Physiotherapy and PROCEDURE: The use of Walking Aids – The use of mobility aids – axillary and elbow crutches; walking frames; rollators; walking sticks; PPAM aid; parallel bars; wheelchairs

Procedure of using walking aids

DEFINITION/DESCRIPTION:

The education of non-weight bearing and partial weight bearing gait using a variety of supporting aids; the education of the use of walking aids on stairs and uneven surfaces; +/- footwear; use of wheelchair

CONTRAINDICATIONS:

-           unsafe equipment/environment

-           inability of subject to understand instructions

-           inappropriate subject presentation

HAZARDS/COMPLICATIONS/PRECAUTIONS:

-           inappropriate choice of mobility aid

-           inappropriate choice of gait pattern

-           loss of balance/co-ordination of maneuver

INFECTION CONTROL:

-           maintenance of surface cleanliness of mobility aids e.g. hand grips, wheelchair seating