Several years ago at the World Physiotherapy Conference in Vancouver, I was approached by a Physiotherapist who was very excited about Nordic Walking. She had recently introduced Nordic Walking and Urban Poling to her clients in the Vancouver area. She thought that this was the greatest thing for her clients. After that meeting, I took a continuing education course for Physical Therapists on Urban Poling.
Today I want to share with you my excitement about Nordic Walking and talk about why you should consider introducing Nordic Walking to your clients.
Nordic Walking for Osteoporosis Exercise
Much to my surprise, my clients are taking to Nordic Walking more than I anticipated.
Many of you know that much of my client base includes clients with osteoporosis. One of the concerns for clients with osteoporosis is the risk of a fall that could lead to a fracture. Nordic Poles allow the client an extra point of contact with the ground and gives people that extra balance (and piece of mind).
This is especially true when I am working with a client who may not have the stability to comfortably start a walking exercise program.
In addition, if they have other musculoskeletal issues such as knee or hip arthritis and we need to load for bone development but the joints do not allow us to load as we would like, the Nordic Poles allow us to take walking to an advanced and safer level for the client.
Finally, Nordic Walking integrates the upper and lower body and allows the client to achieve the next level of fitness.
A Solution For Clients With Limited Mobility
Clients with limited mobility can use the Activator poles from Urban Poling. The Activator allows them to gain mobility, confidence and gait before you introduce them into community walking (where they would graduate to the Urban Poles).
This is nice transition to a more active lifestyle for clients from limited mobility.
Alternative to a Traditional Assistive Device
The Urban Poles allow people who need an assistive device (and do not want to use it for emotional reasons) to have the support that they need without the perception of “taking a step back”.
When I have suggested a cane or a lofstrand crutch to several of my clients they have been disappointed and see it as a defeat.
But when I suggest the Nordic Poles, they perceive them as fitness devices and are more open to using them.
It is a really nice way to introduce the concept of extra support for your clients.
Leadership in Fitness, Wellness and Health
Nordic Walking
I believe Physical Therapists, Kinesiologists, and other qualified health professionals have the training to be the go-to-professionals for fitness, wellness and health management in their communities.
There are a lot of people who can benefit by using Nordic Walking and we are the best positioned to introduce them to our clients.
Urban Poling Course for Rehabilitation and Wellness Professionals
If you are interested in learning more about Nordic Walking and Urban Poling, I am running three continuing education courses for Physical Therapists, Kinesiologists, Occupational Therapists (and other health professionals) this Fall in Ottawa. You can learn more by visiting the Urban Poling Course for Rehabilitation and Wellness Professionals at MelioGuide.com.
Urban Poling for Rehabilitation & Wellness Professionals
Health Professionals: Building Better Bones Online Course
Learn the Prevention, Treatment and Management of Osteoporosis through safe and effective exercise programs.
MelioGuide Building Better Bone Online Course for Health Professionals
Women and Men: Exercise for Better Bones Program
An osteoporosis exercise program that strengthens bone, reduces fracture risk, improves balance and builds confidence.
MelioGuide Exercise for Better Bones Program for Women and Men
