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Rehab therapy to walk

Published: 20/04/2026
Last edited: 20/04/2026
Code: 01303

Standing and walking bring many benefits for your health and wellbeing. A number of different elements come together to help you succeed.

Therapy can support you to get back on your feet, and there is also helpful preparation you can do yourself. Building strength, confidence and understanding before you begin can make a real difference.

Getting the right therapy at the right time matters. We can then support you to bring everything together, helping you move forward and take your next steps safely.

1. Can you sit unsupported without leaning for five minutes?

Sitting on a stool
1a
Sitting on chair upright
1b. Try building up with this.

2. Can you brace your knee straight and lift your leg off the bed and hold for 10 seconds?

Lying-on bed lifting leg
2a
Lying on bed with legs lifted
2b. Try this to get stronger.

3. Can you get your feet flat on the floor and your ankles at 90 degrees/right angle?

Sitting on chair
3a
Sitting on chair leg stretched out
3b. Try sliding your heel towards you.

4. Can your bottom clear the bed when lying on your back with your knees bent up and your feet resting on the bed?

Lying on bed lifting bottom
4a
Lying on bed
4b. Squeezing and holding your buttocks.

5. Can you lean forward to get your nose over your toes in sitting?

Getting out of chair
5a
Sitting on chair hands on knees
5b. Try leaning as far forwards as you can.

6. Can you push through your arms and legs to lift your bottom off the chair/bed?

Getting out of chair
6a
Getting out of chair
6b. Try putting more weight through your feet.

When you can do all six parts, you are ready to progress into standing. Contact the Community Rehab Service, who will be happy to support you to begin the next step to walking.

Contact us

Contact one of the teams from Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm:

East Kent: 0300 7900 389
West Kent: 0300 123 4081

For the rapid response in east Kent, please see the Acute Response Team page.

For the rapid response in west Kent, please see the Urgent Care Team (West Kent) page.

This information should only be followed on the advice of a healthcare professional. 

Do you have feedback about our health services?

0800 030 4550
Text 07899 903499
Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 4.30pm
kentchft.PALS@nhs.net
www.kentcht.nhs.uk/PALS

Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS)
Kent Community Health NHS Foundation Trust
Trinity House, 110-120 Upper Pemberton
Ashford
Kent
TN25 4AZ

Donate today, and help the NHS go above and beyond. Visit www.kentcht.nhs.uk/icare

If you need communication support or this information in another format, please ask a member of staff or contact PALS using the details above.

In everything we do, we care

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