3 Walking Stick Mistakes to AVOID! (for Seniors)

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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!

[tonyp]

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.

[WhiteTiger]

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.

[JudyB-twbp]

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.

[maryblencowe]

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 😊

[LAP]

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...

[dthomson]

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!

[harleymac]

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 👍

[zaitonmdnoor]

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

[gloriarangott]

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

[rbrown]

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 ❤

[caitjohnson]

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.

[meandcadasil]

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. 👍

[carolinejohn]

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

[nycs]

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!

[emazey]

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! 👍👍👍

[halkizerian]

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.

[annpowell]

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

[helveticaification]

Excellent advice, and explanations. Thanks.

[roystewart]

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.

[aseriesoftubes]

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!