Standing Up From a Chair or Seated Position - Ask Doctor Jo

Standing Up From a Chair or Seated Position: http://www.AskDoctorJo.com Standing up from a chair, low chair, or a chair with no armrests can be very difficult for some people, especially if you have an injury. Doctor Jo shows you some quick tips on how to get up from a chair if you are having difficulty. For more physical therapy videos or to Ask Doctor Jo a question, visit http://www.AskDoctorJo.com

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First, the most important thing to do is to scoot to the edge of the chair. Don't fall off the chair! Now spread out your feet to about shoulder width apart to give yourself a good base of support. Bring your strong leg slightly back toward the chair to help give you a push up when you are ready.

The next big thing is to lean forward shifting your weight forward. Many people are scared to do this because they feel like they are going to fall out of the chair, but you have to shift your weight or you won't be able to stand up. Lean forward until you feel your bottom coming off the chair. If you want to push up with your hands, you can place them on your thighs or on the chair itself. Do all of this in one smooth motion. There you have it!

DISCLAIMER: This video and any related comments are not medical advice. Doctor Jo is a licensed Physical Therapist and Doctor of Physical Therapy; however, she is not YOUR Physical Therapist and can't possibly diagnose you through the Internet. So don't use this information to avoid going to your own healthcare professional or to replace the advice they have given you. This information is only intended to show you the correct technique for physical therapy exercises and should not be used to self-diagnose or self-treat any medical condition. If you are not properly diagnosed, this information won't help, and it could make things worse. So seriously, check with your healthcare professional before doing these techniques. If you experience any pain or difficulty while doing these exercises, stop immediately and see your healthcare professional.