Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a progressive disease that slowly leads to increased muscular and cognitive deterioration. 80% of MS patients feel fatigue throughout the day from the disease. One of the best ways to help deal with this fatigue is to use some form of mobility device as you move during your day.
Many MS patients are hesitant to start using a wheelchair because they think that it’ll help speed up the progression of their symptoms, but this isn’t the case. Most MS patients will not actually become disabled. In fact, it’s more likely that you’ll have more energy and freedom if you sometimes use a wheelchair or another mobility device.
The most important considerations to keep in mind when selecting the right wheelchair for you are how severe are your symptoms and what pieces of equipment are best for your posture. MS patients that use wheelchairs sometimes complain of added pain from posture problems with their chairs.
Your physical therapist, or another medical professional, will help you decide which model is right for you. Overall, for MS, it’s best to have a wheelchair that’s lightweight, easy to move around, and collapsible. A few specific options are discussed below.
The most basic type of wheelchair is manually operated. This means that you’ll use your arms and upper body to move the wheels and power the chair. This helps to physically stimulate your body throughout the day, but it’s the most tiring option, and you might have trouble moving across all surfaces. These tend to be the most lightweight and collapsible of all wheelchair options.
There are also pushrim-activated, power-assist wheelchairs (PAPAW) that are an intermediate step between a manual and fully powered wheelchair. These provide motorized support on tricky surfaces and for getting over bumps. They can help you go further faster, but they also add a lot of weight to the wheels.
The final type of wheelchair is a fully motorized power wheelchair. These are only recommended for MS patients when you’re at a high risk of injuring yourself with a mechanical chair or are too fatigued to power one. It’s important, though, for you to focus on a daily exercise routine when using a power wheelchair. There are many specific types available, including ones with specialized seating.
You’ll want to tailor each part of your wheelchair, including the seat, armrests, and backrest to your particular body. This will be best for your posture. You have options to choose from besides wheelchairs, including scooters and walking supports. Be sure to choose the option that’s best for your lifestyle.
