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How to learn to walk without a stick.

Posted , 12 users are following.

Sarah_Haggart
Sarah_Haggart

Hi I'm currently 10 weeks post op and walking indoor without a stick but outside using one stick. How do I get off using the stick? I currently walk around 1 or 2 miles a day with it. But really want to get so that I don't need it. What has everyone else done to achieve this? Thanks

1 like, 16 replies

16 Replies

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  • Guest
    Guest Sarah_Haggart

    Posted

    Hi, I had the same problems with a walking stick, then someone suggested using Nordic walking poles to help with my balance They gave me great confidence on gravel paths etc. I am a double THR. I still use them when walking the dogs.

    Nick

  • herse
    herse Sarah_Haggart

    Posted

    Hi Sarah. Exercises to build up the gluten is important so that you can walk unaided. Presume you have physiotherapy so they should be working with you to do the right exercises. I am finding hydrotherapy really good as well. Good luck !
    • herse
      herse

      Posted

      Sorry Sarah meant glutes not gluten !

  • tony1967
    tony1967 Sarah_Haggart

    Posted

    Hi Sarah I am coming up to 6 weeks post op and went out for a walk without sticks yesterday for the first time. I just thought leave the sticks at home and went for it, my wife came with me.

    I would say just go for it but go on a short walk first and then build up from there, take someone with you first time for moral support.

    You will be fine just need confidence in yourself.

  • barbara_72197
    barbara_72197 Sarah_Haggart

    Posted

    I would say that you are ready to give up the sticks when you start leaving them behind when walking around the house. You naturally don't depend on them, when you are strong enough. 10 weeks is not al long time from a major surgery, all of those muscles are trying to go back to normal. It takes time. 

    I was very keen to give them up, but I reinjured the muscles. So be careful! 

    Best of luck! Barbara 😊

     

  • maggie93798
    maggie93798 Sarah_Haggart

    Posted

    It will take a little time. Firstly ensure that you are doing the exercises to strengthen your flutes. There is a good app called pocket physio which I found useful. I bought a fold up light walking stick started off outside each day with it in my bag, went a little further without it each day. Eventually left it behind
  • steve86482
    steve86482 Sarah_Haggart

    Posted

    I just stopped using it and told my brain to let me walk without and not to fall
  • maureen44782
    maureen44782 Sarah_Haggart

    Posted

    I left my crutches behind after Physio once and she said that maybe I didn't need them anymore.  Confidence, that thing that eludes, especially me.  Crutch in more ways than one...but we've been through quite a bit!

  • judith12644
    judith12644 Sarah_Haggart

    Posted

    Hi Sarah, I was using a crutch until my 6 week physio appointment, and I was told I didn't really need anything. So I practised walking with the physio, and then came home on the bus with nothing. It felt really weird at first, but I quickly became more confident. If you are walking at home without your stick, you sound as though you are doing well. Maybe begin with some short walks outside. ( Perhaps with someone?) Good luck!

  • hope4cure
    hope4cure Sarah_Haggart

    Posted

    When your ready it will all fall into place. Also PT can help encourage you to walk by teaching ways for muscle strength and gain core strength.

     

    • Sarah_Haggart
      Sarah_Haggart hope4cure

      Posted

      Thank you everyone for your replies. Forgot to say been using a stick for 2years previous to hip replacement. Went for a short walk yesterday without my stick and currently have terrible back pain. Sure this will wear off once body gets used to the new position of walking.
    • beth2509
      beth2509 Sarah_Haggart

      Posted

      I fully understand how nervewracking it is. I was using a stick for the last three years. For most of the last year I have been on crutches (not entirely due to the hip). I can't walk outside without my stick, and I don't trust myself in bigger distances or in unfamiliar places without my crutches, as my ankle can give way - as it has done once already since the hip surgery, dumping me on the ground at only two weeks post-op. So it's a matter of confidence for all of us. But I do now manage to keep losing my stick in the house, so I guess that is my brain telling me I don't need it there, and I'm listening to it!

      ?When you are ready to "let go" you will. Just keep a balance in all things and don't overdo it. But it would probably be worth looking into some back strengthening exercises. My physio has had me doing these for the last several months to maintain my back strength after I couldn't manage my yoga ones - because I couldn't get off the ground afterwards! Ho hum... life!

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