Powerful Physical Therapy

Powerful Physical Therapy

When You're Active And In A Wheelchair: A Transport Chair Can Make It Easier To Keep Going

by Clifford Ramos

When you're young, active, and relatively healthy—except for the fact that you're confined to a wheelchair—you don't want to be held back unnecessarily. That means that you may want to consider buying a transport wheelchair in addition to your regular chair as you adapt to life on four wheels.

A transport chair helps keep your life spontaneous.

Your primary mode of movement may be through a standard wheelchair, simply because they're easy to use, durable, and you can customize them with everything from detachable armrests and trays to adjustable seating. However, you may find them somewhat limiting to your lifestyle because they can also be bulky and hard to transport. If they're motorized, they're even heavier and harder to transport.

This could mean that you can't really go anywhere unless you have access to a specially-equipped vehicle with a lift when you want to go. While there are plenty of disability services available that can get you back and forth to scheduled events, you may want the freedom to just go to the mall with you friends or take in a movie—without having to schedule it a few days in advance.

A transport chair can be an excellent solution. Light and flexible, transport chairs are designed to be used on the go, wherever you need to go. They can be folded up and quickly tucked into the trunk of an average car fairly easily, eliminating the need for specialty transportation.

Consider a few important tips when choosing a transport chair.

Don't buy a transport chair without considering how you plan to use it. There are some important tips to follow:

  • The lighter it is, the easier it will be for your friends or family to handle. Keep in mind that transport chairs are meant to be pushed, which is something that you may not be used to experiencing. You want something that you feel is sturdy, but your friends may not have built up the upper-body strength that you have, so keep it as lightweight as possible for your needs.
  • Pick wheels that will keep you moving. Transport chairs typically have smaller wheels than regular wheelchairs, but you don't necessarily want the smallest available. Larger wheels handle better and are easier to move over bumpy ground (like an uneven sidewalk if you decide to go to a street fair).
  • Consider a model that lets you change wheels. If you pick a model that has interchangeable wheels, you can swap out the regular tires for all-terrain tires that will let you traverse off the beaten path. If you're a fan of fairs and festivals that are held outdoors, this might be a great option for you.
  • Make sure you get the correct seat. A seat that's 19" wide can accommodate most users. They're best for people who weigh between 120lbs-300lbs. If you're under or over that amount, talk to the representative from the wheelchair company about what seat size will work best for you.

Being in a wheelchair doesn't have to stop you from going to all the places you love—it just requires a little innovation. For more information or ideas, talk to a representative from a company that handles wheelchair sales about what type of transport chair will best meet your needs.


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About Me

Powerful Physical Therapy

I was badly injured a year ago, and it took a long time to get back to my normal level of ability. One of the things that helped more than anything was the time that I spent in physical therapy. I didn’t always love going to physical therapy – in fact, sometimes, I really didn’t enjoy it at all. But ultimately, the therapists and other patients I worked with helped inspire me to get better, and the exercises facilitated my healing process. I started this blog to talk about all of the things I learned about physical therapy and healing during my recovery time. I hope my blog reaches other accident victims. I want to offer encouragement, hope, and information for people who are in the same boat that I was in.