The Correct Stick | NZ Walking Sticks

The Correct Stick:
Things to Consider

Sticks as Gifts

Often the person most resistant to using a walking stick is the one who needs it most. That is why walking sticks make a great gifts. As a gift it becomes rude not to use it, and it may just save someone you love from a fall or worse.

Buy a Gift Card for your beloved friend or family member. We will contact them to ensure they get exactly what they need and follow up with an order.

Right or Left Hand?

Right or Left Hand

For maximum comfort our walking stick handles are for either the right or left hand.

Generally, the 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: If the walking stick is intended as a mobility aid following injury or surgery; or is to assist someone elderly or otherwise frail, it is recommended that a health professional be consulted to provide patient specific advice using the walking stick.

What Length Shall I order?

Length of Walking Stick

• 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.
If you are in any doubt, review this video
or contact me.

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.

Length of stick

How to Use a Walking Stick

It is important for long term comfort and improving mobility that the walking stick be used correctly. We recommend watching the video in the link below.

How to use a walking stick

How to hold the HAB Handle.

How to Hold the 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 cane shaft is sanded and coated with a dark stain polyurethane. However colour can be added to the shaft to personalise the walking stick and make it more of a fashion accessory and hence more likely to be used.
Simply choose colour as an option when ordering your stick and we will be in touch to find which Resene colour best suits. The shaft is "de-stressed" after the colour has been applied then finished with a gloss coat varnish.

Engraving

The walking stick handle can be personalised with engraved messages, names or other meaningful text. This makes the walking stick even more significant as a special one-off gift. The engraved message option is selected at the website Shop and we will be in touch to find out what you would like. 70 character Limit.
Stuck for ideas? Try quotes from poems or songs.

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 very fine toothed saw. (These can be purchased from Bunnings or Mitre 10 for around $12).

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Do's and Don'ts

Dos and Donts

Do: consult your medical professional to ensure the walking stick offers the support you need.
Don’t: regard the use of your walking stick as a capitulation to old age or infirmity. Our walking sticks have got style and gravitas, and will help you remain active and mobile.
Do: regard your walking stick as a fashion accessory. Embrace it’s use as you would prescription sunglasses.
Don’t: leave your walking stick at home, it should be part of your wardrobe.
Do: order the correct length. If in doubt a longer stick can always be cut shorter.
Don’t: feel offended if someone has bought you our walking stick as a gift. They love you and they want you to remain fit and healthy.
Do: everything possible to remain active but avoid falls. Beyond a certain level of fitness or age, injuries resulting from falls are the greatest contributor to a poor quality of life.
Don’t: feel shy using your walking stick.
Do: consider our walking stick as an ideal gift for a bumbling loved one.
Don’t: butter your toast with a walking stick.

The Correct Stick: Things to Consider