When Your Body Says No: Living with Stiffness and Parkinson’s
There are mornings when I wake up and it feels as if my body is made of concrete. My mind says, “Let’s go,” but my muscles refuse to cooperate. The stiffness settles deep into my shoulders, my legs, even my face at times — a reminder that Parkinson’s is always there, even when I wish it weren’t.
Stiffness is one of those invisible battles that people don’t often see. From the outside, I may look fine — but inside, it can feel like I’m moving through wet cement. It’s not just uncomfortable; it’s exhausting. Simple tasks like getting dressed, turning over in bed, or reaching for a cup of coffee take planning and patience. And the pain that can come with it? It’s not dramatic or loud — it’s the kind that quietly wears on your spirit.
What’s hardest isn’t always the physical discomfort. It’s the frustration. The mental tug-of-war between what I want to do and what my body will allow me to do. There’s a grief in that — a loss of freedom and spontaneity that many people take for granted. But I’ve learned that acknowledging that grief is not weakness; it’s part of the healing.
Over time, I’ve found small ways to make the stiffness a little more manageable — and my mornings a little more forgiving:
Gentle movement first thing. Before getting out of bed, I take a few slow stretches — rolling my ankles, flexing my fingers, and rotating my shoulders. It helps wake up my muscles before I ask too much of them.
Warm showers and heating pads. The heat helps my muscles release tension and gives me a sense of comfort. It’s a simple act of kindness toward my body.
Staying consistent with movement. Whether it’s a short walk, stretching, or a dance therapy class, keeping my body moving — even a little — helps me fight back against the rigidity that Parkinson’s tries to impose.
Giving myself grace. This one took the longest to learn. There are days when my best is simply getting through the morning — and that’s okay. Parkinson’s teaches you patience, whether you want to learn it or not.
What I’ve come to realize is that stiffness doesn’t define my strength — how I respond to it does. There will be hard mornings, painful ones even, but there will also be days when the body softens, when the movement flows, and when I remember that I’m still me — capable, resilient, and embracing the journey one step at a time.
If you’re living with Parkinson’s and understand this struggle all too well, I encourage you to join a support group or connect with others who truly get it. You don’t have to go through this alone. At The Oxx Foundation, we believe in embracing the journey together. Through our Steady Together Support Group, art and dance therapy programs, and community outreach, you’ll find understanding, encouragement, and a reminder that there is hope — even on the hardest days.
Visit The Oxx Foundation to learn more, join a program, or simply connect with our community. Because healing often begins when we share the journey — and take that next step, together.
