|
You may not realize it at first, but the simple step stool has quite a few medical uses, especially when it comes to a patient's physical therapy. Medical step stools can be used in a variety of ways:
- to aid a post bariatric surgery patient
- as an aid for hip or knees replacement patients
- to help patients in their cardio, balance and weight training
- to help balance elderly patients who might otherwise be susceptible to falls.
Of course, no one should use a medical step stool without first consulting with your doctor and physical therapist. But, if they both agree that a step stool can help your recovery, or simply offer you the stability and help you need, then you should look for one made especially for medicinal use which will include:
- Rubber tips to help keep it stabilized on the floor. Without these tips, the stool could slip or even slide across the floor should you lean on it incorrectly. - Anti-slip traction on the steps. Whether you are using a step stool for regular use or as a therapy tool, patients should always get one that offers anti-slip traction on the steps to avoid a dangerous fall. - A well-centered anti-tip design. Medical step stools are specially designed and balanced to keep from tipping no matter how a patient leans on them. This is an especially good feature to have if you suffer from balance problems or are recovering from surgery, which could impede your ability to balance yourself. - All welded construction. When using a step stool for medical reasons or as part of a physical therapy regime it is important that it is made to withstand a lot of use and abuse. An all-welded construction is designed to handle just about anything a patient can do to it. - The ability to hold up to 500 pounds. This is really important for bariatric surgery patients, since their post-surgery weight can prohibit them from using regular step stools. Step stools labeled as "bariatric" will specify they are able to hold up to 500 pounds or more. - A Railing. Most medical step stools come equipped with a railing to help patients retain their balance while using it.
With so many ways to use a step stool in a medical setting, it is extremely important for patients and physical therapists alike to make sure that they are using the right style and type of step stool to give the patient the help they need in the safest manner possible.
Looking for a bariatric step stool for post-surgery therapy? Ed Jenkins recommends his Step Stool Supplyfor a wide variety of medical step stools.
|
