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.
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.
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These simple breathing exercises are great for people with COPD or for people who want to be able to hold their breath longer like swimmers or surfers. These are also great for relaxation.
People often have bad posture when they are working at a desk or gaming all day. This video will show you some great tips on what to look for in a chair to give you the best sitting posture to help reduce neck and back pain.
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Massage guns, or percussion guns, usually come with several heads or attachments. Here’s a general overview of what each one can be used for, and what area of the body it works on best.
Bodyweight exercises are great (especially for beginners) because they can be done without any equipment or an expensive gym membership. Many simple and effective exercises can be done with just our bodyweight. The bodyweight exercises in this video are great for helping to improving strength, balance, and overall health.
