Medical Equipment Essential for Patient Rehabilitation

Most of us have experienced some type of body pain or injury, or even needed surgery that made it difficult to move around comfortably as our bodies heal and rest. It’s essential during those times to have the right medical equipment on hand, to make our lives easier. It provides relief for both patients and care providers who have access to essential medical equipment to help with their rehabilitation, whether it is a temporary solution or one that is more long-term for assisted living.

This therapeutic medical equipment list includes several types of patient care products available in medical supply stores, today!

Mobility equipment:

One of the toughest things to deal with during recovery from a fracture, injury, illness or surgery, is the sudden dependence on people, just to move around. Here’s where mobility equipment plays a role in patient rehabilitation.

Different types of mobility aids, used for people who have difficulty walking, greatly reduces fall risk, enhances their confidence, and increases their autonomy. This has been proven to bring about a positive mindset and a sense of independence, that helps with their day-to-day living and recovery.

The most commonly used mobility devices found in medical supply stores are:

Wheelchairs and Medical scooters

Wheelchairs are generally advised for people who should not put weight on their lower limbs, or those who are unable to walk. There are many different types of wheelchairs available, which are useful for people with severe disabilities, or when one needs to travel over long distances.

Medical scooters are similar to wheelchairs and can have 3, 4, or 5 wheels for greater stability. They have footplates, handlebars with steering controls to change directions and are usually battery or motor powered.

Studies have demonstrated that people who use mobility devices like medical scooters experience an improved quality of life, with enhanced recovery during rehabilitation.

Walking canes and Crutches

Canes and crutches support the body’s weight and help to lessen the load on the legs, by transferring it to the upper body, chest, and arms. They are useful for people who have trouble balancing and are at risk of falling. According to numbers from the National Centre for Health Statistics, canes are the most widely used mobility device, with more than 4.8 million people, relying on them. Because of the large variety of canes and crutches available in the market today, it is advisable to ask healthcare providers or experts at medical supply stores, for the best ones that suit individual needs for patient rehabilitation.

Walkers and Rollators

Walkers and rollators can be used by individuals who may be recovering from surgeries, sprains, fractures, amputations, or ulcers in the lower limbs, and need the time to heal during rehabilitation. They are also used by senior citizens, to help them walk and balance with assistance. Rollators are perfect for those who require more time to rest between movements, as they come with handlebars and built-in seating. They are also easily transportable, great for outdoor use, and are useful when exercising. Market studies have shown that the use of aids like walkers and rollators have jumped by nearly 50% in recent years.

Orthopedic Devices

Muscle aches, sprains, and joint pain are common but painful conditions, affecting a large number of people. There a lot of options in medical equipment available in medical supply stores,  known as orthopedic devices, that we can use to get relief from pain and recover faster.

Infrared heating pads

Infrared therapy uses specific light waves that generate heat, which is then applied to the affected body part through heating pads. They are used as added treatments by physiotherapists and chiropractors, but they are extremely safe and effective for home use as well. The advantage of heat produced by infrared technology is that it penetrates deeper into the skin, improves circulation, and reduces the build-up of lactic acid and other toxins around muscles and tendons, where pain and inflammation commonly occurs. Infrared treatment has also been known to provide long-lasting relief, even up to 6 hours after treatment.

Patients with arthritic joint pain, chronic joint pain, sprains and strains, as well as fitness enthusiasts or athletes who train extensively, can use infrared heating pads for pain relief and muscle relaxation.

Ankle foot orthosis

Most podiatrists and orthopedic surgeons know that correct positioning of the limbs are key to addressing conditions like foot drop, as well as the pain and discomfort associate with it. Braces like ankle-foot orthosis  (AFO) are worn on the lower part of the leg and foot. They securely support the ankle and stabilize the foot and lower limb. They are usually lightweight and are easy to take on and off, making them convenient for patients to use for rehabilitation.

Orthopedic shoes

Conditions like plantar fasciitis and heel pain are uncomfortable and severely impact people’s mobility and their quality of life. Various studies have shown that stable, supportive shoes or orthopedic shoes improve knee and foot pain when used for walking.

These shoes have firm soles and heels that give support to the lower limb while correcting a person’s natural gait. Medical supply stores have a variety of sizes, shapes, and widths, that appeal to a wide range of patients in rehabilitation or people looking for pain relief.

Bed equipment and lifts:

Medical equipment lists are not complete without including beds and lifts. These are essential for patient recovery as they provide comfort and security that allow both the patient or elder as well as their caregivers to sleep soundly at night.

From adjustable, installable bed rails preventing falls, to full-scale hospital beds, which are both mobile and height-adjustable, medical supply stores offer a wide range to suit every need.

For some patient needs, a bed is only as good as its mattress. Hospital bed mattresses, or therapeutic mattresses, are designed to provide comfort as well as prevent some of the side effects that come from being immobile for extended time periods.

For people who need to be bed-bound, a hospital mattress or overlay is safer than a traditional mattress, as they are supported by inner springs, foam, air, and gel. These materials exert less pressure on dependent parts of the body, like the backbone, buttocks, heels, elbows, and the back of the head, which are common places for bed sores or pressure ulcers. Medical studies have demonstrated that switching traditional mattresses for hospital-grade mattresses has resulted in a 66% decrease in pressure ulcers.

The rehabilitation period is often an uphill climb for patients, and senior citizens become increasingly vulnerable as they age. However, with the help of medical equipment, available at medical supply stores, we can provide them with the tools they need, to heal with dignity and to live comfortably.