About this topic
Your doctor may want you to use a wheelchair while you heal from an injury or surgery. A manual wheelchair is one that you move by yourself. It is also the kind of wheelchair that someone else may push. There are many different models but each should have the same main parts: ‚
- Rear wheels with push rims and brakes
- Front or castor wheels
- Frame that holds the push handles, seat, and backrest
- Armrests
- Foot and leg rests that may have front rigging to change the position or length
- Antitip bars
General
Wheelchairs may be a bit different but most often work the same way. Be sure to read the instructions that came with your wheelchair. ‚
- Brake locks: Push brake handle forward until it clicks in the locked position. Pull the brake handle back to unlock.
- Folding the wheelchair: Most manual wheelchairs will fold up by lifting up on the seat. Grab the middle of the front and back of the seat and lift up to fold. To unfold, push down on the seat until it opens all the way.
- Armrests: You may or may not be able to remove the armrests on your chair. To remove them, push in the locking device and slide the armrest up. Always make sure there is nothing in the way. It is easy to pinch or tear skin when moving the armrests.
- Front rigging: You may be able to adjust the position of the leg and foot rests with the front rigging. Push in on the release device to swing the foot and leg rests out of the way. You may be able to lift the rigging straight up to remove it.
- Foot rests: Flip these upwards to get them out of the way for standing. Be sure the foot rests are down when the chair is moving. These keep feet from dragging and getting injured.
- Leg rests: You may be able to raise these or move them out of the way if needed.
Steering a wheelchair by yourself: ‚
- Grab the push rims with your hands.
- To roll forward, push forward with both hands.
- To roll backwards, push backwards with both hands.
- To go to the right, keep your right hand still and push forward with your left hand.
- To go to the left, keep your left hand still and push forward with your right hand.
- Lean forward when going up small hills.
- Lean back and roll slowly when going down small hills.
- Ask for help if hills are too high or too steep.
Getting up from a wheelchair: ‚
- Lock the brakes.
- Swing away or remove the foot rests.
- If you are using a walker to help you stand, put the walker in front of you. It should be about an arms length away from you.
- Push up on both arms of the wheelchair and start to stand. Once you are up, grab onto the walker. Never pull up on the walker to stand.
Sitting down in a wheelchair: ‚
- Lock the brakes.
- Swing away or remove the foot rests.
- Back up until you feel the back of your legs on the seat. Reach back for both armrests. Do not hold onto your walker if you use one.
- Slowly lower yourself to sitting.
Helpful tips
Wearing leather gloves on your hands may help give you a better grip. They may also lessen any irritation to your hands. Some people prefer to wear gloves with the fingertips open. ‚
Where can I learn more?
NHS Choices ‚
http://www.nhs.uk/CarersDirect/guide/practicalsupport/Pages/Tips-for-choosing-a-wheelchair.aspx ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
Copyright
Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚