How to do it
You need: A staircase with a secure handrail.
Stand at the bottom of a staircase that has a firm handrail, holding the rail with one hand. Wear supportive shoes or go barefoot, not socks or loose slippers.
- To go up, step up with your stronger leg first, then bring the other leg onto the same step.
- To come down, step down with your weaker or operated leg first, then follow with the stronger leg.
- Take one step at a time, pausing with both feet on each step to start with.
- Progress to one foot per stair, step over step, as your strength and confidence grow.
Form cues
- A helpful phrase is 'up with the good, down with the bad'.
- You place your whole foot on each step, not just the toes.
- The handrail takes some of your weight for balance, but not all of it.
Common mistakes
- Rushing, or trying step over step before you are steady taking one step at a time.
- Looking up or around instead of at the steps in front of you.
- Practising in socks or loose slippers.
Safety: Stop and message your physio if you have a fall, a near-fall, or new dizziness or leg weakness.