Wheelchair Types To Help With Posture

Wheelchairs are an essential means of transportation for those who cannot walk or who experience pain when walking. As invaluable as they are to those with mobility issues, wheelchairs can be problematic for an important aspect of your health: your posture.

Even as a wheelchair user, your posture matters! Why is posture so important? 

• It affects how comfortable you feel from day to day
• It influences the health of your spine and muscles
• Good posture helps prevent injuries, muscle spasms, and UTIs

Spending most of your day in a seated position causes problems for your body. But there are wheelchairs designed to alleviate the strain associated with sitting down. 

Below, we’ll explore the different options available to those who rely on a wheelchair and are concerned about their posture:

Important Features To Look For

When you’re shopping for a new wheelchair, be on the lookout for the following features, which can help you maintain good posture:

The Clinical Benefits of Standing

RESNA (The Rehabilitation Engineering & Assistive Technology Society of North America) discovered that by using a standing wheelchair, you can:

• Lower the risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs). Sitting impairs the ability of your bladder to function properly. By sitting for prolonged periods, you may be at a higher risk for developing chronic UTIs. Standing wheelchairs keep your body in an upright position, which helps reduce the likelihood of a UTI.
• Reduce pressure sores. Being reclined puts pressure on your lower body. Many wheelchair users develop pressure sores over time; these may form on the back, the shoulder blades, and the bottom. A standing wheelchair relieves this pressure. 
• Prevent skeletal deformities. Keep your spine in alignment by switching to a standing wheelchair. This is especially important for children whose spines are still developing. Promote the health of your spine by using a standing chair. 
• Relieve tensions. When your body is always in a seated position, tension builds up in your muscles. This can cause chronic pain and muscle spasms. A chair that raises your body into a standing position will relieve some of this tension and help prevent muscle spasms.

While this may not be a clinical benefit, it’s worth mentioning: A standing wheelchair gives more independence. You’ll have an easier time doing everyday tasks, from preparing a meal on a high countertop to grabbing an item from a tall shelf. And standing chairs also offers the ability to have eye-level conversations with your peers which boost self-confidence too!