A wheelchair armrest, or an arm support, allows users to comfortably rest their arms at a height higher than their lap, according extra support to the shoulders and arms from the pull of gravity.
Rehabmart is pleased to carry a helpful assortment of wheelchair armrests from well-respected vendors such as Comfort Company, North Coast, Posey, Sammons Preston, Fabrication Enterprises, Skil-Care, Fun Pals, Adaptive Engineering Lab and Orthomerica.
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What Are Wheelchair Arm Supports?
A wheelchair arm support can provide a cost-effective solution for a variety of applications. Choosing the right arm rest can aid in the reduction of post-surgical edema, the prevention of finger-drop, and the protection of flaccid upper extremities after a stroke. Arm supports are used by individuals with contractures and poor muscle tone to safely and comfortably position an injured or weak arm or hand, while they also aid those with severe shoulder girdle weaknesses in accomplishing hygiene and self-feeding tasks. They are often utilized to improve the arm’s range of motion and to strengthen the muscles of the arm.
A wheelchair arm support can also help an individual in a wheelchair when it is used as a lateral stabilizer bolster to reduce lateral leaning of the user while sitting in the wheelchair. These specialized supports can aid in reinforcing the upper trunk of the user, and provide enhanced bracing, positioning and balance.
What Are The Different Types of Wheelchair Arm Supports?
Arm Troughs can provide an ergonomically designed solution for users to help stabilize the elbow, while they also offer a convex palm area for the users comfort, helping to prevent finger-drop.
Foam arm rests highlight contoured dense foam which can comfortably and safely support an injured or weak elbow, arm or hand while also elevating the arm or hand above the heart to aid in fluid return. The soft cushioned foam can also provide relief from pressure on tender elbows, wrists and those with compromised forearm skin.
Arm rest bolsters or lateral body supports can improve the user’s sitting posture by supporting the upper trunk and reducing lateral leaning. This increases the user’s comfort and alleviates security fears of falling out of the wheelchair, therefore reducing the dependence on belted or cushioned restraints.
Miscellaneous Wheelchair Arm Support Features
Most arm supports can be elevated to provide comfort and to help improve fluid return, as a common cause of edema is when there is an increased secretion of fluid into the interstitium.
Most arm supports have water-repellent, wipe-clean polyester or nylon covers to reduce skin-shear and for easy care and clean-up.
Hulet Smith, OT
Rehabmart Co-Founder & CEO
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