Try This Underused Exercise to Improve Walking

[@Conhill2001]

So good to hear someone talk and demonstrate the mechanics of walking. My past physio's just seem to be fixated on strengthening exercises.

[@DoctorGretchenHawley]

Traditional physical thearpy vs. MS Specific physical therapy are different! This is a prime example. Many of my clients did not see improvements through traditional PT, but have improved through my approach☺️

[@roberture5903]

Dr. Gretchen thank you so much I actually consciously started implementing that is soon as I watched your video and it's made made it markedly easier for me to walk even if I use a walker. God bless you young lady and I will say this I really wish I was in the same area as you because I would do a couple physical therapy sessions with you in a heartbeat. Thank you again and it's always great to see your videos.

[@claudiahaugh3275]

Thank you so much for this! I could not understand why I wasn't able to walk easily but this lesson showed me exactly what was wrong! A couple of years ago I hurt my right knee pretty badly, got tendons torn and the meniscus damaged as well. When I had an MRI to determine exactly what was wrong it was clear that I had pretty severe osteoarthritis in my knee as well as the torn tendons. So, my knee was hurting really bad for months and months. This exercise showed me that because my knee had been hurting for so long I was unconsciously keeping as much of my weight off that knee, especially since I was using a cane a lot of the time. It still hurts but nowhere near as bad so I can concentrate of putting more weight on it so I can walk again! (at least a lot better than I have been for the last couple of years!) Thank you!

[@amycritchett9685]

My knee doesn't bend, so I have a major problem. Suggestions?

[@karenswartz8657]

Mine sometimes doesn’t either!

[@Ketterer2Inspire]

I deal with this issue of L. Leg. Difficult to bring into car when I get in. I either, wait a few min relax and try again. When I walk with the walker I push off on the handle to alleviate pressure on my feet and leg.

[@bratgirl1000]

Such simple helpful exercises and thank you. I defiantly need to focus on the mechanics and almost start again. I can feel that I have forgotten how to walk. Can you point me to a video on knee hyperextension? On my weaker leg, the snap back is a problem. If I really concentrate and focus on keeping my muscles activated, I can prevent hyperextension but after 10 -15 steps and as soon as I forget (even one step) back goes to my knee and I lose confidence. The first "step" today is to pay attention and practice this weight transfer. Thanks again for al you do.

[@Lisa-cb4le]

Me too, hyper extended backwards left knee

[@DoctorGretchenHawley]

Hi there! I have several videos between Shorts and full length videos that can help with knee hyperextension. The easiest way to find them is to go onto my main page, and use the magnifying glass to search, "knee hyperextension" 🧡

[@ernestreid9296]

Thanks. In the 22 years I have been going to PT. I was never told this. I like that it is simple and will help getting your knees and feet working better. PS I just started your book and I am catching up on your Pod Casts.

[@DoctorGretchenHawley]

I'm so glad that you enjoyed the video! And I'm very excited that you have my book, and are checking out the podcast! Thank you so much for your support!

[@wendywyatt3264]

I have knocked knees and it’s hard to bend my knees. Suggestions?

[@ketselaworku3745]

My left leg lock while am walking and abormal walk am developing. Thank you for this vedio hope good exercise and feel my walk get legs got good practice

[@DoctorGretchenHawley]

You can do it!

[@karenswartz8657]

TY! I’m constantly working on walking and adding weights, but still have the drunk walk so I’ll work on this!

[@DoctorGretchenHawley]

You got this! I'm so glad you enjoyed the video!

[@TG-gh5kc]

Thank you, Gretchen! This was really helpful!

[@DoctorGretchenHawley]

You're very welcome!

[@keshavamurthy2585]

Thanks for bringing out weight shifting point well.

[@DoctorGretchenHawley]

Happy to share! ☺️

[@123shawnvideo]

How can I stop my knee from locking?

[@karenswartz8657]

Great question! Would also love to know this!

[@s2k36]

Not walking due to MS so would like a complete beginners, beginner guide to walking. Thank you though for your interest with us MSers. 😀

[@eight-ball3625]

Thank you so much. I was just struggling with this.

[@DoctorGretchenHawley]

You're very welcome! I'm so glad you found this video resourceful!

[@lisasands5181]

I have been doing the 7 steps in walking exercises since reading your book, but continue to feel really uncomfortable walking in public especially in crowds. Any advice or strategies that you can recommend ? I am sure others with MS can relate. Thanks

[@DoctorGretchenHawley]

That's great that you have been practicing the steps of walking! It's completely normal to still find public spaces tricky to navigate. Not only is it important to practice the steps, but it is also important to practice walking while focusing on its components in public. This will teach your brain that you want the full function of stable walking not only at home, but all places.

[@lisasands5181]

Thanks for your response. I will definitely try this approach.

[@MegaMusical10]

Fantastic!

[@Nancy-dz1vo]

Thank you! Very helpful

[@DoctorGretchenHawley]

You're most welcome! I'm so glad that you enjoyed this video!☺️

[@zhaoranwang529]

Thanks doctor, but when i do thoses excercises, my legs feel stiff as a rock, i cant move my legs out...

[@DoctorGretchenHawley]

That could potentially be spasticity. I have some stretches for that in a few other videos☺️

[@zhaoranwang529]

alright thank you very much@@DoctorGretchenHawley

[@poojahm120]

Dr the video is both inspiring and motivating. Problem in my case is i can't flex my knee and walk . Probably lesions in the brain and spine. Please suggest how to go about the same. You are very motivating . Please suggest how to go about the same. Thank you

[@DoctorGretchenHawley]

I'm so glad you enjoy the content on my page! The easiest way to find this information would be to use the search option on my main page. I have several videos on this topic so it would be difficult to link them all here☺️

[@poojahm120]

Good day dr , please suggest/ share excercise how to go about flexing the knee . You are an angel indeed

[@priyamazumder550]

My knee also doesn't bend.. please suggest something mam

[@DoctorGretchenHawley]

I have an exercise class on ankle & knee strengthening that you might enjoy! You can find it via this link here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bYC2opqYiJmai6csi=hXBxCUmE550x0ZiX

[@xrpcit.y1288]

Wow

[@DoctorGretchenHawley]

I hope you enjoyed the video! ☺️

[@finneywinkle]

Any advice regarding walking however my legs cross often 🤷🏽‍♀️

[@DoctorGretchenHawley]

Absolutely! If you use the search option on my main page, and search, "Walking" there are a lot of videos that will pop up, including full length exercise classes🧡

[@Alejandro-ov9zh]

🙏

[@lesliex7894]

Should you keep your abs nice and tight all the time when walking or just during this exercise? Thanks.

[@DoctorGretchenHawley]

As much as possible. It is always a good thing to have your core braced.