Celine Dion doing ‘physical therapy every day’ in hopes of a return to the stage amid incurable stiff-person syndrome: ‘She’s a fighter’

By William On Dec 22, 2023

Celine Dion's fight for the return to the stage continues.

The hitmaker, 55, who according to her sister has lost control of her muscles due to stiff person syndrome, is working hard to overcome her condition, according to sources.

“Celine is a fighter,” an insider said American weekly. 'She doesn't have as much control over her muscles as she used to, but she is working with doctors and physiotherapists to get better.'

The source claimed, “Celine has taken time to focus on her health but plans to return to the stage as soon as her medical team clears.”

Celine Dion's battle for a return to the stage continues as she battles stiffness syndrome. “She doesn't have as much control over her muscles as she used to, but she is working with doctors and physical therapists to get better,” a source told US Weekly (pictured in Miami in January 2020)

A second acquaintance supports these claims.

“She remains positive and upbeat and does her physical therapy every day,” the insider said.

“Somehow being back on stage is her constant dream, even though she can no longer sing; she just wants to see those beaming faces.”

Stiff-person syndrome is a “rare autoimmune neurological disorder that usually causes muscle stiffness and painful spasms that come and go and can worsen over time,” according to John Hopkins Medicine.

The Grammy winner was last seen at a hockey game in Las Vegas with her twins Eddy and Nelson, 13, and eldest son Charles-Rene, 22, watching the Montreal Canadiens lose to the Golden Knights.

Celine shared her sons with late husband Rene Angelil.

“My boys and I had such a fun visit with the Montreal Canadiens after their hockey game with Vegas Golden Knights in Las Vegas Monday night,” the My Heart Will Go On singer posted on November 1.

'They played so well, what a match!! Thanks for meeting us after the game, guys! That was unforgettable for all of us. Have a great season! – Celine xx… '

The Grammy winner was last seen at a hockey game in Las Vegas with her twins Eddy and Nelson, 13, and eldest son Charles-Rene, 22, watching the Montreal Canadiens lose to the Golden Knights. This photo was posted to Instagram on November 1

Another source said the Grammy winner “remains positive and upbeat and continues her physical therapy every day” (photo in Los Angeles in February 1999).

Although she won't be releasing any new music in the near future, Celine and her team have made sure her fans are aware of the 25th anniversary of her holiday album, These Are Special Times.

“In 1998, after releasing the critically acclaimed albums Falling Into You, Let's Talk About Love and S'il suffisait d'aimer, Celine gave us her own precious holiday gift, These Are Special Times,” her team wrote on social media.

'This beloved holiday album features classics such as O Holy Night, Happy Xmas (War is Over) and The Prayer, a beautiful duet with Andrea Bocelli.'

“And now, 25 years later, These Are Special Times remains one of the best-selling holiday albums of all time.”

The LP sold approximately 12 million copies.

The Power of Love artist announced last December that she had been diagnosed with stiff person syndrome and would retire from performing.

The Power of Love artist announced last December that she had been diagnosed with stiff person syndrome and would retire from performing

Sources say Celine is fighting to overcome her health struggles

STOP PERSON SYNDROME: UNTREATABLE NEUROLOGICAL PRESENCE THAT LOCKS THE BODY

Stiff Person Syndrome is an extremely rare condition in which the muscles in the trunk and limbs are alternately cramped and stiff.

Estimates suggest it affects around 70 people in Britain and 330 people in the US, and remains little understood. About twice as many women as men are affected.

Due to the progressive disease, patients' stiffness increases over time and may require them to use a wheelchair.

There are usually three types of syndrome:

Classic person-man syndrome: When there is stiffness and spasms around the back and abdomen, and sometimes also around the thighs and neck. It can cause back curvature over time.
Stiff Limb Syndrome: Spasms mainly affect the legs and feet, causing them to occasionally lock in place. Hands can also be affected.
Jerking stiff person syndrome: The rarest, most aggressive form, which includes symptoms of both others, and also affects the head and eyes.

Experts don't know exactly what's behind the disease.

But they believe it could be caused by an autoimmune reaction, in which the body attacks its own nerve cells that control muscle movement.

About 40 percent of patients also have type 1 diabetes, another autoimmune disease. Type 1 diabetes is mainly associated with the classic person syndrome.

Other autoimmune diseases such as vitiligo, which causes white patches on the skin, and pernicious anemia are also associated with it.

It is also more common in people with breast, lung, kidney, thyroid or colon cancer, as well as lymphoma, but researchers don't yet know why.

In 'stiff person syndrome', the immune system attacks a protein that helps produce gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), which regulates motor neurons – the nerves that control movement.

Low levels of GABA cause the neurons to fire continuously when they are not supposed to, resulting in spasms and stiffness.

What are the symptoms?

The main symptoms caused by 'stiff person syndrome' are spasms and stiffness of the trunk and limbs.

Spasms can be caused by loud noises, with the condition also causing increased sensitivity to sound.

Touch and emotional distress may also be felt more intensely as a result of the condition.

The spasms can be so severe that people fall over or lead to problems walking and other disabilities.

Stress and anxiety also tend to be higher in people with the condition, mainly due to the unpredictability of spasms.

The lack of GABA – which regulates anxiety – in their system also impacts mental health.

“I have been dealing with issues with my health for a long time and it has been very difficult for me to face these challenges and talk about everything I have been through,” she said in an emotional video.

Although she initially postponed her Courage World Tour until spring 2024, the Golden Globe winner made the decision to cancel it in May.

“Even though it breaks my heart, it's best that we cancel everything now until I'm really ready to be back on stage,” she told her loyal fans.

The determined artist appears to have kept her promise she made earlier this year to continue working on her health. “I want you all to know: I'm not giving up… and I can't wait to see you again!” she said at the time.