A Physiotherapist’s Nightmare: What I See in the Shops Will Haunt You!
I don’t scare easily.
I’ve seen torn ligaments, post-op disasters, and even the occasional DIY “Google physio” gone wrong.
But do you know what truly sends shivers down my spine?
A Saturday shopping trip.
There I am, minding my own business, reaching for a loaf of bread when it happens…
Out of the corner of my eye — I spot it.
A pair of crutches, adjusted to completely the wrong height.
My heart skips a beat.
My palms sweat.
My physio instincts scream: “INTERVENE!”
You see, for most people, the shopping mall is a place of leisure.
For me, it’s a living horror film filled with spine-chilling scenes:
- Crutches so high the poor person’s shoulders are kissing their ears.
- Walking sticks used on the wrong side (yes, there is a wrong side!).
- Limping gaits that would make even the strongest knees weep.
And before my family can whisper, “Mum, please don’t…” I’m already halfway across the aisle, offering what I like to call a public service announcement.
Because here’s the terrifying truth — using a walking aid incorrectly can cause more harm than good.
We’re talking shoulder pain, back strain, neck tension, and even nerve compression.
I’ve seen people worsen their recovery… all because no one showed them the right way to walk.
So yes, I may embarrass my family when I stop someone mid-shop with a cheerful,
“Excuse me, can I just adjust that for you?”
But I can’t help it.
Once you’ve seen what a poorly fitted crutch does to a body, there’s no unseeing it.
💀 My message to the brave souls walking through life with crutches, sticks, or frames:
Before your next outing, visit your physiotherapist!
We’ll make sure your walking aids are adjusted to you — not to the height of whoever used them last.
Because nothing ruins a shopping trip faster than watching someone unknowingly injure themselves with every step.
And if you ever see a woman in the bread aisle, eyes wide with concern, moving in fast with a friendly smile — don’t panic.
It’s probably just me, your local physio superhero, saving shoulders one shopping trip at a time.
🦸♀️ At Samantha Dunbar Inc., we help you move better, recover faster, and live pain-free — even during your grocery run!
👉 Visit Booking | Samantha Dunbar Inc. to book a gait assessment or walking aid fitting before I find you in the bread aisle.
