The Correct Stick:
Things to Consider :
For health professional guidance review the following videos.
Right or Left Hand?
For maximum comfort the HAB handle is made for either the right or left hand.
Specify which hand when ordering the walking stick.
Generally, a walking stick should be used in the hand opposite the affected leg.
If the walking stick is used as general support and not for a specific injury, order a handle that matches the left or right handedness of the person using the stick.
​
Note: It is recommended that a health professional be consulted to provide patient specific advice about using a walking stick.
How to Use a Walking Stick
It is important for long term comfort and improving mobility that a walking stick be used correctly. Use the walking stick in synch with the damaged leg.
What Length Shall I order?
• Wear shoes most likely to be worn when using the cane.
• Stand as you would normally with arms at your side and a slight natural bend at the elbow.
• Identify the slightly knobby bone that protrudes a little just above the skin folds of the wrist (The Pisiform Bone).
• Measure from just below the Pisiform Bone - or the top crease of the wrist - to the ground.
This is about the right length.
Bear in mind:
The correct length may need to be a little longer depending on posture and other physical variables — so some discretion is required.
For example - If the stick is being used as general support rather than to assist with recovery from an injury or an operation, it may need to be longer.
Err on the long side if in doubt, extra can always be cut off (See below)
NOTE:
If you are measuring for yourself, stand next to a table and place books on the table to a level that corresponds to the correct height. Then measure from the top of the books to the floor.
How to hold the HAB Handle.
The HAB Handle is designed to be used with the back three fingers curved under the handle with the thumb and fore finger in the dimples on the shaft.
Colour
The standard finish for the walking stick shaft is sanded and coated with a polyurethane to give it a rich dark colour. However it can be personalised with any Resene colour.
Simply choose colour as an option when ordering your stick and let me know which Resene colour best suits. The shaft is gently "de-stressed" after the colour has been applied then finished with a clear polyurethane.
Engraving
The walking stick handle can be personalised with engraved messages, names or other meaningful text. The engraved message option is selected on the order form or website Shop.
Stuck for ideas? Try quotes from poems or songs.
Sticks as Gifts
Often the person most resistant to using a walking stick is the one who needs it most. That is why a walking stick makes a great gift. As a gift it becomes rude not to use it, and it may just save someone you love from a fall or worse.
Cutting to Length at Home
Ideally the walking stick is ordered at the correct length (See Above) but if this is not possible or the measurement has been miscalculated, ensure the end is cut at right angles to the shaft using a fine toothed saw.