I was first introduced to the idea of Nordic Walking at a conference I attended several years ago. I recognized that using walking poles enabled patients to walk in a more upright, less stooped and more biomechanically correct posture. For many of our physical therapy patients this is a very good thing!
The improved walking posture combined with the unique 4-wheel-drive type action of walking with poles radically reduces the stress to the feet, ankles, knees, hips and back by transferring impact forces from the lower extremities to the upper extremities. In doing so, it not only provides a workout for the upper body, it also creates a low impact, highly effective workout – burning more calories and working more muscle groups than regular walking!
Using walking poles can help individuals with balance issues walk more comfortably. Patients with Multiple Sclerosis (MS), Parkinson’s Disease (PD), peripheral neuropathy, lumbar pain or following procedures such as
total hip and total knee replacements can also benefit. As patients progress from partial to full weight bearing, they find using the poles is more stable than using a cane or walker.
Walking poles can help many patients increase their confidence with walking, enabling them to get outside, start walking safely and effectively launch much needed walking campaigns. As a result, they can be used as an adjunct to physical therapy for many patients enabling independence, increased endurance, improved balance, function and activity tolerance.
Nordic Walking poles need to be selected and measured correctly according to height. For more information call our Buda Clinic at 512 295-6272.
David Turner, PT, OCS