I love this video! It took only 40 seconds to tell us what the movement was, and another 3 seconds for me as an over-50 to test if I still could do it. A typical youtuber would have kept us waiting for at least 2/3rds of the video before getting to the point. Thank you, Will!
I really hate the tease and wish they would just put it in the title something like ankle dorsiflexion is the one thing you don't want to lose. Might actually get more hits with the older audience that is his Target demographic. but at least he told us within the first minute
I'll be 67 later this year. I've returned to taking adult ballet class. I enjoyed the toning and flexibility I received from ballet. I've set a goal to be back on pointe by purchasing a new pair of pointe shoes. I'm determined to be at my best fitness level. No more excuses. Since I'm retired now, I have plenty of time to focus and reach my goal. Thanks for your videos.
@beago0810 Wow, on pointe would be impressive! I took ballet classes as a young adult, loved what it did for my body and how comfortable I felt (moving) in my body. I'm also 67 this year. Thanks for the inspiration 🩰
I would love to take ballet again. Last time I tried, probably about 10 years ago, I was getting really dizzy on turns despite spotting. It got me discouraged.
How very good it is to have videos like this without that curse of our times - background music. I look at recipes online, and there's background music, I bought a boxed set of David Attenborough's DVDs and can't watch them because of the appalling background music. So I thank you for saving me from another rage. Your videos are clear and informative, and excellent.
I am 85 yrs old, I find dancing international Latin and ballroom 5 times a week is a much better exercice for me. Beside you are also exercising your brain and at the same time socializing which is just important than just physical exercise.
I do wish I didnt find social interactions difficult. Evening classes were my idea of acceptable interaction. Yet I worked as a nurse and loved that. Both general and mental health. 😊
I love dancing and I am 75 years old I was taking Latin dancing classes because of my roots i was raised listening and dancing that music and I had done for long time I stopped when I got sick and my body wasn’t responding well because the medication made me stiff and I am not longer taking it but I got sick again with a lot of pain in my legs and feet and I feel frustrated because dancing made feel like always a release of tension , stress etc now I just can listening until I feel better. I am glad that you can enjoy dancing at your age and with a partner the new “music “ besides don’t have good lyrics and not music every one is independent and the feeling is not the same I think
I am single I dance with different women mostly in their twenties, thirties and forties. The women from 65 and above can not move quickly and mostly can not dance. I dance also salsa, bachata, hustle, Argentine tango, west and east swing cha cha samba etc. that is why I can not find a senior women’ that can dance all of these dances
Will really appreciate you. So young but sincerely concerned about the old. Throws great light on your upbringing . Your parents, sure must be proud of you Will
For me the exercise do not benefit my well being. You do not use your brain , you do not interact with others, and you do not acquire social skills . See comment
@@carolblair2845Same! 💯 I’m 67yrs old. I’ve had arthritis in my knees for over 15yrs. Also had 3 arthroscopic knee surgeries. My knees would kill me if I tried to do the last 3 exercises 😢
Will is BY FAR the best teacher of all the many PT instructors I have worked with, or seen in media videos. His explanations and visual illustrations are perfect for helping to see and here exactly what is meant to do the excercises. Totally professional the focus is on the work, not on him. This makes him outstanding. Thank God, you are a true and rare blessing.
These videos make me very glad of the dance classes I had as a kid. I developed a habit of stretching that I’ve never really lost. Combined with all the walking I do, I still have a long, powerful stride at almost 57. I know people even younger than me who have a hard time walking, can’t manage stairs, can’t prop their foot to tie their shoes. It’s scary how fast the body starts to atrophy when it’s not used.
Many thanks Will, love your channel, no annoying music distracting us, clear precise instructions and demos explaining the reason they are done and the areas targeted. Ideally we should be doing these stretches, exercises from age 30 but we all feel invincible at that age! Now 77 ,pretty active up,to Covid and now regretting not being more disciplined in being consistent ( listened to some of your lectures on utube and you’re spot on re taking charge) but it’s never too late as you say. Got your book and look forward to the Friday videos. You’re a star. (From Scotland)
Great video; I agree about how important flexion at the ankle is. Now 73 I got hit with RA thirty years ago in my knees and ankles. I do similar exercises in spite of some minor pain to keep the ankle range of motion. If you lose this range of motion you end up walking slowly flat-footed. I also ride a mountain bike regularly even in winter which helps with ankle movement as well as knees. Currently on biologics to control the RA. Yeah getting old sucks but all you can do is fight it and make the best of it.
I'm sorry to hear about your RA it can be a very difficult condition to live with but I hope the biologics are helping - like you say, it's incredibly important to protect the functions we have
More power to you dude. I just turned 74 and hope this helps my mobility. Yardwork and gardening is my goto for exercise. I assume RA is rheumatoid arthritis? What arr biologics?
I am 69 and did a lot of training and yoga. I was verry flexible, sporting and dancing. 3 years ago i had a stroke and my world changed. I try to exercise, but its hard! Although I’ll don’t give up! Thank you for all your videos with great lessons❤
It's hard to overcome setbacks when we get older. Like you, I was very active. I thought I was invincible. Now I have back problems which are very debilitating and my whole life is a dance around what my back will allow me to do and what it won't. So frustrating! Keep going. Never give in.
When I was a kid, I lived in Guam. This was right at the end of the Vietnam War and Guam was full of South Vietnamese nationals in transit to the U.S. Later I moved to California, where a large number of Vietnamese Americans still reside to this day. I remember seeing how Vietnamese people sat (especially rural Vietnamese, since many urban Vietnamese were culturally very French and more likely to use western-style chairs.). This Vietnamese sitting position is basically a squat that is so low that the big muscles on the backs of the legs rest on the calves with the feet flat on the ground (I think it’s called the “Vietnamese Squat”.) I was fascinated and I actually learned how to do it (it’s hard not to fall over backwards because westerners don’t generally crouch like that.) I still can do it at age 56 and now I’m thinking I should really make sure I don’t lose the ability.
I stopped exercising n doing yoga due to osteoarthritis on both hips n knees. I did right hip replacement in May 2023 with success. I am not yet decided whether to do both knees replacement n the other hip. My problem is that my knees are weak n feel the pain or discomfort when I stand. Also I noticed that I easily get tired maybe due to lack of movement n exercises. Last February I decided to enroll in a gym to build muscles n just to be active n maybe lose like 3 kilos. Hopefully I will reach my goal n push myself more often to attend the gym. I am 68 years old by the way. I am thankful n grateful that you cater to people like us.
Well done on the work you're doing and the steps you've taken to protect your health and wellbeing - I hope my videos can be used to compliment the efforts you've made!
You've got a lot going on - but you're still in there swinging. Good attitude. My one suggestion is to try to journal what you eat for several days - and count up the protein you consume in a day. (Other nutrients too if you can.) I recently learned over 50 we need a lot more protein than was formerly suggested. And if you have injuries or chronic illness, you might need even MORE. I discovered I'm consuming about 30-percent of the protein my body needs - and I'm working to fix that. I say this because with all your replacement issues ... are you missing something in your diet that's playing into it? Hope that helps! (It doesn't just have to be protein - I was actually deficient in many things.)
I did this movement when I had v strong sciatica pain. Twice. It stopped the sciatica in about 10 seconds. Two nights in a row. I was amazed at the relief. I hope it helps someone else. He didn’t promote it as a way to stop sciatica pain, but it worked for me! 12:08
I use that movement to stop or reduce calf muscle spasm. Done at the first hint of a spasm, and held until the spasm ends. Even if in spasm, doing so will reduce it's duration and intensity.
Yoga and dancing cover a lot of this mobility, flexibility and strengthening.... But it's still good to bring awareness and focus to specific areas and make sure we're maintaining mobility there.
Your videos are why I bought your book and encouraged my sisters to follow you. I was in a catastrophic accident 15 years ago and still have problems. You have given me better information than my physical therapists did in person. Thankyou!!
I’m 64 small frame petite woman.Ive always walked my dog kept active and eat very well but was diagnosed with Osteoporrosis two years ago this young man is a life line!Thank you Will
I'm sorry to hear about the your osteoporosis, I hope it is not causing you too many difficulties - well done for all the efforts you're making to keep yourself healthy - I hope my videos continue to offer additional support!
Hi Will, I am 68 from Malaysia, although not suffering from what you re demonstrating yet, find your channel most interesting and will absolutely follow the stretches. Thank you and keep up your good work!
I see a physical therapist regularly, but I watch your videos because I learn so much! I’m currently recovering from surgery to repair a fractured/crushed tibial plateau, and your advice on walking with a cane and providing variations on the exercises I’ve been given have been super helpful.
Keep moving folks! Just had four days cycling and tramping/hiking in a NZ alpine area, and absolutely loved it. This young gentleman assists me in so many ways, and despite two club feet I stubbornly resist the nay-sayers. My young sweetheart is a Health Coach and she motivates me. Dorsi-flexion is out of the question for me but it's fun trying while I'm squatting.
I'll be 70 next month. I was diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease (PD) two years ago. It was three falls and three broken bones in a six month period that caused my Primary Care Physician to send me to a neurologist. I already knew I had PD because I recognized symptoms I had seen in others. The neurologist confirmed PD. I was never athletic but I thought I was in pretty good shape. Balance has become a huge issue for me. "Tripping over my own feet" as well. Thanks to the Metaverse (or whatever) HT Physio popped up on my TH-cam recommendations. I've been hooked ever since. I shared this information with my neurologist. He was impressed and enthusiastic. Keep up the good work Will. It is much appreciated.
I'm sorry to hear about your falls and the subsequent injuries you suffered! I hope my videos have been able to offer some support during this time, with suggestions to help support your balance. Thank you for sharing my work with your neurologist, it's always comforting to receive a second approval. I'm wishing you all the very best ☺️
Thank you. Your videos are giving me much improved and pain free walking. Really, really appreciate your training, knowledge and way of delivering it. You are a good person.
Thanks Will. You are the best with the exercises for us, over-60s. My knee pain started last april and i discovered my cartilage was going thru wear and tear as part of aging. I found you on utube and followed the exercises for sev mths n found they helped me a lot. I have slackened again with doing them daily. But today i decided i’ll get your book. 🎉
Thank you for your comment! I'm so pleased you've noticed an improvement from following my videos, it's brilliant to hear from people who have been benefitting from my work, it really makes it all worth it! Thank you for purchasing my book also, I hope you find it interesting!
This is brilliant and probably the reason I’m having knee trouble. My right has a lot less flexibility as i ruptured my achillea 4 years ago and had it operated on . I’ve had meniscus tears since! I’m going to work on this thank you ☺️
Just what I needed. I broke my fibia and dislocated my ankle 15 months ago requiring plate and screws. My right foot was pointing East which obviously damaged tendon etc. My walking is 85% back after much daily walking. 5 miles or so daily. Walking on sand highlights that my left foot leaves an imprint at the toe area but the right foot is shallow at that area. Think your exercises will find the last 15%. Many thanks. I'm 68.
I'm so sorry to hear about your injury - that must've been very painful! But I'm very glad to hear that you are on the road to recovery - keep up the great work!
Wow, I just tried this, it was sore after 10 times! It's an exercise I've never done before. Im practically bedridden at the moment and this is a good movement to do in bed. Oh spit, watched the rest of your video, it's not so easy!
This was super interesting to me as I managed to break both my ankles in 2018. I am now going to add these exercises to my routine to keep my dorsal flexion in optimum condition . Thanks for this clear explanation .
@@HT-Physio Thanks, I am fine now but it certainly took much longer to fully heal than I would have anticipated. I still do mobility exercises for them everyday .
I tested myself with trying the different positions of standing and sitting. Was easy to do and no plopping on the chair. I ordered his book to see what other issues need to be corrected.
Thank you for this! About a year and a half ago, I broke my ankle in three places. I assumed that once the bones had healed, I would go back to normal. But I soon found that though I could now walk, I could not run at all! I couldn't figure out why - and as long as I could walk, no one was helping me figure out the problem. Then I tried this and this is the problem!!! Even after doing these exercises for a few days, I could see and feel a noticeable improvement! I am very far from a normal run, but I am very thankful that at least now I know what I need to work on! Thanks again!
My hips are denials a problem but I hadn't realised how much movement I'd lost with my ankles, nor how simple it is to exercise them. Definitely earned a book purchase from me.
So pleased my video was helpful - I hope you find my book full of interesting and useful content if you do choose to purchase it! Wishing you all the best :)
I'm only 46 and pretty sporty but peripheral neuropathy has disabled me considerably, so now that I'm recovering my health, I am teaching my muscles and nerves to grow stronger and more stable, so this channel is super useful. Thanks!
You'll be ok I've had p n for over 30 years I'm 72 now had all the tests blood, electric shock etc they don't know the cause, they call it idiopathic, so anyway it hasn't bothered me at all just have to be careful with hot water and never go barefoot incase you injure yourself and don't realize it. Still ru regularly and work full time, good luck I hope you have no problems
Thanks, PT Specialist! I learned these from my PT about 15 years,ago, but lost my handouts. 🤕 So glad to have TH-cam now and grateful to have the algorithm put you on my feed! I need you, as I'm older and rickety - you can hear my bones creaking. 🤣 Anyway, many thanks for these massively helpful stretching tips. I will do them religiously. I've got fibromyalgia, so I'm always in lots of pain... stretching helps. Got any for the mid-upper back? That area hurts the most with the fibro. It's non-stop excruciating pain. 😰 Anyway, thanks again. I appreciate you. 💐 🙏🏽💞
Thank you so much for watching, I'm sorry to hear that you're in a lot of pain, it can make everyday activities very difficult indeed - I have the following videos about strengthening the back and relieving pain which may be of interest to you! th-cam.com/video/wGDh9UIcZOM/w-d-xo.html th-cam.com/video/wR0lxFm5wv4/w-d-xo.html th-cam.com/video/tDTIF2_wA7s/w-d-xo.html th-cam.com/video/YX2xJSkEnP4/w-d-xo.html
Your are a star! Thank you for helping us, old, miserable, overweight, sad lonely folk! You are beginning to change my life with my oldness mobility. Thank you Sir, you should get an MBE. 😊
Just recovering from a crushed calcaneus. Talus undamaged. Did not like the black boot because of the locking out of that movement. Now well into weight-bearing and retained the flexion. Walking coming on nicely. (there was no surgical intervention envisaged which could have improved the outcome). I deliberately forced the flexion whilst with my legs up. I'm 69 and instincts told me I needed to keep that movement.
Hi I’m delighted for you that you are able to dance, I had to give up jive at 70 due to pulmonary fibrosis and being breathless. Iam grateful for the videos to keep me moving! Long may you continue dancing!
Thank you! I broke my ankle about a year ago. I did the exercises then. This has shown me what I lack, and how much farther I need to go until I reach full range of motion.
I must be very lucky. At 70, I can still full squat easily and as a cyclist of many years, as a lad I was taught ankle rotation whilst pedalling which is something that's long been 'hard wired' into instinctive habit. 😊
Thank you for this amazing info. I had an ankle fusion many years ago and just recently a knee replacement. The ankle is almost collapsing at every step I take. Another ankle fusion is needed to keep me walking but some of the exercise you show here will not be possible for me to do. I’m worried out my leg muscles, they are completely weakened..
I should have found your instructions 11 years before. Thank you for all your exercises. They are a real help to me (I will not tell you my age, as its 61)
I'll be 63 in Nov., my husband just turned 69, he has his own soccer league. I'm working on making my legs' circulation better, doing so by elevating them, eliminating toxins in my blood like salt, sugars, bad fats and processed foods which I've never been a big fan of! Hubby has also cleaned up his diet alot, it's just not worth it!🎉😊
This really interesting: after various bouts of sciatica, I seemed to lose some degree of dorsiflexion in one ankle: it still flexes, but not so much as the other one: I do bsllet classes, despite an advanced age, and thus really affects my pointe work. I'm glad to get a handle on how this works. I already do one of these exercises, I'll have to add the others! Many thanks.
Thank you Will, very informative and helpful. At 78, due to some injuries and doing to much sitting I've lost the ability to do a full squat as well as raise my feet high enough to climb a ladder, 🪜 can you suggest any exercises to regain my flexibility ?
I’m 74 years old and a little over a year ago I was suffering from unbearable pain down my leg and around my hip and I thought it was just sciatica and I was doing exercises that I had been shown but the pain wouldn’t really go away for long…long story short I ended up in the hospital with kidney stones. But during the month that I suffered I somehow ended up with nerve damage and I couldn’t lift my toes on the same side that the pain had been on. I had a pronounced limp that really impeded my ability to walk which I did quite a lot of…it’s getting better now though, thank goodness! But I think these exercises would probably help me so I’m going to try them and see what happens!
I actually have a double barrelled surname and the HT stands for my surname initials (though I rarely use the full name for convenience purposes!) - and thank you for your kind comment
Well that explains why the physio pushed me so hard when I broke my ankle. I invested in an adjustable slant board and when I feel my calves tighten or my ankle stiffen, then I just pop on the board for a few minutes.
I was born with clubfeet and have had three surgeries to somewhat correct my feet, and this movement is something I literally never have been able to do. The first surgery I had, just when I had turned one years old, was to split my big toe ligament in half and attached half of it at the base of my pinky toes. This corrected the inwards tilt of my feet, but it kinda over-corrected it in a bad way and made me extremely flat footed. It also means that whenever I try to flex my ankle like this, my feet instead turns outwards and up toward the chins. If I try to force a natural posture of my feet and flex my ankles straight up nothing happens. I would have done almost anything to have grown up with normal feet, because they have caused me so much excruciating pain and discomfort throughout my life, and it just keeps getting worse. I'm only 30 now and already have problems with my knees and hips (and every single bone and joints in my feet). I wouldn't be surprised if I need a hip or knee joint replacement surgery before I turn 40. If I got the chance to have immobilization surgery on both of my feet, or even amputation, I would say yes in a heartbeat. Not that I think it would help much to save my knees and hips at this point, but if it would help with the pain in my feet and ankles it would still be more than worth it.
Such good info. My niece is having serious knee pain & they said she isnt using all the correct muscles. It makes sense. I will be sending this video to her. Thanks.
This is a helpful channel for anyone who does not live an active life. I have found your simple advice so helpful. Thank you for taking time with us oldies
That movement is also called "Heels Down" that one uses when riding a horse. Go stand on a step so your heels hang downwards and you hang onto the railing + it stretches your calf muscles so the calf relaxes. Then you can easily do heels down while in the stirrups! 🐎🐎🐎🐎🐎🐎🐎🐎🐎🐎 at the same time you do that stretch might as well bring your heel up to the butt so you can stretch the front of the thigh muscle too! Don't forget to get potassium in the diet for the muscles! Your muscles get tight without enough potassium and then doing heels down will be difficult. I am 52 by the way. I do yoga as well plus I am very flexible.
I am so happy that I came across your channel a few days ago - you explain so well and clearly and make us understand the why and wherefore of every subject you choose to show us. It gives me confidence that I really can improve myself - it is NOT impossible 😃 Thank you so much 🥰
These videos are brilliant Will.. Thanks so much, been trying the 'split squats' you demonstrated in another video, backside is aching, but starting to feel benefit in my legs already👍
I'm glad that I find your channel just now. Just turn 77 this year and will from now on keep an eye on your channel, which I find it among the best in YT, both the content and presentation. Thank you so much for your effort.
Crazy accurate! I developed a level 0 foot drop from an L5 injury on Sept 22. I have worked so freaking hard to get _any_ movement back, and I can now reach 85⁰ using my muscles. I can obviously manipulate the flextion with pressure, but the strength to resist is not there yet. Basically, all day, I'm flexing and working my shin muscles. I also wear a plantar brace to sleep so my toes don't point, and I end up with calf cramps.
I love this video! It took only 40 seconds to tell us what the movement was, and another 3 seconds for me as an over-50 to test if I still could do it. A typical youtuber would have kept us waiting for at least 2/3rds of the video before getting to the point. Thank you, Will!
Happy to help!
agreed! I was going to look in the comments to see where he mentions the exercise, but he did it right away...appreciate that!
I really hate the tease and wish they would just put it in the title something like ankle dorsiflexion is the one thing you don't want to lose. Might actually get more hits with the older audience that is his Target demographic. but at least he told us within the first minute
exactly why i consider this high value quality content!
Absolutely - much appreciate the concise, clear explanation. No fluff!!
I'll be 67 later this year. I've returned to taking adult ballet class. I enjoyed the toning and flexibility I received from ballet. I've set a goal to be back on pointe by purchasing a new pair of pointe shoes. I'm determined to be at my best fitness level. No more excuses. Since I'm retired now, I have plenty of time to focus and reach my goal. Thanks for your videos.
Wishing you all the very best and keep up the great work - it's great to hear how motivated you are!
@beago0810
Wow, on pointe would be impressive! I took ballet classes as a young adult, loved what it did for my body and how comfortable I felt (moving) in my body. I'm also 67 this year. Thanks for the inspiration 🩰
I would love to take ballet again. Last time I tried, probably about 10 years ago, I was getting really dizzy on turns despite spotting. It got me discouraged.
How very good it is to have videos like this without that curse of our times - background music. I look at recipes online, and there's background music, I bought a boxed set of David Attenborough's DVDs and can't watch them because of the appalling background music. So I thank you for saving me from another rage. Your videos are clear and informative, and excellent.
Good on you! Way to go!
It’s so wonderful to see this lovely young man helping us older folks. What a sweet and smart fellow. Love this channel so much. It’s so helpful
Thank you so much for your kind words - they mean a lot to me!
This is a humanitarian service.Can not repay you and thank you enough.
Bet he really loves his grandparents.
All hail Will, the man who does NOT give you a ton of B/S, instead goes right to the point, not wasting your time. Dear Will, you're in my top list!
@leonaldobrum
He is obviously a clever young man and working with the over 50's know how to cut to the chase rather than blabber on needlessly.
He just did. Did you not just watch this silly video
@@tommac21 INFANTILE comment!! :(((
Me too!
This young man wants to help people. Gets right to the topic and he holds your attention. Honesty pays. Thumbs up!
Thank you so much for your kind comment!
He's amazing and i am 49 but have ad multiple challenges. Love his work ethic and kind nature.
I am 85 yrs old, I find dancing international Latin and ballroom 5 times a week is a much better exercice for me. Beside you are also exercising your brain and at the same time socializing which is just important than just physical exercise.
I do wish I didnt find social interactions difficult. Evening classes were my idea of acceptable interaction. Yet I worked as a nurse and loved that. Both general and mental health. 😊
I love dancing and I am 75 years old I was taking Latin dancing classes because of my roots i was raised listening and dancing that music and I had done for long time I stopped when I got sick and my body wasn’t responding well because the medication made me stiff and I am not longer taking it but I got sick again with a lot of pain in my legs and feet and I feel frustrated because dancing made feel like always a release of tension , stress etc now I just can listening until I feel better. I am glad that you can enjoy dancing at your age and with a partner the new “music “ besides don’t have good lyrics and not music every one is independent and the feeling is not the same I think
Good on you!
How many cms can you dorsiflex from the wall?
I am single I dance with different women mostly in their twenties, thirties and forties. The women from 65 and above can not move quickly and mostly can not dance. I dance also salsa, bachata, hustle, Argentine tango, west and east swing cha cha samba etc. that is why I can not find a senior women’ that can dance all of these dances
Keep helping us seniors live a healthy life...we all sure appreciate it!
Always happy to help!
Will really appreciate you. So young but sincerely concerned about the old. Throws great light on your upbringing . Your parents, sure must be proud of you Will
People over 50 should take these exercises seriously, they add into your well being. Simple exercises with great benefits.
For me the exercise do not benefit my well being. You do not use your brain , you do not interact with others, and you do not acquire social skills . See comment
Agreed! They are a helpful indicator for everyone
@@HT-PhysioAt 77 years old I can do the ankle thing, but I can’t squat because I have severe osteoarthritis in my knees!
@@carolblair2845Same! 💯 I’m 67yrs old. I’ve had arthritis in my knees for over 15yrs. Also had 3 arthroscopic knee surgeries. My knees would kill me if I tried to do the last 3 exercises 😢
@@winterlite3243 I hear you!🤦🏻♀️Blessings!
Will is BY FAR the best teacher of all the many PT instructors I have worked with, or seen in media videos. His explanations and visual illustrations are perfect for helping to see and here exactly what is meant to do the excercises. Totally professional the focus is on the work, not on him. This makes him outstanding. Thank God, you are a true and rare blessing.
Thank you so much for your kind and generous words, I truly appreciate them - they make my work very much worth it!
These videos make me very glad of the dance classes I had as a kid. I developed a habit of stretching that I’ve never really lost. Combined with all the walking I do, I still have a long, powerful stride at almost 57. I know people even younger than me who have a hard time walking, can’t manage stairs, can’t prop their foot to tie their shoes. It’s scary how fast the body starts to atrophy when it’s not used.
Keep up the great work, they're great habits to have!
For me, sports.
May your old age be as active, rewarding, and free of pain as you are helping us achieve in ours. Thank you!
So glad this channel popped up in my recommended list. It's wonderful. Thank you so much for helping us all stay healthy and mobile as we get older.
Thank you for your kind comment - I'm so pleased you've found my videos helpful that makes all my work worth it!
Many thanks Will, love your channel, no annoying music distracting us, clear precise instructions and demos explaining the reason they are done and the areas targeted. Ideally we should be doing these stretches, exercises from age 30 but we all feel invincible at that age! Now 77 ,pretty active up,to Covid and now regretting not being more disciplined in being consistent ( listened to some of your lectures on utube and you’re spot on re taking charge) but it’s never too late as you say. Got your book and look forward to the Friday videos. You’re a star. (From Scotland)
Great video; I agree about how important flexion at the ankle is. Now 73 I got hit with RA thirty years ago in my knees and ankles. I do similar exercises in spite of some minor pain to keep the ankle range of motion. If you lose this range of motion you end up walking slowly flat-footed. I also ride a mountain bike regularly even in winter which helps with ankle movement as well as knees. Currently on biologics to control the RA. Yeah getting old sucks but all you can do is fight it and make the best of it.
I'm sorry to hear about your RA it can be a very difficult condition to live with but I hope the biologics are helping - like you say, it's incredibly important to protect the functions we have
Try keto or carnivore, it will help!
More power to you dude. I just turned 74 and hope this helps my mobility. Yardwork and gardening is my goto for exercise. I assume RA is rheumatoid arthritis? What arr biologics?
I think it's the stiffness in the joints that plays a big part in falls. These stretches will definitely help with that.
I am 69 and did a lot of training and yoga. I was verry flexible, sporting and dancing. 3 years ago i had a stroke and my world changed. I try to exercise, but its hard! Although I’ll don’t give up! Thank you for all your videos with great lessons❤
Trying is everything
I hope you can regain your health and fitness! Best wishes! 😊
It's hard to overcome setbacks when we get older. Like you, I was very active. I thought I was invincible. Now I have back problems which are very debilitating and my whole life is a dance around what my back will allow me to do and what it won't. So frustrating! Keep going. Never give in.
@@annandall9118 Have you read “Healing Back Pain” by Dr. Sarno? Check it out!
It will have helped being fit before your stroke.don't give up ..good luck💙uk
When I was a kid, I lived in Guam. This was right at the end of the Vietnam War and Guam was full of South Vietnamese nationals in transit to the U.S. Later I moved to California, where a large number of Vietnamese Americans still reside to this day. I remember seeing how Vietnamese people sat (especially rural Vietnamese, since many urban Vietnamese were culturally very French and more likely to use western-style chairs.). This Vietnamese sitting position is basically a squat that is so low that the big muscles on the backs of the legs rest on the calves with the feet flat on the ground (I think it’s called the “Vietnamese Squat”.) I was fascinated and I actually learned how to do it (it’s hard not to fall over backwards because westerners don’t generally crouch like that.) I still can do it at age 56 and now I’m thinking I should really make sure I don’t lose the ability.
I broke my ankle a few months ago and didnt even realise I had lost this mobility. Thank you! I will continue to do these exercises.
I'm sorry to hear about your injury, that must've been incredibly painful! I'm wishing you all the best in your recovery :)
I stopped exercising n doing yoga due to osteoarthritis on both hips n knees. I did right hip replacement in May 2023 with success. I am not yet decided whether to do both knees replacement n the other hip. My problem is that my knees are weak n feel the pain or discomfort when I stand. Also I noticed that I easily get tired maybe due to lack of movement n exercises. Last February I decided to enroll in a gym to build muscles n just to be active n maybe lose like 3 kilos. Hopefully I will reach my goal n push myself more often to attend the gym. I am 68 years old by the way. I am thankful n grateful that you cater to people like us.
Well done on the work you're doing and the steps you've taken to protect your health and wellbeing - I hope my videos can be used to compliment the efforts you've made!
Does your gym have a heated therapy pool? I like the aqua therapy and the buoyancy of the water reduced impact.
You've got a lot going on - but you're still in there swinging. Good attitude. My one suggestion is to try to journal what you eat for several days - and count up the protein you consume in a day. (Other nutrients too if you can.) I recently learned over 50 we need a lot more protein than was formerly suggested. And if you have injuries or chronic illness, you might need even MORE. I discovered I'm consuming about 30-percent of the protein my body needs - and I'm working to fix that. I say this because with all your replacement issues ... are you missing something in your diet that's playing into it? Hope that helps! (It doesn't just have to be protein - I was actually deficient in many things.)
You are excellent at explaining ‘how’ and ‘why’. So very very helpful. You are the best! Thank you,
66 and I do deep squats every day. I also stand on one foot frequently. Staying flexible is definitely on my to-do list.
Standing on one foot for 30 seconds at a time is an indicator of future health. Do not lose that ability!
I did this movement when I had v strong sciatica pain. Twice. It stopped the sciatica in about 10 seconds. Two nights in a row. I was amazed at the relief. I hope it helps someone else. He didn’t promote it as a way to stop sciatica pain, but it worked for me! 12:08
I use that movement to stop or reduce calf muscle spasm. Done at the first hint of a spasm, and held until the spasm ends. Even if in spasm, doing so will reduce it's duration and intensity.
Yoga and dancing cover a lot of this mobility, flexibility and strengthening.... But it's still good to bring awareness and focus to specific areas and make sure we're maintaining mobility there.
Your videos are why I bought your book and encouraged my sisters to follow you. I was in a catastrophic accident 15 years ago and still have problems. You have given me better information than my physical therapists did in person. Thankyou!!
Will, you are - quite simply - brilliant. One in a million. Keep up the good work! And many thanks for your superb, no-nonsense way of doing things.
Thank you so much for your kind words they really mean a lot to me!
I’m 64 small frame petite woman.Ive always walked my dog kept active and eat very well but was diagnosed with Osteoporrosis two years ago this young man is a life line!Thank you Will
I'm sorry to hear about the your osteoporosis, I hope it is not causing you too many difficulties - well done for all the efforts you're making to keep yourself healthy - I hope my videos continue to offer additional support!
Take Boron... hardens bones.
Thanks again Phil. As a podiatrist I have to let people about this. But I can now send them to your TH-cam channel. Thanks and take good care.
Thank you for sharing my work - the more people I can reach the better!
Hi Will, I am 68 from Malaysia, although not suffering from what you re demonstrating yet, find your channel most interesting and will absolutely follow the stretches. Thank you and keep up your good work!
That's great to hear - it's important to protect the functions we have!
I see a physical therapist regularly, but I watch your videos because I learn so much! I’m currently recovering from surgery to repair a fractured/crushed tibial plateau, and your advice on walking with a cane and providing variations on the exercises I’ve been given have been super helpful.
Love your easy to follow demonstration and explanation Will
Thanks 👍
You're very welcome
Keep moving folks! Just had four days cycling and tramping/hiking in a NZ alpine area, and absolutely loved it.
This young gentleman assists me in so many ways, and despite two club feet I stubbornly resist the nay-sayers. My young sweetheart is a Health Coach and she motivates me. Dorsi-flexion is out of the question for me but it's fun trying while I'm squatting.
I'll be 70 next month. I was diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease (PD) two years ago. It was three falls and three broken bones in a six month period that caused my Primary Care Physician to send me to a neurologist. I already knew I had PD because I recognized symptoms I had seen in others. The neurologist confirmed PD. I was never athletic but I thought I was in pretty good shape. Balance has become a huge issue for me. "Tripping over my own feet" as well. Thanks to the Metaverse (or whatever) HT Physio popped up on my TH-cam recommendations. I've been hooked ever since. I shared this information with my neurologist. He was impressed and enthusiastic. Keep up the good work Will. It is much appreciated.
I'm sorry to hear about your falls and the subsequent injuries you suffered! I hope my videos have been able to offer some support during this time, with suggestions to help support your balance. Thank you for sharing my work with your neurologist, it's always comforting to receive a second approval. I'm wishing you all the very best ☺️
Thank you so much for this channel. It’s really been beneficial for this 60+ M from Northern Kentucky (Cincinnati) USA.
More than happy to help!
Love your short, concise, efficient videos. Have found them VERY effective. I am a 74 year old women with lower body pain and tightness.
Thank you. Your videos are giving me much improved and pain free walking. Really, really appreciate your training, knowledge and way of delivering it. You are a good person.
thank you for being with us❤
Thanks Will. You are the best with the exercises for us, over-60s. My knee pain started last april and i discovered my cartilage was going thru wear and tear as part of aging. I found you on utube and followed the exercises for sev mths n found they helped me a lot. I have slackened again with doing them daily. But today i decided i’ll get your book. 🎉
Thank you for your comment! I'm so pleased you've noticed an improvement from following my videos, it's brilliant to hear from people who have been benefitting from my work, it really makes it all worth it! Thank you for purchasing my book also, I hope you find it interesting!
Excellent exercises for a part of the body we are not always mindful of. I enjoyed doing the exercises very much! Thanks again Will!
Hi there, just to say thank you once again for putting your content up and sharing. I really appreciate both the content and the fact that you do it.
And I really appreciate you for watching - it makes my work possible!
This is brilliant and probably the reason I’m having knee trouble. My right has a lot less flexibility as i ruptured my achillea 4 years ago and had it operated on . I’ve had meniscus tears since! I’m going to work on this thank you ☺️
I'm sorry to hear about your ruptured achillea and your meniscus tears - I hope my videos can offer some support for your recovery :)
Just what I needed. I broke my fibia and dislocated my ankle 15 months ago requiring plate and screws. My right foot was pointing East which obviously damaged tendon etc. My walking is 85% back after much daily walking. 5 miles or so daily. Walking on sand highlights that my left foot leaves an imprint at the toe area but the right foot is shallow at that area. Think your exercises will find the last 15%. Many thanks. I'm 68.
From what I'm seeing, daily exercises are vital, thanks for the info once again. Today's socks are on point😅
I'm so sorry to hear about your injury - that must've been very painful! But I'm very glad to hear that you are on the road to recovery - keep up the great work!
I'm 73, determined to do the Asian squat, feet flat on the ground. I've a long way to go.
Slow and steady wins the race!
I appreciate you making this your expertise. My body definitely feels different now at 51.
More than happy to help!
Wow, I just tried this, it was sore after 10 times! It's an exercise I've never done before. Im practically bedridden at the moment and this is a good movement to do in bed. Oh spit, watched the rest of your video, it's not so easy!
Will I have watched several of your videos and they have all been very clear, concise and helpful. Thank you!
This was super interesting to me as I managed to break both my ankles in 2018. I am now going to add these exercises to my routine to keep my dorsal flexion in optimum condition . Thanks for this clear explanation .
I'm sorry to hear about your injury! I hope my content can be of help
@@HT-Physio Thanks, I am fine now but it certainly took much longer to fully heal than I would have anticipated. I still do mobility exercises for them everyday .
This is so nicely explained and demonstrated. Outstanding and so helpful. Thank you so much for posting this. It is excellent!
Thank you so much for your kind feedback - it is much appreciated!
I tested myself with trying the different positions of standing and sitting. Was easy to do and no plopping on the chair. I ordered his book to see what other issues need to be corrected.
Thank you for this! About a year and a half ago, I broke my ankle in three places. I assumed that once the bones had healed, I would go back to normal. But I soon found that though I could now walk, I could not run at all! I couldn't figure out why - and as long as I could walk, no one was helping me figure out the problem. Then I tried this and this is the problem!!! Even after doing these exercises for a few days, I could see and feel a noticeable improvement! I am very far from a normal run, but I am very thankful that at least now I know what I need to work on! Thanks again!
My hips are denials a problem but I hadn't realised how much movement I'd lost with my ankles, nor how simple it is to exercise them. Definitely earned a book purchase from me.
So pleased my video was helpful - I hope you find my book full of interesting and useful content if you do choose to purchase it! Wishing you all the best :)
I'm only 46 and pretty sporty but peripheral neuropathy has disabled me considerably, so now that I'm recovering my health, I am teaching my muscles and nerves to grow stronger and more stable, so this channel is super useful. Thanks!
You'll be ok I've had p n for over 30 years I'm 72 now had all the tests blood, electric shock etc they don't know the cause, they call it idiopathic, so anyway it hasn't bothered me at all just have to be careful with hot water and never go barefoot incase you injure yourself and don't realize it. Still ru regularly and work full time, good luck I hope you have no problems
The morning movement. Start your day out right
Thanks, PT Specialist! I learned these from my PT about 15 years,ago, but lost my handouts. 🤕 So glad to have TH-cam now and grateful to have the algorithm put you on my feed! I need you, as I'm older and rickety - you can hear my bones creaking. 🤣 Anyway, many thanks for these massively helpful stretching tips. I will do them religiously. I've got fibromyalgia, so I'm always in lots of pain... stretching helps. Got any for the mid-upper back? That area hurts the most with the fibro. It's non-stop excruciating pain. 😰
Anyway, thanks again. I appreciate you. 💐 🙏🏽💞
Thank you so much for watching, I'm sorry to hear that you're in a lot of pain, it can make everyday activities very difficult indeed - I have the following videos about strengthening the back and relieving pain which may be of interest to you! th-cam.com/video/wGDh9UIcZOM/w-d-xo.html th-cam.com/video/wR0lxFm5wv4/w-d-xo.html th-cam.com/video/tDTIF2_wA7s/w-d-xo.html th-cam.com/video/YX2xJSkEnP4/w-d-xo.html
@@HT-Physio Thank you! I will watch them. Subscribed! 🤩
Good presentation and relatable content. I’m on board with this guy.
Great short, concise, clear, to the point video. Thank you for creating these to the point videos. You are helping us seniors to stay fit and mobile.
Brilliantly articulated..for a veteran of many sports injuries like myself this is a hugely helpful revelation..
I’ve broken both ankles about 10 years ago. I’m 52 and needed to see this. I do abc’s all of the time and a pilates machine helps so much.
Fantastic revelation - the answer to my frequent scraping of the ground surface in walking.
Great to hear!
Your are a star! Thank you for helping us, old, miserable, overweight, sad lonely folk! You are beginning to change my life with my oldness mobility. Thank you Sir, you should get an MBE. 😊
Excellent! Thanks so much for your work and excellent explanations.
You're more than welcome
Thank you for sharing these videos. I save each one in a separate file and many I can do from memory ❤❤
That's great thank you for watching!
This vide has been so helpful! I tried the knee to the wall exercise and felt muscles waking up that I hadn't felt before!!
That's great to hear!
Just recovering from a crushed calcaneus. Talus undamaged. Did not like the black boot because of the locking out of that movement. Now well into weight-bearing and retained the flexion. Walking coming on nicely. (there was no surgical intervention envisaged which could have improved the outcome). I deliberately forced the flexion whilst with my legs up. I'm 69 and instincts told me I needed to keep that movement.
Well done !
Hi I’m delighted for you that you are able to dance, I had to give up jive at 70 due to pulmonary fibrosis and being breathless. Iam grateful for the videos to keep me moving! Long may you continue dancing!
Thank you for this video. I will use these exercises going forward.
Wishing you all the best!
Thank you! I broke my ankle about a year ago. I did the exercises then. This has shown me what I lack, and how much farther I need to go until I reach full range of motion.
There's a fourth reason. You need it to shift gears up on your motorcycle.
Haha ❤❤❤❤😂🎉
He didn’t include that!
That's what I need help with the most! 🤣🏍
Toes up( more effective than ‘heels down when teaching mounted horsemanship)!
😉
Thank you Will. Another good set of exercises for me!
Thank you for the video! I love the clear instructions and demonstrations. My ankles have become a bit wobbly, so I'm hoping this will help.
Wishing you all the best!
I must be very lucky. At 70, I can still full squat easily and as a cyclist of many years, as a lad I was taught ankle rotation whilst pedalling which is something that's long been 'hard wired' into instinctive habit. 😊
Keep up the great work!
I wish I knew what that was
@@M_SC what what is? The proper pedaling motion?
Thank you for this amazing info. I had an ankle fusion many years ago and just recently a knee replacement. The ankle is almost collapsing at every step I take. Another ankle fusion is needed to keep me walking but some of the exercise you show here will not be possible for me to do. I’m worried out my leg muscles, they are completely weakened..
I should have found your instructions 11 years before. Thank you for all your exercises. They are a real help to me (I will not tell you my age, as its 61)
I'll be 63 in Nov., my husband just turned 69, he has his own soccer league. I'm working on making my legs' circulation better, doing so by elevating them, eliminating toxins in my blood like salt, sugars, bad fats and processed foods which I've never been a big fan of! Hubby has also cleaned up his diet alot, it's just not worth it!🎉😊
It's never too late to start!
This really interesting: after various bouts of sciatica, I seemed to lose some degree of dorsiflexion in one ankle: it still flexes, but not so much as the other one: I do bsllet classes, despite an advanced age, and thus really affects my pointe work. I'm glad to get a handle on how this works. I already do one of these exercises, I'll have to add the others! Many thanks.
Wishing you all the best!
Thank you Will, very informative and helpful.
At 78, due to some injuries and doing to much sitting I've lost the ability to do a full squat as well as raise my feet high enough to climb a ladder, 🪜 can you suggest any exercises to regain my flexibility ?
I’m 74 years old and a little over a year ago I was suffering from unbearable pain down my leg and around my hip and I thought it was just sciatica and I was doing exercises that I had been shown but the pain wouldn’t really go away for long…long story short I ended up in the hospital with kidney stones. But during the month that I suffered I somehow ended up with nerve damage and I couldn’t lift my toes on the same side that the pain had been on. I had a pronounced limp that really impeded my ability to walk which I did quite a lot of…it’s getting better now though, thank goodness! But I think these exercises would probably help me so I’m going to try them and see what happens!
Super helpful exercises. Thank you so much
Happy to help!
Will, just curious, what does the HT stand for in the title of your Physio videos? I think that your presentations of Physio topics are sensational!
I actually have a double barrelled surname and the HT stands for my surname initials (though I rarely use the full name for convenience purposes!) - and thank you for your kind comment
@@HT-Physio Thanks Will, your Physio Therapies are are excellent!
Thank you for tsharing your invaluable experience and advice.
Happy to help!
Dear Will, have a super weekend. You give us so much to think about ❤Thankyou so much
Well that explains why the physio pushed me so hard when I broke my ankle. I invested in an adjustable slant board and when I feel my calves tighten or my ankle stiffen, then I just pop on the board for a few minutes.
Love my adjustable slant board. Start every day with 30 seconds on it & have noticed a huge improvement! 🙂
I was born with clubfeet and have had three surgeries to somewhat correct my feet, and this movement is something I literally never have been able to do. The first surgery I had, just when I had turned one years old, was to split my big toe ligament in half and attached half of it at the base of my pinky toes. This corrected the inwards tilt of my feet, but it kinda over-corrected it in a bad way and made me extremely flat footed. It also means that whenever I try to flex my ankle like this, my feet instead turns outwards and up toward the chins. If I try to force a natural posture of my feet and flex my ankles straight up nothing happens. I would have done almost anything to have grown up with normal feet, because they have caused me so much excruciating pain and discomfort throughout my life, and it just keeps getting worse. I'm only 30 now and already have problems with my knees and hips (and every single bone and joints in my feet). I wouldn't be surprised if I need a hip or knee joint replacement surgery before I turn 40. If I got the chance to have immobilization surgery on both of my feet, or even amputation, I would say yes in a heartbeat. Not that I think it would help much to save my knees and hips at this point, but if it would help with the pain in my feet and ankles it would still be more than worth it.
Thank you Will for your time, your knowledge, for your sharing of important information to better health and well-being. Be blessed.
You're very welcome indeed :)
Stay blessed, thanks for your very effective exercises 👍
Such good info. My niece is having serious knee pain & they said she isnt using all the correct muscles. It makes sense. I will be sending this video to her. Thanks.
I follow you religiously... Thank you so much for your knowledge. 👍xxx🏴
Thanks for the wall test! Its reassuring
Happy to help!
This is a helpful channel for anyone who does not live an active life. I have found your simple advice so helpful. Thank you for taking time with us oldies
Very happy to be able to help!
That movement is also called "Heels Down" that one uses when riding a horse. Go stand on a step so your heels hang downwards and you hang onto the railing + it stretches your calf muscles so the calf relaxes. Then you can easily do heels down while in the stirrups! 🐎🐎🐎🐎🐎🐎🐎🐎🐎🐎 at the same time you do that stretch might as well bring your heel up to the butt so you can stretch the front of the thigh muscle too! Don't forget to get potassium in the diet for the muscles! Your muscles get tight without enough potassium and then doing heels down will be difficult. I am 52 by the way. I do yoga as well plus I am very flexible.
I am facing a knee replacement surgery. I di not have the support to go back and forth for the after care. Thank you for this channel!
Wonderful stuff. Vital information. Totally doable. Thank you!
You're very welcome
I’m very boarder line in ability to do it. Thank you. I will be working on this.
Wishing you all the best!
I am so happy that I came across your channel a few days ago - you explain so well and clearly and make us understand the why and wherefore of every subject you choose to show us. It gives me confidence that I really can improve myself - it is NOT impossible 😃 Thank you so much 🥰
Great informative video as always. Congrats on hitting 500K subscribers. Keep up the great work!
Thank you! It's been a very exciting few days!
These videos are brilliant Will.. Thanks so much, been trying the 'split squats' you demonstrated in another video, backside is aching, but starting to feel benefit in my legs already👍
Thank you so much for taking the time to show effective exercise to help.
Thank you for these exercises. They are most helpful.
I'm glad that I find your channel just now. Just turn 77 this year and will from now on keep an eye on your channel, which I find it among the best in YT, both the content and presentation. Thank you so much for your effort.
Thank you for watching - I really appreciate it!
All praise to God (Eloah),very nice video.When one makes prostration (falling on one's face) during prayer there is ankle dorsiflexion, no
Thank you for the video.
Thanks for watching!
Crazy accurate! I developed a level 0 foot drop from an L5 injury on Sept 22. I have worked so freaking hard to get _any_ movement back, and I can now reach 85⁰ using my muscles. I can obviously manipulate the flextion with pressure, but the strength to resist is not there yet.
Basically, all day, I'm flexing and working my shin muscles.
I also wear a plantar brace to sleep so my toes don't point, and I end up with calf cramps.