4 replies to this topic

[Irenec]

DO you hook on to the back handle of your wheelchair to feel secure?
If so dose your wieght go to one side (the opposit) side to the hook on?
How do you counter act this on your cushion?

[Scribbler]

Hi there,

Yes I used to hook on with my left arm, but only when using my electric chair. It does twist your spine and put pressure on the opposite side, I ended up with sciatica so I decided to stop. It took some getting used to but basically its just building up your confidence. I've now found that placing my left hand on my left thigh is sufficient support; If I have to go down anything I think is too steep, I reverse down.

Any help?

[KimAndSophie]

Irenec, on Jul 30 2008, 12:29 PM, said:

DO you hook on to the back handle of your wheelchair to feel secure?
If so dose your wieght go to one side (the opposit) side to the hook on?
How do you counter act this on your cushion?

I had fold down push handles on my first chair and never did that. I did have to lean forward on my arms to hold myself up though. Since I got my second chair I measured it myself and made sure I was sitting in a position where I didn't have to do that. I have no trunk control, but I don't have to hold myself up in any way now. If I'm going down a steep curb I lean my head back and this is enough to hold me in place.

[allis53ca]

i hook when i lean to reach the floor...or when im on rough or steep terrain

[Alta]

Yeah, in a powerchair I hook on when going down hill or over any type of terrain that could possibly toss me out. I hook on with my right arm which causes my left butt bone to dig in. But both butt cheeks suffer if I sit with my arm slung over the push-bar for any fair amount of time.