How to Use Manual Wheelchairs?

A person who happens to be permanently disabled for any reason would need an electric wheelchair. But, if the disability is temporary, the physician may recommend a manually operated one, just to help the patient to get rehabilitated. The type of chair being prescribed may be different based on the nature and the extent of the injury. If the upper body is strong enough, a wheelchair with a push rim would do fine. However, someone whose muscles are weak may have to go for a chair with a handle at its back. This allows an assistant to push it as required.

Manual wheelchairs: How to use one?

If your doctor prescribes a wheelchair equipped with a push rim, you can feel relieved. There are two scenarios; either your disability is not permanent or it is not progressive. Whatever is the situation, it is a must that you learn how to use the chair properly to get the most from it. Don’t allow its simple appearance to deceive you. Maneuvering a wheelchair in the way you want is an acquired skill, not an inherent talent. The first thing you should learn here is proper positioning. Only then would you be able to control your chair. Here are some more pointers in this direction.

1. Prepare your hands

When using a wheelchair, make sure that your nails are trimmed short. This would protect you from getting injured while on the chair. Wear fingerless gloves if you can.

2. Keep the chair on a flat surface

Do not ever place your wheelchair on a slanted surface. On a flat surface, it would remain stable and you can move in or get out safely. You should also make sure that the chair is locked before trying to get out of it. Just push or pull the handle, it may differ based on the type of chair you have.

3. Learn how to grip the wheel

Know that the rim of your chair is not meant to touch the floor. You may either grip the wheel or both the tire and the wheel; whatever is convenient.

You can move forward by propelling yourself using your arms. After extending them fully, bring your arms to their original position; to the rim to continue going forward. Pull the back wheels if you want to move backward. Hold one wheel still and move the other to take a 90º turn.

Stay fit with a manual wheelchair

The statement that as a disabled person, you need to have a minimum of 1 ½ hours of exercise per week to stay healthy may be common knowledge. But, this becomes natural and easier for someone who uses a manual wheelchair is a recent discovery. Research shows that someone who uses this type of a chair is able to burn up to 120 calories in thirty minutes. And, fencing for the same amount of time would burn up to 258 calories. When mopping, it comes up to 127.

Todd Dawson Is a freelance writer