As these clients who were prescribed only manual wheelchairs
for their mobility are aging, many are finding themselves having severe pain in
the shoulders, which is being diagnosed as repetitive strain injuries. In addition to propelling their wheelchair
throughout the day, within their homes, into the community and workplaces;
medical professionals are realizing that the human shoulder has limited capacity
for these functions.
The movements of pushing a wheelchair, compounded with
independent transfers, and daily routines it generally too much for the human
shoulder to handle.
It has always been my belief that there is a balance between
manual and powered mobility for individuals who are confined to a wheelchair,
and dependent for their mobility. From a
mobility stance, having the ability to use manual mobility within the home and
work place, as the chairs are smaller and more maneuverable is certainly an
advantage. Manual wheelchair burn more
calories, reducing the potential for excess weight gain; and increases strength
allowing for independent transfers.
Powered wheelchairs allow a user to travel across greater distances,
which put users at risk for repetitive strain injuries.
Repetitive strain injuries can cost funding sources tens of
thousands of dollars, not to mention loss of employment to the wheelchair
user. This loss could be simply reduced
by providing both a manual wheelchair, and powered system to long term users of
mobility aids. It would make sense (and
reduce costs) by providing this equipment to specific diagnosis; that generally
develop these types of injuries.
A possible solution to save money and benefit the wheelchair
population, would be to provide both types of equipment; and prompt an education
program for potential injury groups to explain the benefits of using both types
of equipment; thereby reducing medical care costs, and risk of obesity from
inactivity.
This article was provided by Carey Britton, ATP/SMS, CRTS from Active Mobility Center, located in Pompano Beach, FL. He can be reached at 954-946-5793 or cbritton@wheelchairguys.com
This article was provided by Carey Britton, ATP/SMS, CRTS from Active Mobility Center, located in Pompano Beach, FL. He can be reached at 954-946-5793 or cbritton@wheelchairguys.com
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