3 Walking Stick Mistakes to AVOID! (for Seniors)

HT Physio – Over-Fifties Specialist Physio

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In this episode, Farnham's leading over-50's physiotherapist, Will Harlow, reveals 3 major mistakes walking stick users make and how to avoid them!
If you're suffering from nagging knee pain that hurts in the morning and stops you from walking as far as you'd like, you can take our free knee pain guide - which will give you 5 expert tips to put a stop to knee pain at home - by visiting here: ht-physio.co.uk/knee-pain-gui...
To get in touch about sponsorships or promos, send a message to: hello@ht-physio.co.uk
If you're over-50 with a painful problem in the Farnham, Surrey area, you can learn more about how Will Harlow and HT Physio can help you overcome a painful problem here: ht-physio.co.uk/
*Any information in this video should not be used as a substitute for individual medical advice. Please seek advice from your local healthcare professional before taking action on the information in this video.* Full policy here: ht-physio.co.uk/injury-discla...

Опубликовано:

14 июл 2024

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Комментарии : 649

@LAP1050 10 месяцев назад

Great tips. One tip for you. Change the title of this video by omitting the "seniors over 50". This will attract anyone interested in learning walking stick tips. Seniors aren't the only people that use walking sticks...

@NaaiSekar-loyal 7 месяцев назад

💯

@dagneytaggart7707 6 месяцев назад

Agree, Walking sticks for ALL ages.

@upumpkin 6 месяцев назад

I'm young but I'm learning to use a cane

@Lily_The_Pink972 6 месяцев назад

Will states in the intro that he is lead physio for the over 50s in his practice. So his target audience is the over 50s seniors not younger people. No need to change the title.

@lyubovzaslavskaya2915 5 месяцев назад

I was 40 , when I fell and broke my leg in two places. So I need the stick for a while.

@tonyp1340 10 месяцев назад

Halfway thru your video I stopped it, took my walking stick down to the shed and sawed 3 inches off the end. What a difference! I am 75 yoa and have rather bad arthritis in my left hip, so my stick is my best friend. Thank you so much for the advice. Much appreciated.

@WhiteTiger333 10 месяцев назад

My PT showed me how to properly use a stick after my knee replacement surgery. The first time I walked in with the stick instead of the walker, he I was doing it 100% wrong. He adjusted the height, changed hands and got me going properly. Once I got the hang of it, the difference in support and balance was tremendous.

@HT-Physio 10 месяцев назад

So pleased to hear!

@phylisscaci8166 8 месяцев назад

Will, I have vertigo - no injury, but some arthritis in lower spine that sometimes causes what my PT thought was referent nerve pain. The exercises he taught me have allowed me to walk at least 30 mins per day. If it’s just for balance, would I use a walking stick in my dominant right hand?? Love your videos!!

@ezridr1234 5 месяцев назад

Same happened to me almost exactly.

@HelloHello-th8cg 5 месяцев назад

V nice. My stick hight was high. Never realized. Thanks.

@ewernsen5264 4 месяца назад

😮ù

@JudyB-tw2bp 10 месяцев назад

As a retired Canadian physio who worked ortho for 40+ years. I loved your video and am so glad that you put it out to educate people.

@HT-Physio 7 месяцев назад

More than happy to help!

@ursulaquadros6489 5 месяцев назад

Hello willharlow iam aold lady ihad afall some years back i have afracture but i did not want to do surgery as my left leg is weak deformity iwas born like that so iam using the stick icannot walk without the stick its ahabbite so how can you show me some tips how to work woithout stick ihave back pain and both my knees are painfull so what you can advisa me how to start to work without the stickiam allway at home i dont go out can you please will advise me what to do how to stop walkingwith out the stick iam just fedup with the stick

@ursulaquadros6489 5 месяцев назад

Thanks will harlow ihope you can help me to stop using the stick my is ursula from bahrainbye

@maryblencowe 10 месяцев назад

Like just about everyone else here Will, my stick height was adjusted incorrectly for me. I have adjusted it to wrist height as you demonstrated and taken my dog for a walk round the block. I couldn’t believe the difference! My back was upright and the dog and I had a lovely gentle stroll in the evening sunlight. We really enjoyed it! Thank you so much. Your videos are so good and I love the way you explain everything. Each time I play one of them I feel I have visited you in your consulting room 😊

@HT-Physio 10 месяцев назад

So pleased to hear and thank you for the kind words!

@maryblencowe 10 месяцев назад

@@HT-Physio My sister is asking if you have also done a video on elbow crutches please?

@carlettesouthern-robert2992 10 месяцев назад

WoW, that was educational!

@arleenkaizer 10 месяцев назад

No wonder I did not like the stick before

@patriciahoughton3547 9 месяцев назад

4:21 my stick was the ‘correct height’ or almost. I made it higher, as I felt the stick was making me bend forward which I didn’t want to do. I will try to alter it as you say. Thank you

@harleymac6308 10 месяцев назад

This was most helpful. I've been using a stick since an accident 3yrs ago & my posture is worse. I'll try to adapt your methods to help improve this. Thanks to you Will, I now know my stick is not set at the correct height for me. Thank you so much 👍

@HT-Physio 10 месяцев назад

My pleasure! Pleased to be of service!

@lonihollenbeck4654 10 месяцев назад

I'm 70, worked in the woods and have had a farm for most of my life. I'm ALWAYS on the lookout for a naturally formed walking stick or cane, sadly, how many beautiful canes I have thrown away because I thought that they were too short. I shall change my ways, thank you very much.

@OzSteve9801 10 месяцев назад

For years I have been told by doctors and physios to have the stick longer and have the stick arm bent. It's nice to see someone with a bit of sense.

@dthomson8619 10 месяцев назад

This is an excellent lesson. Why? Because I have had therapists try to tell me some, but not all, of the points made here, BUT they did not seem to understand the "why" of each thing. You demonstrated the techniques, AND explained the "why" of each thing. Good job!

@bizzlebasil1 10 месяцев назад

I have been concerned about my posture for ages. Now I realize I have been using my stick all wrong. Thanks Will.

@HT-Physio 10 месяцев назад

Welcome!

@shiranijayasinghe7538 10 месяцев назад

Thank you. I enjoy walking with my walking stick. You explain and demonstrate very well.

@nevillesparkes1936 9 месяцев назад

@@HT-Physio😮😮😮

@tishak.7756 8 месяцев назад

What if a person has scoliosis and can't stand up straight?

@emazey5044 10 месяцев назад

Timely information! Been using cane wrong, can't wait to change things up! Arm was getting tired and back has not been happy. Thanks for this great info! 👍🤗 Update: a day after viewing this video I implemented the suggestions. After practicing the proper way to walk, it's great! And it's becoming easier the more I practice. My arm and back are happy, thanks! 👍👍👍

@HT-Physio 10 месяцев назад

Fantastic! So pleased to hear that :)

@zaitonmdnoor4437 10 месяцев назад

Thank you for teaching the right way to use stick. Appreciate your lesson

@alecbrown66 10 месяцев назад

As a senior, over 50, disabled using a stick for 30yrs, apart from the stick length, it depends what you are using it for! For balance reasons technique is very different for support + balance. Otherwise, good and important vid

@gordonlai7141 10 месяцев назад

I agree. For balance, you need it much higher.

@chinadollfmd 10 месяцев назад

As a yoga instructor, I get seniors in my class and I always emphasize strengthening the back by creating lift in the torso. This corrects posture. If the knee is weak, I recommend doing a hero's pose for stretch and recommend squat crunches to strengthen the knee joints and build muscle mass on the quads. So many of my elder students now stand straighter and upright and in all cases, eliminate any knee pain. No stick required after.

@nyc88s 10 месяцев назад

Will, you are a real gift to this world. Cannot tell you how much I appreciate both your book and all these videos. Thank you!

@HT-Physio 10 месяцев назад

How very kind of you!

@ifsaica 10 месяцев назад

I just started using a stick when my sciatica began a flair up. This makes a lot of sense. I was using the wrong arm, so I’ve changed. I love your channel, and will watch it consistently. Thank you so much for the help you provide. Be well and stay safe. I’m Alex from L A.💙🙏

@dave9351 10 месяцев назад

Pretty weird... I'm dealing with the same thing going on 30 days now. So painful.

@janetdw 7 месяцев назад

@@dave9351 the next time sciatica strikes, try using a TENS unit. It may not work for you but for me it really does alleviate some of that pain. It’s like it distracts the nerve. It doesn’t eliminate it but it dulls a lot of the worst of the pain.

@gdasailor4634 10 месяцев назад

Nice video but ... I take issue with your 2nd point. As a person who has had serious knee and foot injuries of my right leg, when transitioning from crutches to a single cane it was necessary to give significant stabalized support to the weak leg. Using a cross body stick could not provide this, it left far too much weight on the injured leg unless I leaned heavily to the off side, which put an unacceptable load on my arm. However, by holding my right arm straight at my side, resting against my hip for stability, and placing the point of the stick on the ground close to the foot and at mid length of the foot, I could easily take up to 1/2 my body weight on the stick and walk normally. The opposite side arm swings normally which maintains dynamic balance in the same way as a soldier marching with a rifle at the slope.Take a look at FDR as he walked with his son on one side for support and his cane on the other side taking his body weight, he used the same technique and many people never knew that he had been crippled by polio!

@lynnetrathen4587 10 месяцев назад

My best friend is an amputee above knee, she was having major problems a few yrs ago and her physio continuously tried to make her use her walking stick on the same side that was amputated, but, she never felt safe in doing so and she said it seemed unnatural so she just continued to do it her way 🤷🏻‍♀️😁which is as you say the correct way. I’m happy to say she no longer needs the stick 😊😊

@rbrown6476 10 месяцев назад

Wow! I’m just going to say the same as others, but this has been a really helpful, informative and easy to understand video. I had no idea about all this - I bought a stick a few years ago, because I suffer with bouts of extreme dizziness and it helps me feel safer if I go outside. I try to only use the stick when I need it, but when I do, I’ll remember these three rules! I really appreciate your clear teaching style: no waffle - just direct and to the point, but with enough repetitions so I could learn while watching you. You are so generous with your help to us oldies, without being patronising in any way 😅 Thanks a million ❤

@ageingungracefullypushingt7135 10 месяцев назад

I think there is a difference between a walking stick and a hiking stick as the hiking stick serves different purposes (such as preventing the hiker from going off the side of a mountain.). I have been hiking for more than 50 years (currently 73) and my hiking sticks are longer than typically recommended by three or four inches as the added height provides more leverage on uneven, declining or inclining terrain, debris filled trails (rocks, branches, roots etc.) and slippery trails such as mud, wet soil and tiny round rocks that act like ball bearings. In general, however, regardless of the height of the stick, I cannot count the number of times my hiking stick has saved me from a slip or fall while out on the trails. I won't hike without one. (BTW last Sept, for my 72nd birthday, I hiked the Grand Canyon, Rim to Rim, solo, south to north route- 15.5 hrs.

@e.conboy4286 10 месяцев назад

Yeaaaaa!

@philipoakley5498 10 месяцев назад

Yes, there are differences. Hiking poles provide propulsion as well as some support and should be longer. The key difference is the folded elbow, so hand at near shoulder height (especially if you have done Nordic Skiing). The pole tip is not quite as far forward as was shown here which is primarily for support. The pole will have a diagonal angle, almost like its a bannister to pull upon. If you have a longer pole, the tip does not overtake your foot/boot, otherwise it is just a brake at that point of contact. A longer pole also helps reach downhill more easily and proves a third leg of balance. I end up using a 135cm length (though 40 years of British Nordic skiing is probably a factor!) It'll be interesting to hear Will's views

@janetdw 7 месяцев назад

I use the cane even in my home, but when I go down my steep driveway I have a set of hiking poles I use so that I don’t go tumbling down.

@stefanmaslaczyk1259 7 месяцев назад

Don’t be like the unfortunate lady in the English Lake District. She tripped over her stick and fell to her death.

@user-wk1ij1kv6s 7 месяцев назад

I use a trekking pole for balance only. I have no injuries to overcome

@stephendickinson9929 10 месяцев назад

I use mine for balance. I don't need to correct my balance all the time but occasionally. I use it in my right hand because it is more comfortable there. If I need it for leg support I will definitely change my style accordingly. Thanks for the instruction.

@HT-Physio 10 месяцев назад

My pleasure!

@user-ro2cg9hu9d 10 месяцев назад

I am not using a cane yet. Waiting for my walker to be delivered. The doctor ordered one that I can sit on if needed. I love listening to you.

@nancygragg5695 2 месяца назад

I also use my cane for balance and as a result my right leg is weaker , I walk my dog on the left . I have adjusted the cane height and will try to walk better this morning

@jeffglascock2297 10 месяцев назад

Added note: Try turning the stick 180 digrees, so that the short tip is pointed backwards. This allows the wrist weight to ride centered over the shaft rather than in front of the it. This will minimize the twisting of the wrist when heavy weight is applied. It works better for me. Also, there many reasons to carry a walking stick. Don't assume everybody is "doing it wrong". I shift from left to right based on which knee or ankle is giving me the most problem at the particular time. Yet it appears that I'm supporting the wrong leg. I also have a longer stick for traveling, or walking in unimproved areas, due to uneven surfaces. Just saying. But thanks for letting folks know. The positioning and height requrements need also be stressed for crutches. I've seen people get "high centered" or stay hunched over when using crutches.

@JIMKATSANIDIS 10 месяцев назад

Great video, awesome advice, clearly explained! Your videos have given me so much motivation and great help! Thank you for the valuable information Will and keep up the good work!❤👍

@HT-Physio 10 месяцев назад

Thank you very much!

@rutheglin-pugh2320 10 месяцев назад

Just the info I needed!!! Thank you for addressing this matter.

@HT-Physio 10 месяцев назад

You're welcome!

@whamsdram 10 месяцев назад

I use two walking sticks - somewhat inconvenient at times - a stick longer than you suggest by 3 or so inches to assist going = down step or stairs without a handrail and ascending or descending sloping ground or paths - stops me leaning to far forward and falling down stairs as I have done many times - and a correctly sized stick for flat surfaces - both collapsable

@annpowell623 10 месяцев назад

An excellent video with an exacting message. Thank-you very much.😊

@montebrown9528 5 месяцев назад

Great information. Keep up the great work.

@almatoohey9422 Месяц назад

Now that I have learnt the vital lessons on the proper use of the walking stick, I will spread the word to others who will definitely benefit from your expertise! Ecstatic and highly grateful!

@gloriarangott8803 10 месяцев назад

Thank you so much for the well illustrated and patient way you😊 explain AND illustrate proper useage❤🎉

@carolinejohn4537 10 месяцев назад

Well, THAT answered a lot of questions for me! Flippin stick was at wrong height. Thanks SO much Will, you are a Godsend 🤗❣

@helveticaification 10 месяцев назад

Excellent advice, and explanations. Thanks.

@ronaldrose7593 6 месяцев назад

Great video my friend, thank you for sharing it. 😊

@caitjohnson6021 10 месяцев назад

Watching and learning. Instinctively, I’ve been using my cane correctly. I’m so pleased to see this instructional video as it is necessary to know the physiological correct way to use a helping device. Thank you.

@anthonygardner400 10 месяцев назад

As always, you’re videos are crystal clear and helpful. Thank you.

@HT-Physio 10 месяцев назад

You're very welcome!

@JKerr-iy2jr 7 месяцев назад

Great tips. Thanks so much!

@MrMjolnir009 3 месяца назад

It's one of the best videos I've seen on this subject. The instructions were clear and concise. Thank you!

@HT-Physio 3 месяца назад

So pleased you found it helpful that's great to hear!

@annwaters9484 10 месяцев назад

Wonderful information! Thank you!

@sherylbartlett3871 10 месяцев назад

Thanks for your help!

@williamdempsey1952 10 месяцев назад

Will Harlow, you have saved me an amazing amount of pain!!!! I have just started using a walking stick awaiting a hip replacement, and nobody told me how to use it properly….until I found you Will Harlow, watched your RU-vid about using a walking stick properly and I am now using the correct hand, at the correct length, and, correct distance away from me…..THANK YOU, THANK YOU, Thank you William

@babykrueger4494 10 месяцев назад

Thank you very much. Very helpful.

@alfvonharpe1819 5 месяцев назад

CONGRATULATIONS.. Many Thanks..I will use your Recommendations

@HT-Physio 5 месяцев назад

I hope they can be of help!

@walterenfield7448 10 месяцев назад

thank you. i bought a new cane that was way too long. with your guidance, i cut about 5 inches off (exactly to the wrist crease). it now fits and i feel a lot more stable when walking.

@shelbyknapp5627 10 месяцев назад

It was very helpful. Thank you

@wandabrady2178 7 месяцев назад

Loved this video great advice thank you!

@garydavis4982 10 месяцев назад

Very educational and helpful. Thank You

@sabrina4920 8 месяцев назад

Thank you for taking time out t[ explain .

@Joni.b. 10 месяцев назад

Another very clearly explained video! I appreciate that you detail the reasons for as well as the dynamics of the movements. Thank you!

@HT-Physio 10 месяцев назад

Glad it was helpful!

@kristiananielsen3798 2 месяца назад

This helped a lot! Thank you.

@1111lizzard 10 месяцев назад

Very good teacher. Thank you!!

@halkizerian9604 10 месяцев назад

THANK YOU! I needed to learn how to properly use a cane, my gf got me a great oak one, we found it is a little too long. Have to trim about an 1.5 - 2" less. So this will make a HUGE difference! ! Thank you for what you are teaching people. Been using a slightly shorter, less heavy one, but the better heavier one we see I was holding it wrong. Now I'll be able to walk better -- be less tired. Rehab never showed me how to walk properly, AFTER having what would end up being a botched leg surgery.

@lynnglidewell7367 5 месяцев назад

Fantastic video. So helpful and informative.

@HT-Physio 5 месяцев назад

Always happy to help!

@garycraigart3579 10 месяцев назад

Thank you! This is a very valuable bit of information for me as I'm going in for knee surgery soon and will be using a stick for days after. I appreciate your videos and you.

@HT-Physio 10 месяцев назад

You are very welcome!

@guitard1100 10 месяцев назад

Thank you so much! Exactly the advice we needed!

@HT-Physio 10 месяцев назад

You are welcome!

@kathleenmellan8213 10 месяцев назад

Thankyou so much, I have been using my stick wrong it took awhile getting used to the change but it’s much better now

@meandcadasil7093 10 месяцев назад

Will, fantastic video. Straight-forward, well-explained (why doing it correctly will make a difference to posture and gait),well structured (three key points), easy to understand, nice visual demonstrations. Thank you so much! I’ll be making an adjustment to my cane imminently and look forward to the difference it will make in comfort and easier walking. 👍

@catherinemothersill4703 10 месяцев назад

Blimey thanks for this !! Cheers 😊

@melbascott7740 10 месяцев назад

Thanks, good info!

@tonytony3895 3 месяца назад

Your presentation is highly interesting to watch. Thank you very much and take care 🙂

@vixtex 10 месяцев назад

I’m so glad I found your channel. Thank you!

@ALAN095 4 месяца назад

very helpful thank you

@tysonsrose1 10 месяцев назад

Thank you for your information. Adjustable good move. And putting in the right hand thanks for this information

@AvaGrail 10 месяцев назад

I really appreciate this information thank You

@colinmayes9446 6 месяцев назад

That's very good advice Will, thank you.

@edmaguire1012 8 месяцев назад

A real eye opener! Great video. Thanks Wiil

@susiepittman601 10 месяцев назад

Thank you so much.

@lilyanquinn5002 10 месяцев назад

Thanks for your advice. Adjusted my stick!

@carolloye3700 10 месяцев назад

Thanks for sharing👍

@aseriesoftubes66 8 месяцев назад

This video helped me a lot. I just had hip replacement, and had no idea how to properly use a cane. I started out with the wrong hand, which was corrected before seeing this video, however, my cane was way too long, and my gait was definitely not ideal. With my cane's height now properly adjusted, and with more focus on my gait, it's a massive improvement. Thanks for this!

@miladydewinter7770 10 месяцев назад

Thank you very much for that. Have subscribed x

@user-iv5ck4xe5d 7 месяцев назад

very good and helpful thank you

@hazydreamer7965 10 месяцев назад

Hello again. One more video with plenty of good advice. After 2 guys on bicycles threw me down onto the ground, I needed an operation and ever since (4 yrs now) I feel safer and more secure walking with a stick. Your advice was to pay attention to the correct side, where the stick ought to be. I keep mine on the left side only because it feels somehow better. My operation was right in the middle of my spine underneath the waistline. So there is no real side to point out. - Maybe one day you could mention something like this in one of your future videos. Thank you.

@HT-Physio 10 месяцев назад

So sorry to hear that! But pleased the advice helped!

@TonBen2000 10 месяцев назад

Thanks Will!

@HT-Physio 10 месяцев назад

You're welcome!

@kathleenstoin671 10 месяцев назад

Excellent video. I was glad to see that I'm using my stick correctly, as a physical therapist taught me. Thanks!

@duncandes1 5 месяцев назад

Thank you for information 😊

@dickguzman4238 6 месяцев назад

your videos have been very helpful. thank you for sharing.

@roystewart4826 10 месяцев назад

Thank you for your work on this video I’ve adjusted my stick and hopefully this will help my worsening posture , please keep up the good work.

@kstaxman2 2 месяца назад

Love your detail and easy instruction

@HT-Physio 2 месяца назад

Thank you!

@jhill74893 10 месяцев назад

thankyou for that useful information

@montemiller3447 6 месяцев назад

Very helpful and I have made the changes.

@georgeh1352 2 месяца назад

Thanks for your video, I'm 75yrs and need a stick help walking with a damaged knee. Have now changed my stick height and gait style, feels alot better now, cheers to you.

@HT-Physio 2 месяца назад

So pleased my video was able to offer some helpful information :)