Insights on Recovery,
Mobility & Rehabilitation

Able Physics^™ is a company that solves complex problems by creating functional and innovative solutions through highly engineered physical devices and smart technology applications. It uses the fundamental laws of physics to enable new capabilities that solve problems related to mobility, balance and recovery.

It creates solutions through:

• Thoughtful Engineering: Skillful application of physics to design systems and devices that are efficient and effective — to make people able.
• Empowering Science: Unlocking new capabilities for humanity — to make people able.
• Skills and Precision: The practical understanding of physics — not just in theory, but in its ability to apply it to make, fix, or build devices and solutions through technology — to make people able.

Able is an adjective that means having the power, skill, or general means to complete a task. Individuals who are 'able' have a sense of capability and competence.

Physics is the branch of science that studies matter, energy, motion and how they interact. Proper physics represents well-thought-out systems where each component works in harmony. It doesn't waste energy; it performs its function without unnecessary effort.

Able Physics^™ doesn't just develop, manufacture and sell products. It creates the ability for individuals to be more independent, mobile and capable.

A patent is a legal right that gives individuals or companies exclusive control over an invention for a limited time, usually about 20 years from the filing date. For medical devices, that invention might be a new physical design, a novel mechanism, a diagnostic method, or a software-driven feature built into the device.

To qualify for a patent, a medical device generally must be:

• New: Not previously disclosed in patents, publications, or public use.
• Non-obvious: Not an obvious variation of what already exists to someone skilled in the field.
• Useful: Able to provide a real, practical medical benefit.

Without a patent, competitors can often replicate an idea or product once it becomes visible to the public. A solid patent provides exclusive rights to manufacture, sell or license protected intellectual property and stops others from doing the same without permission. Key benefits include the ability to control pricing, distribution, and licensing terms; time to establish brand recognition without copycat products; and legal grounds to challenge infringing competitors.

For small or emerging companies, patents often serve as the main asset that levels the playing field against larger incumbents. Securing a patent demonstrates that the innovation is unique, assigns tangible value to intellectual property before revenue arrives, and can facilitate licensing deals, joint ventures, or acquisitions.

The two most common options are forearm (Lofstrand) crutches and underarm (axillary) crutches. While both help offload weight from the legs, they differ in design, stability, and ideal use cases.

Underarm (Axillary) Crutches

The classic hospital-style crutch that sits under the armpit. Provides a higher pivot point, is generally lighter and more portable, and is often less expensive — making it practical for short-term use of 1–3 months. Best for patients with limited upper-body strength, or when crutches are used intermittently.

Forearm (Lofstrand) Crutches

Feature a cuff that wraps around the forearm. Encourage a more upright posture, distribute pressure over the forearm and hand rather than the armpit, and offer more freedom on stairs and uneven terrain. Preferred for long-term or permanent mobility needs and for active users.

How to Choose

• Duration: Underarm for temporary recovery; forearm for long-term or permanent needs.
• Strength: Underarm suits weaker or less confident patients; forearm requires more upper-body strength.
• Environment: Forearm offers more freedom; underarm is simpler for short trips.

Regardless of type, proper fit and training are essential. Many clinicians recommend a brief gait training session with a physical therapist to ensure safe, efficient use.

When choosing a walking cane, one of the first decisions is handle and shaft design. Two of the most common options are the offset cane and the non-offset (straight) cane. While both provide support for balance and weight bearing, they differ significantly in how they distribute force.

The Offset Cane

The offset cane has a handle that is set slightly forward of the shaft, creating a bent or angled design. This geometry shifts your center of gravity directly over the base of the cane rather than behind it. Benefits include reduced wrist strain, better weight transfer down the shaft, and improved alignment for users with arthritis or wrist pain.

The Non-Offset (Straight) Cane

The straight cane has a handle directly above the shaft in a continuous line. It provides a more traditional grip feel with natural wrist alignment. Best suited for users with strong grip who need minimal support, or for those who prefer a traditional cane feel for balance rather than significant weight bearing.

Which Should You Choose?

Choose an offset cane if you need to bear significant weight through the cane, have wrist or hand pain, or use the cane for extended periods daily. Choose a non-offset cane if you need only light balance assistance, have strong grip and wrist strength, or prefer a traditional aesthetic.

Axillary (underarm) crutches are a common mobility aid after injury or surgery, but they only work safely and comfortably when they are adjusted correctly. If the underarm pad is too high or too low, it can cause discomfort, nerve irritation, or even falls.

The Correct Underarm Pad Height

The underarm pad should sit approximately 2 to 3 finger-widths (about 1½ inches) below the armpit when you are standing upright with the crutch tip on the ground about 6 inches in front of and to the side of your foot.

This gap is critical. If the pad presses directly into the armpit, it can compress the radial nerve — a condition known as "crutch palsy" that can cause numbness, tingling, or weakness in the arm and hand.

Step-by-Step Adjustment

1. Stand upright in your normal footwear on a flat surface.
2. Hold the crutch with the tip on the ground, 6 inches out to the side and slightly in front of you.
3. Adjust the crutch length so the top pad sits 2–3 finger-widths below your armpit.
4. Lock the adjustment in place and confirm the measurement on both crutches.

Always confirm your fit with a physical therapist or clinician before beginning daily use.

When using axillary (underarm) crutches, the hand grip height is just as important as the overall crutch length. If the grip is too high or too low, it can strain your shoulders, wrists, and back, and make walking less stable.

The Correct Hand Grip Height

The hand grip should be positioned so that when you stand with the crutch tip on the ground, your elbow is bent at approximately 15 to 30 degrees. This slight bend allows your arm to absorb shock and push down effectively during the gait cycle without locking the elbow or over-flexing.

Why It Matters

A grip that is too high forces the elbow into a deeply bent position, fatiguing the biceps and forearm muscles quickly. A grip that is too low straightens the elbow completely, reducing your ability to push down and transfer weight through the crutch — and increasing the load on the shoulder joint.

Step-by-Step Adjustment

1. Stand upright in your normal footwear on a flat surface.
2. Let your arms hang naturally at your sides.
3. The hand grip should align with the crease of your wrist.
4. When holding the grip, confirm your elbow is slightly bent — 15 to 30 degrees.
5. Adjust both crutches equally and confirm with a clinician or physical therapist.

For decades, the walking cane was seen as a simple medical necessity — a functional tool often tucked away in the back of a closet. But the U.S. walking aid market is heading toward a projected $1.5 billion valuation by 2030, growing at 8.6% annually. Here are the three biggest trends reshaping the industry.

1. The "Silver Tsunami" and the Active Senior

The primary driver is the aging Boomer generation — but today's 70-year-olds aren't sitting still. This "active aging" movement has shifted demand toward ultra-lightweight materials (carbon fiber, aircraft-grade aluminum) and portable folding designs that fit in a carry-on bag or glove box.

2. From "Medical Device" to "Lifestyle Accessory"

One of the most exciting shifts is the de-stigmatization of the cane. Users want a piece that reflects their personality — brands are collaborating with designers on floral prints, wood grains, and luxury finishes. The cane is becoming a "functional accessory" rather than a sign of frailty.

3. The Rise of the Smart Cane

Tech-heavy models are incorporating fall detection that alerts family or emergency services, GPS navigation for users with visual or memory challenges, and health monitoring that tracks steps, gait speed, and weight-bearing pressure — helping physical therapists monitor recovery remotely. Able Physics^™ is among the innovators driving this category forward.

The message is clear: using a cane isn't about what you can't do — it's about giving you the tools to keep doing what you love.

Nordic walking — walking with specially designed poles and a coordinated arm motion — turns an everyday activity into a low-impact, full-body workout. Unlike regular walking, Nordic walking engages your arms, shoulders, core, and legs at the same time.

The Key Benefits

• Full-body engagement: Research suggests Nordic walking activates up to 90% of the body's muscles — compared to roughly 70% for regular walking.
• Reduced joint impact: The poles distribute load across the upper body, reducing impact on knees, hips, and ankles — making it ideal for people with arthritis or recovering from lower-limb injury.
• Cardiovascular improvement: The added arm work increases heart rate 5–10 beats per minute compared to regular walking at the same pace, delivering better cardiovascular benefit for the same perceived effort.
• Improved posture and balance: The poles encourage an upright posture and provide two extra points of contact with the ground, improving stability.

Nordic Walking in Rehabilitation

Nordic walking poles are increasingly used in the final stages of physical therapy, particularly for lower-limb recovery. They provide a confidence boost on uneven terrain while the bilateral arm engagement helps re-establish symmetrical movement patterns — a key rehabilitation goal. The Fulcrum Poles by Able Physics^™ are purpose-built for exactly this stage of recovery.

When choosing a cane, most people focus on the handle and shaft — but the base at the bottom is just as important. The type of base affects traction, stability, weight-bearing capacity, and how the cane behaves on different surfaces.

Single-Point Rubber Tip

The standard base on most canes. A single rubber ferrule provides reliable grip on most indoor and outdoor surfaces. Lightweight, low-profile, and appropriate for users who need light balance assistance. Best for walking at a normal pace with a natural gait pattern.

Self-Standing / Wide-Base Foot

A four-point base that allows the cane to stand upright on its own. Provides greater surface contact and stability — particularly useful on uneven terrain or for users who need to set the cane down frequently. The Apex Cane by Able Physics^™ includes this option as an interchangeable foot system.

Quad Cane (Four-Point Base)

A wider four-point base that provides maximum stability. Recommended for users with significant balance impairment or weakness. Best on flat surfaces — the rigid base can make walking on uneven ground less smooth.

Carbide Tips

Hard metal tips designed for outdoor use on pavement, packed gravel, or rocky terrain. Provide excellent grip on hard surfaces but are not recommended for indoor use on smooth floors.

Trekking poles can reduce joint strain, improve balance, and make walking more efficient — but only if they're adjusted correctly. For most modern poles, that means setting the telescoping length and fine-tuning the handle grip and strap.

Setting the Correct Length

The standard starting point: stand upright on flat ground holding the pole with the tip touching the ground. Your elbow should be bent at approximately 90 degrees and your forearm parallel to the ground. From this baseline, shorten the poles slightly for uphill sections (reduces shoulder strain) and lengthen them for downhill (improves braking and stability).

Locking the Adjustment

Most telescoping poles use either a twist-lock or lever-lock mechanism. Lever locks (like the High-Dexterity Lever-Lock on the Able Physics^™ Base Pole) provide more reliable clamping force with less effort — particularly important for users with arthritis or limited hand strength. Always confirm the lock is fully engaged before applying weight.

Setting the Wrist Strap

Thread your hand up through the strap from below, then grip the handle so the strap rests across the back of your wrist. The strap should be snug but not restrictive. Proper strap use lets you push down and backward through the strap rather than gripping the handle tightly — reducing hand fatigue on long walks.

Lofstrand (forearm) crutches, also known as elbow or Canadian crutches, offer excellent stability and comfort for people who rely on them for daily mobility. But to get those benefits, the crutches must be adjusted correctly at two key points: the forearm cuff and the hand grip.

Setting the Forearm Cuff Height

The cuff should sit 1 to 1½ inches below the elbow (approximately 2 finger-widths). This positioning keeps the cuff snug enough to prevent the crutch from falling when you release the grip (e.g., when opening a door), but low enough that it doesn't restrict elbow movement or dig into the joint when bending the arm.

Setting the Hand Grip Height

Stand upright with arms hanging naturally at your sides. The hand grip should align with the crease of your wrist. When holding the grip, your elbow should have a slight bend of approximately 15 to 20 degrees — enough to absorb shock during the gait cycle without locking out.

Confirming the Fit

Walk several steps on a flat surface. The cuff should stay in place without sliding down when you release the handle. Your shoulders should remain relaxed — not hunched or elevated. If you feel strain in your wrists, shoulders, or upper back, recheck both adjustments. Always confirm final fit with a physical therapist before daily use.