Parkinson’s disease – special form of rigor<\/h3>\n
The so-called cogwheel phenomenon is a typical sign of Parkinson’s disease in particular and is a special form of rigor. The phenomenon involves a brief, jerky slackening of muscle tone during a movement. The movement is then choppy – as if a cogwheel is engaging. For a brief moment, the muscle tone relaxes and the affected areas can move normally for this time. Shortly afterwards, however, the tension increases again and the movement snaps back into place.<\/p>\n
Diagnosis of rigor in Parkinson’s disease<\/h2>\n
Rigor can be diagnosed by a neurologist or physiotherapist, as the symptom is relatively easy to check. They can recognize muscle rigidity by the increased muscle tension during relaxation and rest. The diagnosis can be made using various simple tests:<\/p>\n
- \n
- Head drop test:<\/b> In this test, patients lie on the treatment couch. If there is abnormal tension, the head does not fall back or only falls back with a delay when lying down due to the stiff muscles. This indicates rigor in the neck and shoulder area. In healthy people, normal muscle tension would also be present in a normal head drop.<\/li>\n
- Arm pendulum test:<\/b> Here, the practitioner passively moves the patient’s arm back and forth. In the case of rigor, the passive pendulum movement would be slowed down.<\/li>\n
- Cogwheel phenomenon:<\/b> Here, the special form of rigor is used for diagnostic purposes. In the advanced stage, rhythmic interruptions occur during movements. Doctors bend and stretch an arm or leg of the affected person and notice a jerky locking of the movement in the elbow, wrist or knee joint.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Interesting:<\/b> Rigor can also be triggered by a very slow passive movement, as the symptom appears regardless of the speed of the passive movement.<\/p>\n
Treating rigor in Parkinson’s: what can you do?<\/h2>\n
Important components of rigor therapy are drug treatment, device-based therapy and many non-drug measures.<\/p>\n
Drug therapy<\/h3>\n
Drug therapy is the most important pillar of Parkinson’s disease. Drugs are used that increase the dopamine level in the brain in different ways or have a similar effect to dopamine, thereby alleviating the symptoms caused by the lack of dopamine. The most important drugs for alleviating Parkinson’s symptoms, such as rigor, are levodopa (L-dopa), dopamine agonists, MAO inhibitors and COMT inhibitors.<\/p>\n
Device-supported therapies<\/h3>\n
Deep brain stimulation (DBS) and pump therapy are used as support when medication can no longer have a sufficient effect as the disease progresses. The aim of both therapies is to improve the fluctuations in the effect of medication and thus stabilize the effect:<\/p>\n
- \n
- Deep brain stimulation (DBS): <\/b>In this surgical procedure, electrodes are inserted into the brain, which are connected to a generator under the skin of the chest region, which in turn sends electrical impulses to the brain. The stimulation of certain areas of the brain has a positive effect and helps to keep motor symptoms under control.<\/li>\n
- Pump therapy:<\/b> Parkinson’s pumps are used to administer medication in the form of gel or liquid by injection, either via a small needle under the skin or through a catheter (tube) through the abdominal wall into the intestine. The advantage of this type of infusion treatment is that the medication administered has a continuous effect and there are no fluctuations in effectiveness, as can be the case when taking tablets.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Another possible treatment for rigor is the injection of botulinum toxin. Also known as Botox, the active ingredient reduces muscle tension.<\/p>\n
Non-drug treatment<\/h3>\n
Non-drug therapies that can be used to support the cardinal symptom of rigor include physiotherapy and occupational therapy.<\/p>\n
Physiotherapists will provide you with special movement exercises and loosening exercises to help reduce muscle stiffness and thus maintain and increase mobility. Regular stretching of the muscles is also an important part of loosening up stiff muscles. Physiotherapy also helps to improve balance and gait.<\/p>\n
As part of occupational therapy, everyday movement routines are practiced, such as getting dressed and undressed, tying shoes, going to the toilet, preparing food, handling cutlery and much more. Occupational therapists will also inform you about the many special aids that make life with Parkinson’s easier and show you how to use these everyday aids correctly.<\/p>\n
Both therapies also serve to prevent falls and help to improve the feeling of safety and independence in everyday life.<\/p>\n
Tips for everyday life: What to do against rigor?<\/h2>\n
What else can you do in everyday life to better deal with muscle stiffness, which is a direct result of the lack of dopamine in the brain? Try to make your life as active as possible: Regular exercise and sport (for example table tennis or boxing), a healthy, balanced diet, massages and relaxation methods (for example yoga, progressive muscle relaxation) to combat stress or exchanging ideas with other sufferers in self-help groups will have a positive influence on your physical and mental well-being.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>
Also worth reading<\/div><\/div> - Pump therapy:<\/b> Parkinson’s pumps are used to administer medication in the form of gel or liquid by injection, either via a small needle under the skin or through a catheter (tube) through the abdominal wall into the intestine. The advantage of this type of infusion treatment is that the medication administered has a continuous effect and there are no fluctuations in effectiveness, as can be the case when taking tablets.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- Arm pendulum test:<\/b> Here, the practitioner passively moves the patient’s arm back and forth. In the case of rigor, the passive pendulum movement would be slowed down.<\/li>\n
- Head drop test:<\/b> In this test, patients lie on the treatment couch. If there is abnormal tension, the head does not fall back or only falls back with a delay when lying down due to the stiff muscles. This indicates rigor in the neck and shoulder area. In healthy people, normal muscle tension would also be present in a normal head drop.<\/li>\n
- Device-supported therapies<\/a><\/li>
- Rigor as a trigger for the bent posture<\/a><\/li>
- Rigor in Parkinson\u2019s disease: symptoms<\/a>
- Rigor in Parkinson\u2019s disease: causes<\/a>
- Rigor versus spasticity:<\/u> what\u2019s the difference?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li>
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