Using a cane or a crutch when you have an injury can be very confusing especially when characters on TV shows don’t even use them right! So let me show you how to walk with a cane correctly. Once you get the hang of it, it becomes very easy and natural. When we walk normally, our opposite arm swings forward with our opposite leg. When using a cane, you want the same technique so you don’t risk injuring something else while you are recovering.
The most important part to start with is to make sure your cane is the right height. Most canes have a pin you can push in to change the height. On your upper leg there is a bone that sticks out called your greater trochanter. It is just below your hip. This is where you want the top of the cane. You should have a slight bend in your elbow about 20 degrees. If the cane is too high, you might irritate your shoulder, and if it is too low, you might lean over too much.
Now for the walking part. The cane should be in the opposite hand of the injured side. Yes, House, MD did it wrong! The cane should always move with the injured side. If the injured side goes forward, the cane goes forward for support. Again, this is how our bodies naturally move; so don’t think about it too much. Just move how you would normally move. The cane should be for balance and safety, and if you feel like you are pushing really hard on it, or if you can’t walk smoothly, then you probably are not ready for a cane yet.
Tension headaches are very common, and they can really shut you down. Stress is the number one cause of tension headaches. These simple stretches and exercises can help relax the muscles that are causing the pain.
People often have poor posture when they are working at a desk or gaming all day. These quick exercises will help improve bad posture fast, and they are easy to do at your desk or chair.
Picking the best pillow may seem simple, but with so many to choose from, it's not as easy as it looks! I tried out several different pillows, and in this video, I'll show you what makes each one special, who it's best for, and what to consider when choosing the PERFECT pillow for you!
We squat every day from sitting down in a chair to getting out of bed, or even sitting safely on the toilet, but squats can be a painful task when something hurts, or our muscles are weak. Practicing squats in a reverse order can help strengthen the muscles and work on doing them correctly and safely.
TENS units & EMS units can be very helpful when recovering from an injury or surgery. The two are very different, but often come together in one unit like the iStim EV-805 unit I use in this video.
Did you know GERD or Acid Reflux can often be relieved by simple stretches and exercises? In this video, I'll show several stretches and exercises that can help prevent and relieve the symptoms of GERD or acid reflux.
Finding the perfect mattress can be difficult. Some people like firm mattresses, some like soft mattresses, and some like them in between. Since people often ask me what mattress I sleep on, here's a 1 year follow-up to the Back Science Mattress I currently sleep on.
The best sleeping position for you shouldn't be something you lose sleep over! Doctor Jo will show you how to get your body in a neutral sleeping position for a better night's sleep.
