How to Use a Walker Correctly - Ask Doctor Jo

Using a walker may seem simple, but if you don't use it correctly, you may fall or end up hurting something else in the process like your back or shoulders. This video shows you how to use a walker correctly. Watch Dr. Jo show how to use a walker on stairs: • How to Use a Walker on...
A walker is used when you need a little more support than just some balance. It has more support than using a cane, and it also has more support than crutches since it is one complete piece. It’s important to make sure the height is adjusted so you are standing upright and not leaning over or shrugging your shoulders.
A rolling walker, like the one used in this video, should not be lifted while moving. You want to roll it as you walk with a normal gait pattern. Pushing on it too hard or trying to lift it up and move it will affect your gait and safety.
Related Videos:
How to Use a Walker on Stairs:
• How to Use a Walker on...
Sit to Stand with a Walker:
• Sit to Stand with a Wa...
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Doctor Jo is a licensed Physical Therapist and Doctor of Physical Therapy.
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How to Use a Walker:
• How to Use a Walker Co...
DISCLAIMER: This content (the video, description, links, and comments) is not medical advice or a treatment plan and is intended for general education and demonstration purposes only. This content should not be used to self-diagnose or self-treat any health, medical, or physical condition. Don’t use this content to avoid going to your own healthcare professional or to replace the advice they give you. Consult with your healthcare professional before doing anything contained in this content. You agree to indemnify and hold harmless Ask Doctor Jo, LLC, its officers, employees, and contractors for any and all losses, injuries, or damages resulting from any and all claims that arise from your use or misuse of this content. Ask Doctor Jo, LLC makes no representations about the accuracy or suitability of this content. Use of this content is at your sole risk.

[@AskDoctorJo]

Buy a wheeled walker here: amzn.to/2t2B7c3 (affiliate link) Don't forget to hit the 🔴 *SUBSCRIBE* 🔴 button above! *Find all of my videos at **kzbin.info*

[@sunrise2day462]

Thank you very much. I have a relative that is starting to use the walker. These tips will help me guide him.

[@AskDoctorJo]

You're welcome.

[@cathyschmick1857]

Hello! I just recently took my 2 wheel walker out of storage temporarily, I pray, and I am facing a hip replacement within a couple months. In the meantime, I'm trying to find house cleaning tricks for myself to go by as I cannot afford to have anybody to do light housecleaning for me and do not want to ask friends or family either. Are there any videos you can suggest to me? Thank you so much.

[@paultierney9642]

Have you done video on using a walker when totally Non Weight Bearing on one leg

[@jacquelinedavis3710]

Please

[@ameyapimparikar4968]

Hi, thanks for informative video. I'm suffering from balance issue (cerebellar atrophy). Can I use this type of Walker with 2 wheels. Won't it go ahead or imbalance me? I'm using normal Walker without wheels right now.

[@JeaniColeman]

What do you do about the back leg caps which ware down when they scrape on the concrete? Just keep buying more? Is there a way to prevent them from tearing up?

[@AskDoctorJo]

You can cut small slits in tennis balls, and put them on the ends. They also help it slide better.

[@radp4291]

Is there a way to use a waljer that doesnt sound luke you are dragging heavy furniture to your upstairs naighbor?

[@AskDoctorJo]

Using tennis balls or you can buy "walker glides/ski glides" to go on the feet so it slides smoother and helps reduce the noise.

[@brendanleaf8925]

Using my rollator makes my arms hurt, which ever height it is set at. Any advice please ?

[@AskDoctorJo]

Sometimes people push down too hard, but it should more of a sliding motion. But it kind of depends on what specifically someone is using it for.

[@sylviashaw71]

Hi Dr. Jo! I just subscribed. I like your channel. Very helpful! I have severe lumbar stenosis with a little scoliosis, I think came from the stenosis. I have been using a cane for short distances and a rollator for longer. I need a hip replacement in left hip. When I use my rollator or cane or even a cart I have to put A LOT of pressure on them when I walk. Sometimes it kills my arms! Do you have any suggestions about how I could use them better? Or if I should be using something else? Thank you!

[@AskDoctorJo]

Thanks for subscribing. Sorry to hear that. Unfortunately, I don't know since I can't evaluate you. Sometimes if the heights are too low, people tend to lean more on to the device. So maybe look in a mirror when you are using it, and see how far bent over you are. It should help you stand upright, so if you are bending a lot, it might be too low.

[@sylviashaw71]

AskDoctorJo I understand that it would be difficult to help me with my problem without a proper evaluation. I think, since I must lean on my forearms to be able to walk that the Upright walker may be my only answer. I was hoping to avoid the expense of it. I, also, don’t think it would be very easy to use indoors. Thanks so much for your time! God Bless!

[@AskDoctorJo]

You're welcome, and thanks! Good luck.

[@phillyphill01]

Thank u so much I really learned alot

[@AskDoctorJo]

You're welcome.

[@bobbib7986]

What if you are non weight bearing

[@AskDoctorJo]

Then it would be a hop pattern.

[@azahm.s4321]

Tq. May I ask, is it a good idea to place a glider over the rubber rear? My walker is different from the above, it is a rugged walker with 2 wheels.

[@AskDoctorJo]

Gliders or even tennis balls are fine.

[@RachelBangert]

Can you please create an educational video demonstrating safe transfers into a tub and shower onto a shower chair (and exiting)? Would be excellent to see examples both with and without use of a walker. Thanks, your videos are great!

[@israazawahera8330]

Thank you very much and you are very fun 💙 You Helped me do my duty 😂💙

[@AskDoctorJo]

You're welcome!

[@louisfrancojr.6406]

Can you use a rolling walker inside a pool? Would it leave wheel marks on the pool floor?

[@quasar4601]

Thank you, what videos do you recommend the most for PTA,

[@rebeccawoosley8241]

How do you safely walk downhill with a walker please?

[@teresaliu9098]

I have a walker my moblity is a struggle

[@priscilladamon3059]

Hi, My left arm is still paralyzed after a stroke so theres no strenght on left side.what should I do to walk with a walker?

[@AskDoctorJo]

Unfortunately, I don't know that answer since I can't evaluate you. Everyone is different. If there is any way you can see a physical therapist in person, they should be able to help you and help answer your questions.

[@poetrynook962]

Thank you.

[@AskDoctorJo]

You're welcome.

[@smileii73]

Hi, i was wondering where did buy that black walker from! Im looking for such walker for a year now!

[@AskDoctorJo]

It's my uncle's from when he had a knee replacement. It was provided to him by the hospital.

[@jeffreyclarke8758]

What if your walker has no wheels

[@kennethstice2706]

@AskDoctorJo Thanks for the informative videos! I was wondering if you had any opinions on if a 4 wheeled walker/rollator could be used by runners returning from a running injury to help reduce impact? I've thought of this idea because trekking poles essentially do the same for runners that a cane does for the elderly, so I feel like it would make sense that a rollator could help reduce the impact of running?

[@rudreshjoshi8693]

can you list of problems in old one please

[@martaj666]

How do you turn? The wheels don't seem to swivel.

[@AskDoctorJo]

These types of walkers are very light and easy to turn. Most people just pick them up slightly.

[@ellahatcher152]

Could the back legs scratch the tiles floor?

[@AskDoctorJo]

It depends on how hard you are pressing on it, but many people will cut slits in tennis balls and put on the end of the back legs so it's smoother.

[@denisecohen9061]

❤❤❤ You are an excellent speaker & So Very Gentle

[@AskDoctorJo]

Thanks.

[@sanjayalakmal1580]

👍 👍 👍

[@sharonmitchel1377]

What is the purpose of putting 🎾 tennis balls on the back legs?

[@millier6334]

To create traction

[@sharonmitchel1377]

@@millier6334 interesting.

[@UltimaPun84]

Another quality video, even my mum has joined your channel

[@AskDoctorJo]

Thanks! Hi mum!

[@kashmirasaraiya5251]

Thanks.it is v.useful to use walker

[@AskDoctorJo]

You’re welcome.

[@sujaniwithanage2858]

nicely demonstrated.

[@AskDoctorJo]

Thanks.

[@azahm.s4321]

How to use it on curb? Or uneven surface? In general need a basic skill on manoevering d walker

[@AskDoctorJo]

For the curb, you would just walk up to the curb. Lift the walker up onto the curb, stabilize it, and then step up. If you need training with it, you really need to go see a physical therapist in person, so they can help make sure you are safe with it.

[@azahm.s4321]

@@AskDoctorJo Tq so much

[@AskDoctorJo]

You're welcome.

[@nurabusnaq6367]

Really useful! Thanks!

[@AskDoctorJo]

You're welcome!

[@fracturedfauve]

Thank you. This was informative.

[@AskDoctorJo]

You're welcome.

[@pohjon3656]

thank you!

[@AskDoctorJo]

You're welcome!

[@halopines1600]

How do these work in the snow? Thanks

[@AskDoctorJo]

As long as there is a hard surface underneath, they should be okay, but not really sure.

[@lorrainedigiacomo9150]

Thank you!!!

[@AskDoctorJo]

You're welcome!

[@steveszejna989]

Just curious, why don’t the back legs have wheels? Would the walker be too hard to control?

[@AskDoctorJo]

Yes. The idea as that it doesn't get "ahead" of the person using it. There are some walkers that have 4 wheels, but they have hand brakes to be able to stop it.

[@steveszejna989]

AskDoctorJo Thanks!

[@AskDoctorJo]

You're welcome!

[@accentontheoff]

Won’t the back two legs create a lot of friction in regular surfaces like roads. Thanks.

[@AskDoctorJo]

Sometimes if you have to put a lot of weight through it. People often cut slits into tennis balls and put them on the bottom for a smoother ride. You can also buy sliders for the bottoms as well.

[@accentontheoff]

@@AskDoctorJo Yes, thanks.

[@accentontheoff]

@@AskDoctorJo Will try.

[@AskDoctorJo]

You're welcome. Good luck.

[@accentontheoff]

@@AskDoctorJo This is not a way of circumventing a real world consultation as I will be doing one with a physio here where I live. But is there any kind of walker that works best with a patient who might be suffering from dementia and is tending to fall and is having trouble maintaining a sense of balance. Alternatively are there any exercises for one such. Thanks.

[@susieodell2637]

Thanks so much!

[@AskDoctorJo]

You're welcome!

[@susieodell2637]

@@AskDoctorJo Had my first therapist session with this tool and your advice kept ringing in my ears to help! I’ll be walking much more smoothly in no time! 🍀

[@mikioni]

Thanks .🙂

[@AskDoctorJo]

You're welcome.