Rehab Devices That Make Life Easier

Rehab Devices That Make Life Easier:

Walkers

 

Last entry discussed the two common types of canes, standard and quad.  If someone needs more assistance when walking, a walker should be considered.  There are many types of walkers to choose from.

The Standard Walker provides a stable base of support as it has 4 legs.  To prescribe appropriately, the user must have strong arms to support their body weight when pressing down on the handles during gait.  This walker is used many times by patients with weight-bearing precautions.  For example, if someone is not supposed to fully weight bear on 1 leg, they will need to use their arm strength and opposite leg strength with this walker in order to walk.  Because there is a weight bearing precaution, the walker of choice should not have wheels so that the walker will be less likely to roll forward uncontrollably.

The rolling walker provides faster and smoother mobility for people who do not have any weight bearing precautions of their legs and are more steady when walking and changing direction.

The three wheel walker is for people who need the assist of a walker, but are able to walk and negotiate obstacles confidently and safely.  This walker allows quicker direction changes.  Brakes are present for safety so that the walker does not "get away" from the user.

 

  

 

The 4 wheel walker is also used for the more highly functioning person who is unable to walk without the support of a walker, but wants to be able to walk with some quickness and be able to make  safe direction changes.  This walker is good for those who present with good balance, but have trouble walking long distances, as it offers a seat as well as brakes for safety.

 

 

 

The Hemi Walker is used by patients who have difficulty using the arm and leg on one side of their body, particularly stroke patients.  It can also be beneficial for people who need assistance with their balance but are unable to hold a walker with 2 hands due to an injury to 1 arm.  The wide base provides balance and stability and this walker can be maneuvered using only 1 arm.  Although it is maneuvered using one arm, it provides more support than the quad cane of the previous post.