I recently went to the doctor to get a prescription for a new manual wheelchair, and I realized how much I have learned since I got my first one when I was 5 years old. For ambulatory wheelchair users, the process can be especially confusing, so I wanted to share some tips for parents whoContinue reading “Tips for Parents When Your Child Needs a New Wheelchair”
Tag Archives: Pediatric Wheelchairs
Kid Wheelchairs and Spinal Muscular Atrophy
Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a genetic disorder characterized by the loss of motor neurons in the spinal cord and the part of the brain that connects to the spinal cord. The loss of these specialized nerve cells results in muscle weakness and wasting (also known as atrophy) and affects the control of muscle movement.Continue reading “Kid Wheelchairs and Spinal Muscular Atrophy”
Child Wheelchairs for Arthrogryposis
Arthrogryposis multiplex congenital (AMC) is the congenital joint contracture in two or more areas of the body. Children who are born with AMC experience muscle shortening due to abnormal fibrosis of the muscle tissue. This causes those with arthrogryposis to be unable to perform active extension and flexion in the affected joint or joints. AMCContinue reading “Child Wheelchairs for Arthrogryposis”
Child Wheelchairs and Muscular Dystrophy
Muscular dystrophy (MD) is a group of genetic diseases characterized by abnormal genes that interfere with the production of proteins that are needed to form healthy muscle. This interference causes progressive weakness and loss of muscle mass. Symptoms can include poor balance, difficulty walking, frequent falls and limited range of motion, but vary depending onContinue reading “Child Wheelchairs and Muscular Dystrophy”
Pediatric Wheelchairs and Arthrogryposis
Arthrogryposis multiplex congenital (AMC) is the congenital joint contracture in two or more areas of the body. The word “Arthrogryposis” originates from Greek and means “curving of joints.” Children who are born with joint contractures experience muscle shortening, due to abnormal fibrosis of the muscle tissue. Because of this, they are unable to perform activeContinue reading “Pediatric Wheelchairs and Arthrogryposis”