Wheelchair Evaluations

We offer wheelchair seating and mobility (WSM) evaluations by highly skilled, experienced physical therapists. The ultimate goal is to provide disabled people with the least restrictive, most comfortable, and appropriate wheelchairs to respond to their individual needs.

The wheelchair (WC), otherwise known as a “wheeled mobility device” (WMD), is one of the most important examples of mobility-assistive equipment (MAE) available to patients with impaired mobility. An appropriate WC prescription is based on patient-centered characteristics and their unique disability or disabilities. Electric-powered WCs are often referred to as “power-mobility devices” (PMDs) or “motorized wheelchairs.”1

What kinds of wheelchairs are there?

The standard WC includes a 24″ diameter with rear wheels and 8″ diameter front casters. It typically weighs 40 lbs to 65 lbs and is designed for operator-dependent movement using the hand rims found alongside the wheels. Its back is its primary support surface and can be adjusted depending on the support required by the patient. Other types of WCs are available for patients who cannot use their upper extremities to self-propel. Available options include hemi-wheelchairs, lightweight, ultra-light-weight, one-arm drive, sports-specific, standard heavy-duty (for obese clients), pediatric, traveler’s, standing, and motorized wheelchairs.1

What kinds of disabilities warrant a wheelchair?

  • Orthopedic: relating to the bone and muscles
  • Neuromuscular: relating to the nerves and muscles
  • Functional Impairment: contractures, spasticity and/or hypertonicity, sensory loss, paralysis and paresis, feeding issues, respiratory status, missing limb(s) (i.e., use of prosthetics/orthotics), planned surgeries (e.g., orthopedic, spine, tone management, etc.)1
  • Mobility Impairments: such as amputations, paralysis, spinal cord injuries, Cerebral Palsy, Multiple Sclerosis, Muscular Dystrophy, and more

Resource:

  1. Owens J, Davis DD. Seating And Wheelchair Evaluation. [Updated 2023 May 1]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2024 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK559231/
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