You may need walking equipment to help you with:

• your stability and balance
• maintaining an upright body posture
• walking with a more even stride and pace
• your confidence in your walking ability
• keeping up with family and friends
• weight redistribution; Some of the weight carried through your legs is transferred through the arms of the frame or stick as it is leant upon for support. This may help reduce any pain you have in your back, joints, muscles or ligaments in your legs.

Walking and standing is also good for keeping your bladder and bowel working well.

Your OT and / or physio can assess you and provide mobility equipment to help with your specific needs. Some people also find it helpful to have lower limb splints (orthoses) which can help keep their joints in an appropriate and supported position.

Living Made Easy – click on Access and mobility tab, then walking aids for information on options and safe use.

If you are unable to walk, but still able to stand with support, it is important to maintain this for as long as possible. Standing is good for many things including breathing, blood circulation, bladder and bowel function and bone density.

Your physio or OT will provide equipment to support your standing and positioning; this may include a standing frame. They will tell you how often, when and where you should use any equipment.

Whether or not you are able to walk, a lightweight manual wheelchair can be useful. You may need to use one most of the time; you may only need one some of the time. For example it might make a difference to how far you can go on a day out. If you are mainly be a powerchair user you may need one as a ‘back-up’ chair.

Your wheelchair seat is very important. The key elements are:

• a firm base cushion which will encourage a level pelvis
• a firm back canvas which will encourage an upright posture
• arm rests at the correct height
• foot rests at the correct level so there’s a 90 degree angle at the hips, knees and feet.

Your OT and / or physio will be able to advise you if a manual chair is a suitable option. They may well involve Wheelchair Services (WS) in any assessment of your posture and positioning. You will be advised on the most appropriate make and model and when, where and how it could be used.

Living Made Easy – information on manual wheelchairs may be helpful when you are talking to your OT / physio

If your OT and WS agree you need a manual wheelchair as a key means of indoor mobility, the NHS should provide you with an appropriate one. If you prefer an option that they cannot provide but they agree it is still suitable for you, they may be able to part fund it. If the manual wheelchair is to be a ‘backup’ only it is unlikely the NHS will fund it.

If you need help to raise funds, Outreach & Support at SMA UK may be able to suggest charities that may provide a grant. Most charities will not fund if you have already bought or ordered something. It is important you do not place an order or pay any deposit until you are sure you have got the funds.

For more information see: Funding For Equipment  tab on this page.

If you tire quickly when you use a manual chair, your physio / OT may recommend the option of adding a power pack. It means a suitably-supportive lightweight, foldable manual wheelchair can still be used indoors or for shorter trips but there is the option of getting further faster. This can save you energy for other activities. It could be ideal for those trips out.

If this is an option you are thinking about, you will need to check that:

• the power system you are thinking about is compatible with your chair and suitable for your strength
• the chair will still be light and compact enough for your partner / PA to lift into your / their car
• the cost of the batteries and running costs and annual service are affordable for you. Though this option is more flexible and generally lighter, it can be more expensive than a powered wheelchair.

Living Made Easy – information on systems to power assist a manual chair may be useful when you are talking with your OT / physio.

If you already have a chair provided by Wheelchair Services (WS), check they will allow you to modify their chair with your chosen power pack. If not, you may need to buy your own manual chair in addition to the power pack. If you need help to raise funds, Support & Outreach at SMA UK may be able to suggest charities that may provide a grant. Most charities will not fund if you have already bought or ordered something. It is important you do not place an order or pay any deposit until you are sure you have got the funds.

For more information see: Funding For Equipment on this page.

Help My Mobility – also provide information on mobility products, aids, and equipment.