If you or someone you love lives with Parkinson’s disease, you’ve likely noticed that standing tall and moving easily becomes more challenging over time. A common piece of advice people often hear is: “Just stand up straight.”
But as Fraser, owner of Simpson Physiotherapy in Glasgow and a specialist in Parkinson’s care, says: this phrase might be doing more harm than good.
In this blog, we’ll share expert insight into why the common cue to “stand up straight” can actually make things more difficult for people living with Parkinson’s—and what to do instead.
Why Standing Up Straight Doesn’t Work in Parkinson’s Disease
When Parkinson’s impacts posture, the body tends to lean forward, and muscles begin to stiffen. Over time, this creates a sense of imbalance. Unfortunately, the brain’s internal compass of what “upright” feels like becomes altered.
Telling someone to “stand up straight” when their brain no longer understands what that means can trigger a compensation pattern that increases risk of discomfort and falls.
The Common Reaction of People with Parkinson’s: Pushing with Your Toes
When someone with Parkinson’s hears “stand up straight,” what typically happens is this:
- They push with their toes
- This causes the knees to straighten suddenly
- The head lifts up, increasing neck strain
- The body shifts forward, ending up more on the balls of the feet
Rather than achieving an upright posture, this creates more instability and can even lock in the faulty posture more firmly over time.
The Better Cue: Think “Lean Back”
Instead of “stand up straight,” we recommend a new mantra: “lean back.”
Leaning back bypasses the confusion caused by the brain’s faulty postural compass. It gives the body a clearer, more effective cue to bring the spine into a safer, more aligned position – without overusing the toes, lifting the chin, or losing balance.
Why This Works
Leaning back resets the body’s perception of balance and helps you find a truer upright position. When practiced safely, this can:
- Reduce the risk of falls
- Ease the shuffling walk so common with Parkinson’s
- Improve posture without neck strain
- Rebuild body awareness
How to Practice Leaning Back Safely
Here’s a step-by-step guide that we suggest:
- Find a worktop or sturdy surface: Stand with your heels just a couple of inches away from the base.
- Place your hands on the surface: This ensures safety and balance.
- Gently lean back: Slowly shift your weight backward and hold for a few seconds.
- Return to upright: Then repeat, becoming more familiar with the “leaned back” sensation.
Over time, this retrains your body to recognise what true upright posture feels like.
Resetting the Brain’s Compass
For people with Parkinson’s, especially those who have lived with the condition for a while, the brain starts to believe that a forward-leaning posture is normal. So when you do lean back properly, your brain might misinterpret it as “too far back.”
That’s where mirrors, videos, and guided feedback from a physiotherapist can make a big difference. Working with a specialist helps recalibrate your sense of balance safely and effectively.
Beyond Posture with Parkinson’s: Releasing Stiffness and Building Strength
At Simpson Physiotherapy, we don’t stop at posture. Most people who come in with forward-leaning issues also need support with:
- Tight joints and muscles: Manual therapy and stretches can help release tension.
- Muscle weakness: Specific strengthening exercises restore function and confidence.
- Balance issues: Training targeted to fall prevention is key.
It’s a holistic approach that recognises the full picture of living with Parkinson’s.
Why Leaning Back Improves Walking
One powerful bonus? Practising the “lean back” cue has a direct impact on walking.
When you’re leaning forward, your feet naturally shift onto the balls, encouraging the classic shuffling gait. But when you re-centre and lean slightly back, it becomes much harder to shuffle. This promotes smoother, more confident steps.
Start Small, Stay Safe
This kind of postural retraining should always begin in a safe environment. We recommend:
- Practicing near a kitchen counter
- Having someone nearby if needed
- Starting with short repetitions and increasing gradually
Consistency is more important than intensity. With daily practice, leaning back becomes second nature.
How a Specialist Can Help
While leaning back is a great start, many people benefit from one-on-one support. At Simpson Physiotherapy, our team works with you to:
- Identify your unique postural challenges
- Create a personalised movement plan
- Provide hands-on support and education
Whether you’ve just been diagnosed or you’ve lived with Parkinson’s for years, there’s always an opportunity to feel more stable, independent, and in control.
Final Thoughts: Replace “Stand Up Straight” With “Lean Back”
It’s time to retire the phrase “stand up straight.”
If you or your loved one has Parkinson’s disease, using the cue “lean back” instead can improve posture, reduce fall risk, and rebuild confidence. Practicing this cue with support can change how you move through the world.
And it’s not just a movement fix—it’s a mindset shift.
Need Help Finding Your Balance?
At Simpson Physiotherapy, we understand that living with Parkinson’s can come with daily challenges—but you don’t have to face them alone. Whether you’re newly diagnosed or have been living with the condition for years, we’re here to support you with strategies that truly work for your body, your goals, and your lifestyle. Our team takes the time to listen, assess, and tailor treatment in a way that makes you feel empowered—not overwhelmed.
If you’re unsure about what support is right for you, why not start with a free phone consultation? It’s a no-pressure conversation where we’ll answer your questions, help you understand your options, and guide you on how to move forward—whether that’s improving posture, reducing stiffness, or simply feeling more confident in your mobility.
Book a free phone consultation with our team at Simpson Physiotherapy and let’s talk about what’s possible! Whether you’re dealing with posture changes, stiffness, or just not feeling steady, we’re here to help.
