Whether it’s a temporary plan for rehabilitation or long-lasting alternative to moving along when having a serious mobility health issue, mobility aids are great accessories to continue living a normal life. Moreover – depending on your individual case and needs, the market of all those walking aids is big enough to provide you a great choice of products to choose from.
Besides the standard crutches and walkers, we are also offered with plenty of additional innovative devices to take benefits of. Though these days we are not provided with specifically new walking aids, we see improved alternatives of familiar mobility aids. Thus, for instance, except for the standard walker, we can also find in the store a rolling walker, also known by the name of a rollator.
What exactly the rolling walker is?
Basically, it’s a form of a walker, but as its name says it, it comes with an extra feature – to be rolling along the ground. That’s why the question here is how the rolling walker differs from a standard walker.
Also known by a third term – wheeled walker – the rolling walker is formed of a specially tailored frame with either 3, or 4 quite big wheels, as well as built-in seat plus a pair of handlebars.
Experts recommend the rolling walker in case you require more often pauses during your mobility – whether to have some rest or change the speed. Plus – the rolling walker comes with specially tailored support for the back which is an extra that eliminates the risk of pain in this zone.
Last, but not least, if you prefer to use a rolling walker, please, have in mind that you can also update it with some additional accessories. For instance, consider buying a basket, some cushion pads or anything else that will simplify your everyday life.
Basic tips on how to use rolling walker properly
There are a couple of top guides to learn in advance when it comes to using a rolling walker – walking, turning, sitting down and then, standing up. But before switching to them, let’s mention a couple of basic pieces of advice regarding the settlement of the device:
1. First of all, make sure you have adjusted the rolling walker properly to your height. For this purpose, it is a must to stand right next to the device by taking the handles with both of your hands. Put your feet between the rear wheels and make sure you are both: balanced and steady enough in this position.
2. Always start your first trial whether of the new rolling walker, or the new movement slowly and without pushing yourself too hard.
3. It’s also a must to put into force the breaks in order to have your walker as close as possible to avoid risks of uneven surfaces or any other obstacles.
4. When you need to, do not hesitate to ask for help and support to perform a kind of a movement either from a relative/friend or from a person you see on the street. It’s in the sake of your safety.
How to use a rolling walker properly when you walk around
Most patients claim that a rolling walker is one of the top useful and easy to be used mobility aids when it comes to fast adapting to walking. They say walking with such a walker is kind of the most natural things ever. For those of you, though, who find some difficulties in walking with a rolling walker, here are a couple of tips to keep in mind:
1. Put the device right in front of you, but not too far away;
2. Take the walker handles with all of your fingers right next to where the brake levers;
3. Test your posture in this position – are you balanced and stable? If you have to, center the walker properly before starting walking;
4. When you start walking it is a must to transfer the weight on both of your legs, while hands should be put into force to keep the balance;
5. When you want to adjust the speed, simply use the brakes;
How to use a rolling walker properly when you want to turn
Once you get used to walking, turning around will not harden you at all. All you have to do is to get the direction where you want to turn. Use your hands to hold the handlebars and make sure your hands are steady. That’s how the walker simply takes the direction you would like to turn around.
If you are standing still and would like to turn to move in another direction, what you want to do is keep the walker in front of your chest and take small steps to turn your body, again the walker will naturally move with you. Avoid twisting your back or jerking the walker around as this can easily put you off balance or lead to other back issues.
How to use a rolling walker properly when you want to sit down
As we have already mentioned it, do not forget or get ashamed to slow down and even stop for a while when you feel tired while using your rolling walker. In such cases, you might even want to sit down.
But the first time you experience such a desire might be a bit frustrating for you. Do not worry or panic as there’s nothing special or difficult in performing this movement. Here is what to do when you need to sit down:
1. Lock the brakes by pushing down on the brake levers;
2. Push the rolling walking up against the closest steady object you see (yes, including an ordinary wall);
3. Face your back the place you want to sit down with your legs pushed right next to this place;
4. During the last couple of seconds before you actually, sit, ensure you are steady and balanced enough not to fall down on the ground;
5. Use your hands on the seat or handles for balance. Make sure you distribute your weight evenly to avoid tipping it over.
How to use a rolling walker properly when you want to get up
Now, let’s get up and continue walking with the rolling walker. Here is what you have to do in this case:
1. Make sure the brakes are locked;
2. Sit right next to the edge of the place you are sitting right now;
3. Put your feet under the seat in order to ensure a steady base when you stand up;
4. Lean forward and transfer the body weight from legs to the arms, but don’t forget to keep yourself balanced during this movement;
5. Slowly turn around and center yourself between the handles of the walker. Ensure you have good balance and feel strong before walking forward;
6. Now, when you are standing before starting walking again, don’t forget to unlock the brakes.
Conclusion
These are the most basic tips you can get from us when it comes to using a rolling walker properly. If you feel stressed about any other movement, do not hesitate to contact us back and we will consider making a sequel to this necessary material.
We would like to remind you that this material has only an informative purpose. It is not written by a real doctor. For this purpose and in the sake of your health and safety, always conduct your concerns about moving around and using your rolling walker properly with your therapist.
