The Role of a Wheelchair in a Patient’s Recovery Process

It is not easy getting back on your feet after suffering a fracture, injury or undergoing surgery. Many of these situations compromise a patients’ use of their abdominal muscles, spine or legs. That is where the use of a wheelchair during some time is often advised by doctors, occupational therapists and physiotherapists alike.

When it comes to choosing the right wheelchair for their recovery and for rent, individuals have various options to help suit their needs. Patients who may have undergone spinal or abdominal surgery, might have limited use of their upper body. In that case, they will be best served by renting a transport chair.

What’s the difference between a transport chair and a wheelchair, you may ask? As opposed to regular wheelchairs, which have two large wheels for an individual to propel herself, transport chairs possess four small casters. They are made for someone else to push the person on the chair around. A great advantage of transport chairs is their feather-weight. These devices weigh just 16 lbs, making them ideal for putting in and taking out of the trunk of a car or to store them with minimal space requirements.

If the person is able to propel himself, then renting a regular wheelchair will be their best option. Wheelchairs are easy to fold, come with swing-away footrests and easy-to-clean vinyl or nylon upholstery. Their weight varies between 28-32 pounds, which makes them heavier than transport chairs but still a good fit for bringing with you in the car or on a plane.

Patients requiring wheelchairs sometimes suffer from leg ailments– from swelling to recovering from a fracture in the foot or leg area. Wheelchairs equipped with elevating footrests will ensure that their legs are maintained in a raised, horizontal position to assist in the healing process.

Wheelchairs come in different sizes and configurations to best suit the body shape of an individual. A slim recovery wheelchair often has a 16″ seat width. Regular wheelchairs are 18″; there’s also larger ones measuring 20″ or 22″ wide or more for bariatric patients. They come finished in chrome or silver vein and are equipped with either solid or inflatable wheels– depending on the device.

Rental wheelchairs are ideal for patients who will not require them in the long run. With affordable monthly rates and included service from the supplier, wheelchairs can play a pivotal role in the recovery of any post-surgical patient.