After having my left hip resurfaced in
July 2007, for my recovery I focused on PT exercises, water
walking and exercises, and swimming. I also gradually
increased my regular walking. I went from two crutches to
one crutch, to a cane, to nothing, then to one trekking pole
for trails with steep inclines and loose rocks. I was
reluctant to use two trekking poles, because I really didn’t
know how to use them, and they reminded me too much of using
crutches.

However, my brother told me how much he enjoys hiking with
trekking poles, especially on steep terrain and when
crossing streams. Trekking poles are like having four-wheel
drive, and all the serious hikers use them. They enhance
stability, improve your posture, spread the workout over
many muscles, and save your knees. I am so glad he
encouraged me, because they certainly have sped up my
recovery and taken me to a whole new level of stamina and
strength.

I tried surfing the Web to learn how to use the poles, but
what I really needed was a hands-on experience. In August
2008, I attended a free REI clinic, “Poles for Hiking,
Trekking & Walking” by Jayah Faye Paley, and bought her DVD
on pole technique. Jayah is a breast cancer survivor, who
found trekking poles to be an essential part of her
recovery. And since then, she has become a trekking pole
advocate and travels all over the US teaching people how to
use them (see
. For people
who want additional instruction, Jayah works with
individuals and groups (see
. Also, she is
releasing a new DVD, “POLES for Balance & Mobility”, which
might be helpful for people before and right after surgery.

Jayah is high-energy, fun, and extremely informative; and
she gets you outside to practice right away. Between the
clinic and her DVD, you learn the essentials to get you out
on the trails with a 100% improvement in your trekking pole
technique. You learn proper grip and use of the strap, how
and when to adjust your poles, pole maintenance, proper
technique, and many tips.

The biggest mistake people make is “the death grip”, which
just adds a lot of strain to the neck and shoulders. This is
corrected by proper use of the strap and correct pole
height. Basically, you learn that when you go downhill, your
poles should be in front of you and longer than when you go
uphill—this gives balance and control. When you go uphill,
your poles should be shorter and behind you for power and
leverage. On the flat, your arms should be in a relaxed,
neutral position. With proper technique, one’s gait is
balanced, upright, and graceful.

With trekking poles, my recovery has taken a big leap
forward. I am now able to take strenuous 10 to 15-mile hikes
on the nearby mountain (2,571 feet elevation). Being out in
nature is so wonderful and healing, and I can finally get a
good workout! What a change, after ten years of limping
around in pain with a degenerative hip!

My overall health and outlook is greatly improved. I am able
to hike on steep, mountain trails with full confidence. It
is like having an extra set of legs—there are so many times
I have caught myself from falling because I had the poles.
With trekking poles, you become like a mountain goat—fast,
sure-footed, and agile. When I am looking out at a beautiful
view high up on the mountain, I think of the condition I was
in before surgery, and I feel so utterly grateful to be
where I am now.

Ann Caviness, USA
LBHR DeSmet
July 3, 2007