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| Urban Poling is a growing wellness trend that combines specialized poles with walking |
Urban Poling Help Survivors Recover from Cancer and Cancer Treatment
Walking poles are an excellent choice for people recovering from cancer and the cancer treatments they have received. The poles improve your balance and posture while walking. They allow you to walk further with less fear of falling and less stress on your joints. By using your upper body as well as your lower body, you will burn more calories which will assist you in weight loss. The swinging motion of your arms is particularly good exercise for the mobility of your shoulders. Shoulder restriction is so often a problem for breast cancer patients who have had surgery or radiation in the area.Proven Benefits of Walking Poles
Evidence based studies have indicated the effectiveness of walking poles on shoulder function in breast cancer survivors. Other proven beneficial effects are:- Self-esteem
Anne Edgell-Kennedy, Clinic Director of
LifeMark/Centric Health in Fonthill ON
instructs a patient in proper use of urban poling - Social interaction
- Improvement in pain management
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Quality of life
- Functional independence
- Core strength
- Upper extremity mobility and strength
- Muscular endurance
- Posture, stability and balance
- Exercise tolerance
- Personal exertion limits
Ensure Proper Height of Poles
It is important that the poles are the right height for you. Stand up straight with your elbows at your sides and bend them to 90 degrees (an "L" shape) and then adjust your poles so you are holding the handles while your arms stay in this position. A physiotherapist can help get you properly fitted and help you with your poling technique. It can take some practice to feel comfortable using the poles.
More Resources on Urban Poling
Read about the Health Benefits of Nordic Walking.
To see how Urban Poling works in action, check out our video.
To see how Urban Poling works in action, check out our video.
To find a Cancer Rehab Canada near you, visit the list of British Columbia, Saskatchewan, Ontario, or Nova Scotia locations.