In the article (which you can read here) results from a recent study published in the American Journal of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation were it says that “roughly 53% of wheelchair users reported at least one breakdown requiring repairs within six months – up from 45% between 2004 and 2006.” The study was based on results from 700 people with a spinal cord injury.

We at Redman Power Chair think this is a sad commentary on the state of the wheelchair market. What this research suggests is that some of our competitors are selling on price alone, resulting in lower quality chairs that they know Medicare and Medicaid reimburse for. While this meets the immediate needs of a large number of users, we have always built the best quality power chair available, no matter what the reimbursement amount is. It’s an important part of our mission statement – “To provide the finest standing power chair available supported by the best company in the business.”

Our chair may cost more, but we believe your quality of life is the most important thing and that the health benefits and durability of our product are well worth the extra cost. We realize not everyone can afford our chair, so as an outreach we have developed an affordable payment plan where customers can make payments on a new Redman Power Chair. This allows more people to afford a higher quality, more therapeutic reclining and standing wheelchair.

Contact our sales team or request a demo for more information.

Physical Benefits of Standing Wheelchairs

Urinary Health – Urinary Tract Infections are common among people who are in wheelchairs. However, studies have shown that using a standing device or standing wheelchair can greatly decrease urinary tract infections.

Circulation – Changing posture helps the blood circulate around the body. For example, sitting in one position causes the blood to stagnate and reduce circulation to other places of the body.

Spasticity – Staying in one position, such as sitting, can cause muscle spasticity. Changing posture helps relax the muscles and reduce spasticity.

Bowel Function – Poor bowel function is a common complaint among wheel chair users. However, according to numerous studies, standing exercises can greatly improve bowel function. Even when using a standing wheelchair these results are the same.

Pressure Sores – Pressure sores occur from constant pressure on one area of the body. Being able to stand up in a wheelchair helps distribute your weight and improve healing of bed sores.

Contractures – Sitting for long periods of time may cause the joints and muscles to stiffen. Standing allows the muscles to get stretched and exercised, decreasing the amount of stiffness you experience in joints and muscles.

Bone Density – Some evidence shows that standing wheelchairs may increase bone density. This is because standing puts more weight on your bones than sitting.

Psychological Benefits of Standing Wheelchairs

Independence – Standing is the foundation of reclaiming independence. A few examples include being able to reach cupboards, change light-bulbs, and looking into a mirror at a regular level.

Increased cognition – Better circulation often means better cognition. Standing wheelchairs may help with certain cognitive tasks such as memory and focus.

Fatigue – Sitting or lying down for too long is a known cause for fatigue. Muscles may atrophy and quickly tire. Standing up helps exercises these muscles and reduce fatigue.

Depression – Depression is often caused by feeling a lack of control over certain situations. So it is no wonder why people confined to a wheelchair may suffer from depression. However, gaining the ability to stand, even with assistance, helps reclaim a certain amount of control and helps reduce depression.

Well Being – Wellbeing is dramatically increased by using a standing wheelchair. You can be on “the same level” when talking or communicating as others. You can also make eye contact, pose for photographs, hug standing up and much more.

Sources:

http://www.rstce.pitt.edu/RSTCE_Resources/Resna_position_on_wheelchair_standers.pdf

http://www.easystand.com/health-benefits/index.cfm

To illustrate the off-road capabilities of the Redman Power Chair, we have put together the Eat My Dust video to show the off-road functionality. In the video we have outfitted our chair with the off-road drive wheels that are an available option. Even without the optional wheels, this chair is extremely capable of off-road driving. The optional wheels simply add more traction.

“We are thrilled that power chair users continue to improve the quality of their life by going anywhere, on any terrain,” says Sam Redman, Founder and Sales Manager of Redman Power Chair “The innovation behind the ground clearance and suspension is something we are very proud of.”

The 4” ground clearance has always been a feature of the Redman Power Chairs and all of the chairs are hand-built in the U.S. specific to each customer’s unique needs. It has unparalleled movement and numerous physical and psychological health benefits ranging from improved circulation to increased cognition. “Without a standing wheelchair or reclining wheelchair, users can encounter health problems.” Redman continued, “We make a chair that has always been healthier for the user and it can go on uneven, rough ground while still being stable and comfortable.”

Want to learn more? Call Sam Redman directly at (877)-377-1677 or schedule a free demo online, and we’ll bring a chair to you to try out.

• Carbon Fiber
• American Flag
• Camouflage
• Animal Prints
• Metal
• Stone
• Wood
• Floral patterns
• Zebra Patterns
• Skulls

The possibilities are nearly endless! Shown here is an example of a camouflage chair just delivered to Jessie Jackson in Orfino, Idaho. Contact us today to get a quote on your new chair with a fun new design. Watch for pictures of new designs in the coming months.

We are looking forward to updating Shea to a new Blackhawk in the near future!

If you are ever in Tucson, Arizona and would like a tour of our facility like Shea, stop by and we’ll give you a complimentary tune-up and a tour.

“Thank you Sam Redman! He endured our ravenous Canadian Border drones and brought my wife and I the best Christmas present ever! After 24 years she can stand again! Chairapy is under way! Quality materials, honest helpful service, and engineering excellence! The Original American economic model in action that will always work!”