It's not what you push...It's what pushes you!

Monthly Archives: March 2018

Tips on Choosing the Right Wheelchair Wheels

Wheelchair WheelsThe choice of your wheelchair wheels will depend on the use of your wheelchair. Whether outdoor or indoor, the terrain and activities you engage in will also determine the type of wheels you choose for your chair.

The smoothness of the ride combined with speed maneuverability and control are all related to the wheelchair tires, casters and wheels. Choosing these components is not an easy task it is advisable to contact an expert such as a therapist or health care professional to help you choose a combination that will meet your lifestyle, maintenance, and affordability needs.

Wheelchair Wheels and Components

Manual wheelchairs have two sets of wheels a pair in front called a caster and a pair at the back called the drive wheels. Power wheelchairs, on the other hand, may have up to three wheels; one caster and two drive wheels. One of the factors you should consider when selecting wheelchair wheels is how heavy they are and the environment which you will be using them. Spoke wheels are usually lighter than mag wheels but they require more maintenance. They are less suitable for moist surfaces. Mag wheels are mostly maintenance free but are affected by extreme temperatures.

Which Tires?

Tires can either be pneumatic (air-filled), solid and flat free foam, urethane or rubber filled. Depending on the terrain you wish to use them they may be knobbly or smooth. As a rule of thumb, you should know that tires affect how easily a wheelchair specific rolls over surfaces. The harder the tire, the easier it will be to propel your wheelchair and the softer the tire the harder it becomes to propel your wheelchair. Here are your choices: Continue reading

Guidelines for Safer Seating Posture in Wheelchair

Guidelines for Safer Seating Posture in WheelchairMost wheelchair users spend the better part of the day in their wheelchair seats. This is a considerably long time to spend seated. That is the reason why you should keep a good posture every time. A good posture will enhance your safety and decrease the chances of you getting further injuries from complications arising from your wrong seating postures. The following guidelines will help you improve your seating posture.

Relaxed Feet Position

Achieving this can be done naturally if you know how to position your feet in the preferred position. And how do you do that? You start by tilting and reclining the wheelchair slightly. For effectiveness, remove the leg rests and place a cushion or leg rest under your feet. And that is not all: The harm strings should be relaxed.

Seat Depth

You should ensure that you sit far back into the chair as much as possible. And once you have a handle on that, then lean forward and check the position from above. While you are at it, check the pressure distribution of the buttocks with your hand by comparing backrest with seating. For the best results do not let the upper side of your calf touch the seat cushion. Leave at least a 2-3cm space. Continue reading