Céline Dion returns to stage amid rare disease that causes severe muscle stiffness and painful spasms. Here's how she is fighting back

Céline Dion is currently touring France four years after she was diagonsed with with stiff person syndrome (SPS) - a rare condition affects only about one to two people per million. The singer kicked off her series of concerts in Nanterre, near Paris on September 12, almost after a gap of six year. The concerts at an arena in the Paris suburb of Nanterre, unveiled on her 58th birthday in March.

Her return to the stage, however, was not easy. The singer reportedly trained five days a week with a combination of Pilates and ballet as she prepares for a five-week residency in Paris later this month.

What is stiff person syndrome?

Stiff person syndrome is an extremely rare progressive neurological disorder in which the body's immune system mistakenly attacks components of the central nervous system. According to Johns Hopkins Medicine estimates the condition affects only about one to two people per million.


The disorder is typically characterized by muscle stiffness and episodes of painful spasms. Symptoms can come and go and may become more severe over time. Sudden movements, unexpected sounds, emotional stress or physical contact can sometimes trigger spasms in people with the condition.

There is currently no cure for stiff person syndrome, although treatment can help control symptoms. Johns Hopkins Medicine notes that working with specialists and maintaining symptom control can make it easier for people to live with the disorder.

The condition can also be difficult to identify. The Stiff Person Syndrome UK and Ireland Support Group and Charity notes that patients are sometimes initially diagnosed with conditions such as anxiety or depression. Women also appear to be affected more frequently than men.

Céline Dion Workout Routine

Dion's return to the stage has been a gradual process since she publicly revealed her diagnosis in 2022. As per reports, Dion's current routine includes 90-minute Pilates sessions three times a week and two weekly ballet classes, with her training focused on strength, mobility, balance and muscular control. For the Grammy-winning singer, the workouts are not simply part of a performance regimen. They are also part of her effort to manage the effects of a rare condition that can cause severe muscle stiffness and painful spasms.

Dion's training combines two forms of exercise that place considerable emphasis on controlled movement. Pilates focuses on core strength, posture, stability, flexibility and muscular control, while ballet requires balance, coordination, strength and precision, reported Womenshealthmag.

Céline Dion Diet

Céline Dion has frequently found herself at the center of speculation about her weight and diet, but her reported eating habits suggest a strong connection to traditional French and family-style cuisine.

As per 2025 media reports, her day reportedly begins with a classic French petit déjeuner, often consisting of a cup of coffee—typically an espresso—and a croissant. The breakfast may be simple, but a traditional buttery croissant can be relatively calorie-dense, particularly when paired with additional butter or jam. Dion also reportedly enjoys fresh fruit, including pineapple, melon and cherries.

Lunch is where her appreciation for French cooking becomes more apparent. While a baguette or salad can make up a simple meal, she has also shared more elaborate dishes.

Dinner, meanwhile, appears to be more varied. Dion has incorporated foods from different culinary traditions into family meals, including dishes reflecting her late husband's Syrian and Lebanese heritage. Her reported diet includes fruits and vegetables alongside proteins such as chicken, pork and steak.

She also has a particularly strong connection to smoked meat. Dion reportedly is a part-owner of Schwartz's, the famous Jewish deli in Montreal, giving her an especially personal connection to the city's iconic smoked-meat tradition.