This is part of our series of tips to reduce time sitting after stroke and practice standing. Visit our website for more tips. Before carrying out any of the exercises in our blogs please read the important note below*
1. Standing and using your arms
Think about HOW you stand up. Ideally weight should be evenly distributed on both feet and although using hands on the arms of a chair is something we would often do, if we take a lot of weight through the hands to push up then we are not asking the legs to work as hard as they might, so we may miss out on opportunities to strengthen the legs.
2. Stand up tall
When you are standing up make sure that you stand up as tall as you possibly can before you start doing anything in standing. Think about having strong legs and your hips forwards, chest lifted and head up with shoulders and arms relaxed. Say to yourself “stand up tall”, or “heads up! bottom in!”
3. Weight on each leg
Having checked that you are standing up tall, gently take more weight over to one leg so that you are putting 75% of your weight on one leg and 25% on the other. Hold this position for three seconds and then change so that there is more weight on the other leg.
Do this five times on each leg. Try to keep your body up tall and hips facing straight forwards.
headsup! are a team of specialist neuro physiotherapists covering London and the South East. We are always happy to discuss individual requirements and explore suitability for treatment over the telephone. If you would like to talk to one of the team, just get in touch on 01306 888171.
* Please read before undertaking any exercises listed in this blog:
Neither headsup! neuro-rehab Ltd nor Anna Hamer accept any responsibility for any individual undertaking the activities or exercise suggested in our blogs, except to the extent those individuals are acting upon specific instructions from headsup! neuro-rehab Ltd specialist neurological physiotherapists.
If you are in any doubt please consult a specialist neurological physiotherapist. Please make sure you have suitable help to hand before embarking on any activities.
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