Walker Use vs. Walker Abuse
There are many benefits to using a walker; walkers may assist one in recovering from an injury or illness, allow for additional balance and stability, or provide a sense of security. Issues arise when walkers are used incorrectly and they become a crutch as opposed to a support system.
Walker Use
- Walker is properly adjusted
- Individual maintains proper body alignment
- Individual is able to move with light hands on the walker and still engages the stomach and leg muscles when walking
Walker Abuse
- Walker is too high or too low
- Individual begins to ‘hunch over’ or exhibit kyphotic posture (one of the primary causes of back pain, neck pain, migraines and weak hips)
- Individual places a significant amount of their body weight on their walker as opposed to engaging the stomach and leg muscles when walking
Remember: A well adjusted walker is crucial to proper body alignment when walking!
*This blog was first published here: Sunshine Retirement Living
