Paraplegia & the products that help
Cause & Symptoms
Whether hereditary or caused by an injury, paraplegia is a condition in which a person has paralysis (i.e. loss muscle function and possibly sensation) in the legs and lower torso.
Mobility & Accessibility Devices
There are a number of products that will allow a person with paraplegia to remain independent. Your healthcare team can help you determine the devices that are best for you.
Crutches are available in forearm and underarm models for those who need more than a cane, but do not require a walker.
Walkers/Rollators - Walkers, also known as rollators, can be a benefit to people who have the need for a walking aid but find that a cane or crutches do not provide enough support.
Leg Braces may be what is required for those who need extra support to enable them to walk independently
View Leg BracesGait Trainers »
Manual Wheelchairs Manual wheelchairs, available in a wide range of styles, can assist with mobility when dealing with weakness and lack of muscle coordination.
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Standing Wheelchairs allow people to stand unassisted. Standing is known to provide both physical and psychological benefits.
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View Standing Frames - Child »
Power Wheelchairs can provide enhanced mobility and independent positioning. Used both indoors and out, they are suitable for people who are unable to propel a manual wheelchair, but who have the ability to control their hand movements. Other types of driving controls may be available on select models for those who do not have sufficient hand control.
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Wheelchair Seating Systems increase the comfort and support a wheelchair provides and are also beneficial for people who are no longer able to shift their own weight. These systems provide extra support and aid in the prevention of pressure injuries.
View Seating & Positioning - Adult »
View Seating & Positioning - Child »
Mobility Scooters can be helpful to people with paraplegia for outdoor use where long distances and/or rough terrain may be an issue.
Bathroom Aids are essential for people with mobility impairments. Bath seats, transfer benches and bath boards, in combination with hand held showers, allow people to sit down while bathing to increase comfort and safety. Raised toilet seats make a toilet higher, making it easier for a person to stand up. Grab bars and toilet safety frames will also help to make bathrooms safer.
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Grab Bars are essential for anyone with balance and strength issues and useful for any room in the house. They are most often seen in bathrooms but can be installed anywhere it might be important to have a solid handhold available.
Lifting Devices, such as platform lifts, vehicle lifts and porch lifts, assist with the ease of entering in and out of a home or vehicle for people using a wheelchair. While patient lifts assist with the transfer of a person to or from a bed or wheelchair.
Home Elevators A home elevator is beneficial for people who require ease of access to multiple levels in a home.
Commodes can be helpful for people who are not able to stand or who cannot stand for long periods of time, and are available with or without wheels. Those without wheels are typically used at the bedside and wheeled models can be rolled over a toilet. Shower commodes can also be used in an accessible shower.
