1st THR at age 35. 64 now. Nursing was my career & horseback riding my passion. I have walked with an altered gait since the age of 4 years. But walking none the less.
Wondering about using Nordic walkers for exercise? TIA
Ive been wondering this too Vickie. Walking with a stick now but feel maybe i would be more balanced with nordic walkers possibly. Just cant seem to get off the stick without a significant limp which I really want to improve.
Hi Carol
I'm looking into this. Due to my 4th surgery & the hip dz I don't hang a lot of butt muscle mass but I think these Nordic walkers would definitely help build some strength while walking. My orthopedic surgeon says walk, walk! One day at a time. One step at a time :-)
Vickie
This is my 17th surgery Vickie and my muscles just dont want to play ball! I feel so well and happy otherwise but just dont want this limp. Im walking 2 miles a day and still doing my exercises - had complex reconstruction - replacement plus extra metal and bone grafts. Please let me know what you find out. Im seeing physiotherapist again on thursday so will ask her.
Will do & let me know what you find out as well. Have a blessed day.
Dear Vickie
I've been advocating using,walking poles for time because they help one to maintain a good upright stance and allow you to reduce the loading on your operated leg and give you much needed confidence. Then as you regain lost muscle strength you can reduce pressure on the sticks.
Please give them a decent time and report back here.
Cheers Richard
Thx Richard
I'd never heard of Nordic walkers until I read it here on the forum. I walk with such an altered gait...would hope to gain some strength at least. Doubt I'd increase the buttock muscles much cuz I don't really have a lot to work with...lol
Dear Vickie
When I had my total hip replacement twenty years ago I did not do anything apart from walk. No exercises and no physio and my recovery was quick and steady so just get those sticks out and walk and if you over do it rest and then walk but ensure that you have a good action and a good posture and gait, that's really important. Speed will come naturally.
Cheers Richard
Thx so much!
Hi Vickie, had a bilat hip reply June 2013. Have thigh pain all the time. Horseback
Riding my passion too. Bef surgery riding was painful. Now it isn't but walking is! Seeing a gait (human) specialist who says I don't use my toes when I walk. She gave me some exercises and says to think of my knees as headlights. After surg I became knock kneed. Am also getting Accupressure. Has been a few weeks. So far still having pain. I'll give it six weeks. I think walking with the Nordic walker will put you on your toes more which could be helpful for using the correct muscles.
TY for your encouragement. We have to just keep making it a day and a step at a time. Seriously thinking about those Nordic walkers! Wishing you the best!
Dear Vickie
I replied to another thread and suggested swimming. I found it was very effective in every way which was quit a surprise to me. As soon as I'm through my hip revision I will return to swimming.
Cheers Richard
I was advised by my private physio to get walking poles as I was having shoulder pains after being on walking sticks for so long.
I found that the altered grip was easier, and the spring in them absorbed some of the shock as you plant them down too.
Dear Graham
That's useful feedback. it's always good to having their effectiveness confirmed by another actual user!
I suppose on thinking about it that,the ideal in the early stages of getting back to weight bearing would be a very reduced gravity situation and as one progresses to gradually increase gravity!
An alternative could be a full body harness such as I used to use in a dangerous building situation and be suspended with a bungie cord so that you could alter your effective weight as you progressed to mend. Then there is walking in a pool but that may be difficulties
As was saying pool walking may make it difficult to establish a good balance and gait! Many possible options out there!
Cheers Richard
I went in for weight loss before the operation to help - and I'm sure it did just that. I lost over 5 stone (77 pounds).
Graham 🚀