Wheelchair Measuring Secrets YOU NEED TO KNOW TO AVOID GETTING AN INCORRECTLY FITTED WHEELCHAIR

I was 14 when I got my first wheelchair. I was 100 lbs, very petite and needed something that was easy to wheel and function in. What I got was basically a recliner on wheels. It was WAY too big, had a high backrest and armrests that I didn't need for my level of injury and which allowed me to develop bad habits and poor posture.
My next wheelchair was slightly better but still too big and mostly perpetuated the bad habits that I had already developed.
Why were these wheelchairs measured incorrectly? BECAUSE I KNEW NOTHING ABOUT WHAT I NEEDED AND LET THE "EXPERTS" DECIDE FOR ME.
Don't let that happen to you. Learn the wheelchair measuring secrets YOU NEED TO KNOW TO AVOID GETTING AN INCORRECTLY FITTED WHEELCHAIR.
I recently ordered a new wheelchair and this time I made sure that I knew what I needed. And my wheelchair fits beautifully, supports me in areas that I need it to but doesn't allow me to develop any more bad habits with my balance and posture.
DOWNLOAD YOUR FREE WHEELCHAIR MEASURING GUIDE HERE:
empoweredpara.com/wheelchair-...
Other helpful resources:
mobilitymgmt.com/Articles/201...
www.physio-pedia.com/Wheelcha...
hub.permobil.com/blog/how-to-...
To get in touch with Reg at 49 Bespoke:
www.49bespoke.com/index.php/c...
Follow me:
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Facebook:
/ empoweredpar. .
My Website:
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[@joanreid1319]

Wow! This has been the best explanation of how to fit a chair that I have ever heard and I have been in a chair for 36 years. Thank you so much! I have not purchased a new chair for about 15 years because I was afraid of getting a worse fit.

[@EmpoweredPara]

You're so welcome! That's why I invited Reg on the channel! My new chair fits like a glove!!!! Go shopping now lol!

[@ek7652]

KZbin recommended me this (probably because I've been searching a lot about wheelchairs) and I can't even describe how fast I clicked on this video lol. I'm way too excited about the fact that a video like this one exists, so even before watching the whole thing I want to say: thank you! After years of struggling with a spinal cyst (probably caused by a hypermobility syndrome), I decided to get a proper wheelchair... and no matter where I turn to, everyone says "well, ask your doctor or an OT", which is on one hand understandable, BUT... due to my atypical diagnosis, this all will have to be out of pocket, so insurance connected doctors and therapists wouldn't help me with this as there's not going to be any insurance assistance with this (not even talking about how indication for a wheelchair is only leg amputation or a full leg paralysis here). Plus I've been made aware by other people that even the doctors and OT's here don't always fully know how to pick a wheelchair and how to make it fit properly, so many people apparently have it measured wrong... so being constantly told to "just go to professionals and leave it up to them" isn't really as helpful as people think (if it would reliably solve everything, then I would do that already, I promise lol). I'm elated that you made this video, thank you once again.

[@ALACGltd]

Thank you for taking the time to go into detail.

[@brin57]

From what I’ve seen, I swear 90% of OT’s have no idea how to script a wheelchair. As a 44 year veteran para in Australia, it makes me sad to see capable paras’ put into chairs way to big for them, or CG so far back and backs so high that they are restricted in their activities. I settled on my specs 30 years ago, and I still have to argue to get it the same. Think about that. 44 yrs lived experience vs usually

[@jeffmeischen9849]

being from this industry I can tell you that the number is likely more than 90% - they don't teach wheelchair setup in OT or PT school.

[@martienlekkerkerkmediaprod7710]

Very interesting stuff. Something you spend many hours a day in should always be custom made. Like you said it’s an extension of your body. One size fits nobody really in this case. So it has to be made for how you use it.

[@christineking8860]

i know you posted this 2 years ago so im hoping you get this msg. ABSALUTLY brilliant. Im on my second wheelchair. My situation has changed. Iv had a through knee amputation and my old chair just wasnt right for my balance or pushing. Having to use my left leg to Keep my balance. That means i have to move my foot to centre of foot bar. I no longer could use the single foot rests. My seeting had to be changed. Now a bucket position. Longer cushion to hold ALL of my stumpl etc etc. I was lucky to know and be involved with the Invictus set up. Exersize classes shown on TV. Thats where i headed. Yes people head for a place that has a wheelchair user. I didnt last time and realise so many wrong measurments. This one is tippy and im getting use to that. Never did wheelies before. Thought it was just me. Now i realise my chair just wouldnt allow me to do that. Hard work pushing. Very comfy though and i think thats what sold it to me. But this one is just right for me. Had teething trouble choosing breaks. Thought we had nailed it but by time chair made for me i was having problems with my hands. The break handles looked cool and neet. but not practicle. Now have different style. Thats one thing i love about this chair. Ive gone for solid this time and there are many adjustments i can meke if kneeded. So hopfully i wont have to change the whole thing. Just parts. Hearing how the fixed chairs began was facinating. All the info has bee usfull and answered my biggest question.. "why does my chair feel tippy". Thank you for your post... from Hereford England.d..

[@EmpoweredPara]

I'm so happy that my video helped solve the mystery of the tippy chair:) It really is so helpful to have a basic understanding of the physics of a wheelchair so that you can make educated choices about what features you need.

[@mrsgbracing6012]

Thank you SO MUCH! I’m over due for a new chair and have probably put it off because of the bad experiences I’ve had with the first two. The information you’ve provide has given me new hope and a big smile!

[@EmpoweredPara]

You are so welcome! Just passing on knowledge I wish I had WAY earlier. 3 wheelchairs incorrectly sized was enough!

[@QuadLife101]

So helpful! My chair is definitely not well fitted for me. Thank you for your insight and Reg’s… He’s the man!

[@EmpoweredPara]

He totally is the man! He is soooo knowledgeable!

[@squarepeg4435]

Thank you! This is so fantastic. Incredibly helpful!

[@aleajactaeest]

Its the only video that goes more deeper in the measurements good job it has helped me in the order .The dimension you are showing on the cad drawing is not the wheelbase . For 4 inch casters the minimum distance between the center of the wheels can be 380mm , 16inch is for 5 " casters

[@EmpoweredPara]

Thanks for the feedback! I'll go change the download so it reflects the right thing!

[@heatherscott2988]

Best video on choosing a wheelchair that I've seen! You did an excellent job Brittany. Wish I'd had this when I got my chair.

[@EmpoweredPara]

Thanks Heather!

[@ALACGltd]

Watching this the day of my second sizing. Thank you so much

[@501c3Aid]

Thank you so much for this video 🙏🏻 Saving up for my first wheelchair. Have some many questions and couldn’t find an actual video regarding just what you covered here. Awesome video.

[@EmpoweredPara]

You're welcome! Good luck with your chair purchase!

[@ilovebrean]

Great video

[@unetherized]

This is amazing. Thank you so much for sharing your experience, and doing this so others dont have to spend so long living without this information! It is priceless

[@EmpoweredPara]

You're welcome!

[@vegomatic100]

Thank you for this! Great questions and answers. I think it definitely helps to design and purchase from someone who also is a wc user. When I got my accident that made me a T6 paraplegic five years ago the person who fitted my wc didn't reeally understand the nuances and mechanics that need to be considered in the design. Its so frustrating that I cannot sustain a wheelie which is crucial to getting around in certain situations among some things.

[@coltonmorgan3610]

Awesome video secrets thanks for the video really cool

[@EmpoweredPara]

You're welcome!

[@kathyp8898]

Great video! Been a chair user for 40 years and I always feel like the people who measure don't always know how to measure correctly. This helps me as I go forward in purchasing my next chair.

[@brin57]

Exactly. Same here - 46 years in. Don't let them dictate to you what you need. You know what you need, and 40 years lived experience trumps pretty much all OT's and ATP. Occasionally you find someone like Reg, but they are usually on the supply side and they have to win over the OT or ATP.

[@rainncorbin8291]

Yep, they effed up my measurements as well. I use a power chair. Now i just buy one particular one used. I always buy the same chair because over 9 years, I've learned how to fix them and this way my parts are interchangeable.

[@EmpoweredPara]

That is so infuriating!

[@SmallWonda]

Very helpful, thank you both for sharing your Knowledge & hopefully save us wasting time money & pain in not getting what we need!

[@EmpoweredPara]

Our pleasure!

[@MitchellWebster-cj2ix]

THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THIS VERY INFORMATIVE VIDEO! I AM A BELOW THE KNEE AMPUTEE AND HAVEEN TOTALLY CONFUSED ON SIZING FOR WHEELCHAIRS. THIS WAS ORDERED FOR ME WHILE AT THE UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA MEDICAL CENTER. THE ONE THING I LEARNED FROM YOUR VIDEO IS CENTER OF GRAVITY, THE WHEEL HUB AND CHAIR BACK ON MINE ISRIGHT OVER THE CENTRAL AXEL A ND I AM IN FRONT OF IT.PLUS MY CHAIR IS AN IRON CHAIR WEIGHING ABOUT 45 LBS. I ALREADY HAVE BEEN TOLD THAT I NEED TO LOOK INTOA LIGHT WEIGHT CHAIR WITH DETACABLE WHEELS TO BE USED IN CONJUCTION WITH MY PROSTHETIC SO I CAN DRIVE. I JUST NOTICED MY NEXT VIDEO OF YOURS IS ON SEAT CUSHIONS, MY SEAT IS HOTTER THAN THE HUBS OF HATIES! 😞

[@EmpoweredPara]

lol sounds like you need a new cushion that doesn't make your butt sweat! Glad you found my video helpful!

[@maryrideout9083]

Wow thank you for the information

[@EmpoweredPara]

You're welcome! I hope it was informative!

[@otisdennis7233]

I'm paralyzed too do you feel nevers pain

[@EmpoweredPara]

@@otisdennis7233 I have nerve pain 😫 and neck pain!

[@tomlee252]

This has been a most imformable video, understanding the lingo better so it's not like talking to a doctor or lawyer who don't know how to talk in plain english

[@EmpoweredPara]

exactly! we need to sit in the thing for our whole life! We should be involved!

[@jeffmeischen9849]

I am an ATP custom wheelchair specialist and this video was spot on....make sure you get to trial different chair setups to determine your likes and dislikes, this is critical to a proper setup.

[@TheGryxter]

You are on spot with the "different chair trails". Unfortunately not all P.T.'s/O.T.'s share that thought. My back-up chair is very comfortable, lightweight, and folds nice and narrow. For my new chair I had to do all the measurements over the phone trying to measure myself while in the chair. Needless to say it is not nearly as comfortable as my back-up!! The worst part is my back-up chair company went out of business maybe 3 years after I got it. I can't get parts for any repairs I need. The company AIRinc isn't even listed if you google it!!! Can't find any information on it either. Like they just vanished of the face of the planet. And NO it's not the little folding airplane chair, it a real manual push wheelchair. (if you google AIRinc wheelchair, it takes you to Airchair, NOT the same company)

[@GingerKiwiDev]

Wow this is so helpful! Happy International Wheelchair Day! I just subscribed.

[@EmpoweredPara]

Welcome!

[@Nikolay_Pikalov]

Когда делаешь программу реабилитации, врачи сами делают замеры где надо и записывают. А вообще, если покупать самому, достаточно знать ширину сиденья и высоту спинки в зависимости от личных особенностей. Остальное можно настроить даже на стандартной коляске.

[@keithhutchins8803]

My chair is really tippy and I love it.

[@EmpoweredPara]

Yeah me too:)

[@keithhutchins8803]

@@EmpoweredPara I enjoy watching your videos. I’d never have thought I’d be so interested in wheelchairs. I used to surf, skate, and snowboard so I got really good at doing wheelies in my wheelchair. I go down hills full speed doing wheelies it’s super fun.

[@EmpoweredPara]

@@keithhutchins8803 I still haven't learned downhill in wheelies. Guess I'll have to learn!

[@keithhutchins8803]

@@EmpoweredPara once you try it you’ll learn that’s the only way to go down any type of hills. On road and off-road it makes your wheelchair like a mountain bike on hills. It’s a blast on trails if there’s long hills.

[@EmpoweredPara]

@@keithhutchins8803 you're braver then me lol

[@mhairimoffat1692]

Makes so much more sense. Turns out my wheelchair is 4 inches to wide, no wonder why I get back and shoulder pain

[@davids3313]

Excellent video. I hate ordering new wheelchairs b/c it's NEVER a good fit (as I currently sit in my w/c 2 fittings ago). Of course, I've never really done extensive research and just go with what someone suggests (big mistake on my part). I'm aware of all the things mentioned here, but not fully until now (I know, embarrassing). Thank you for posting this vital information.

[@EmpoweredPara]

you're welcome!

[@morgancalvi6675]

I think the reason many OT's prescribe a chair that is too wide, they don't understand about the pelvis issues and how that person in the chair needs the rigidity on their hips. They just think the chair needs to be an inch or so wider. 10:58 - 13:42 Seat width.

[@morgancalvi6675]

OK, that's what I thought as well. The problem is, I was in hospital for my amputation and they said I needed an 18" wide chair because the 16" wide chair was snug. For one, I was quite swollen from the surgery (they removed the hip and reconstructed the pelvis)...and the wheelchair company was going to go strictly by what the OT said. I lost quite a bit of weight when the swelling went down and if they had gotten me a wider chair...I'd be swimming in it. The wheelchair company, Family 1st Medical, decided to not ever work with me because I said the OT was wrong. Unreal. So I went through Living Spinal and made sure I got a chair these morons in Nova Scotia work on.

[@brin57]

So much for them being the trained professionals. More often than not they don't have a clue.

[@Jaggededge112]

I was so lucky with my ot she measured me and let me choose everything after explaining the terms and stuff. Ofc when I went in to all for a smart drive system I had a different ot and she tried to get me to get into a power chair or scooter, but I told her that I didn’t want that and she said well wouldn’t it be easier? Well yeah to a point but having to modify my car for a lift wasn’t easy and I told her as much needless to say I’m getting the smart drive.

[@EmpoweredPara]

Exactly! You have to consider so many things when deciding to get a new wheelchair. What is going to give you thr most independence but still make sense for all the other factors in your life.

[@mrsgbracing6012]

I have the smart drive too and I’m really happy with it. It allows you to remove it and go manually rogue when you want to! Hahaha! I do actually love it and would recommend to anyone that can get around the house manually but has just a little trouble in town.

[@EmpoweredPara]

@@mrsgbracing6012 I really want one! I'm a few years definitely gonna need one!

[@mrsgbracing6012]

@@EmpoweredPara I only use it for trips really, like Vegas/Disneyland type of things, where we are with a group involving long periods of walking so my arms don’t have to keep up with their legs. 😉

[@EmpoweredPara]

@@mrsgbracing6012 smart! I got a scooter attachment for my wheelchair which has been awesome for times like that:)

[@bbear753]

This is the most comprehensive information re: the proper fit of a wheelchair for a full time user. Most physical or occasional therapists are not aware of this. It looks like this company is located in Canada. Please provide website information if not already done so.

[@EmpoweredPara]

it's in the video description! Here it is again: www.49bespoke.com/

[@cpr58]

I am waiting for my first chair waiting on the insurance company. to approve it. I was told to go ahead and rent one while I waited. I went to a vendor that rents chairs. the only measurement he took was my weight and he got the biggest Chair he had, yes it was too big. I had four inches on either side of me when sitting in the middle of the chair. made it hard to wheel. It was the kind of chair you would see in the hospital. one size fits all.

[@helenwheels3341]

What about frame taper? Or whatever it's called that squeezes your legs together?

[@EmpoweredPara]

I think that's just an anesthetic thing? More of a personal preference than something that really affects the function of the chair.

[@davidjtefft]

How can I even get the attecsrab,ention sion to get measurements ? I want a ki rogue but insuransuggestioce wants e to get a drive neural cruiser 3. Just what I have make it stable! We can fix it later

[@CinkSVideo]

Wish I had seen this before I ordered my chair. Definitely things I would change on my chair. First…narrower…

[@EmpoweredPara]

Always narrower! We really get roped into bigger chairs!

[@CinkSVideo]

@@EmpoweredPara there is this misguided idea that everyone is going to gain weight after moving to using a wheelchair, which discounts the extra energy it requires for the same tasks. Not to mention the extra energy needed for nearly every daily task.

[@cynthiavos3991]

This is AMAZING!!! My wheelchair is way to big! They didn't want my thighs to touch the side guards! Even though I sat in a smaller chair and liked it, they told me I couldn't get it. Now I'm super crooked.

[@EmpoweredPara]

Yeah so ridiculous! We should be able go back and get compensation for the consequences of an I'll fitting chair. My posture sucks because they put me in a recliner on wheels!

[@brin57]

@@EmpoweredPara Yes absolutely. Reg is a gem. They're hard to find.

[@elizabethdonaldson4596]

Are you still pleased with your RGK? I went to an Abilities Expo recently and "test drove" a few, and it was SO light compared to even my Tilite... So I'm going down the road of ordering one but as you know it's not cheap so I want to make sure I'm doing the right thing because... most of it is out of pocket. What are your thoughts after living with it a while (besides the side guards)... still like it?

[@EmpoweredPara]

Still love it. I would change the caster angle and the side guards but that's it.

[@elizabethdonaldson4596]

@@EmpoweredPara THANK YOU! Awesome to hear!

[@brin57]

RGK's are great, but don't be fooled by the SUB 4 hype. Especially if you are in the U.S. A Tilite TR is only 4.2 kg or 9.26 lb transport weight. And the difference in price between the Tilite TR and an RGK Sub 4 is Thousands of $ ..

[@elizabethdonaldson4596]

@@brin57 thanks, I certainly appreciate your point of view. In this case every ounce counts due to my disability (I dislocate easily). My TiLite has been ok, but it wasn't made right and construction quality was not great; they said they can't make the front angle what I need. I'm keen to give someone else a shot.

[@brin57]

@@elizabethdonaldson4596 Sure, I understand. You will be happy with and RGK. They've been doing it a long time and have always been one of the better chairs from that side of the atlantic. Kuschal are another.

[@myphonekobe4556]

What's the brand of the chair?

[@EmpoweredPara]

RGK

[@tkwayman]

Hi I have a question of what do you do when your ATP put incorrect measurements in for your rigid frame wheelchair and was paid for by Medicare. How do you get this resolved? I’ve been in a wheelchair for 6yrs and I still do not have my own fitted wheelchair. I am constantly having to look for wheelchairs to borrow when going to appointments and I was so excited to get my own wheelchair finally after so long then devastated when it could fit 2 of me in it 😢 Hoping someone on here will know how to help me. I’m beginning to fade and believe I’ll never have a wheelchair and freedom.

[@EmpoweredPara]

I don't know the protocol in the US. In Canada if this happens it's usually a "you're shit out of luck" situation. Have you tried getting in touch with Medicare to find out what the protocol is for something like this?

[@dougbrown7150]

Where is Rick located I absolutely need a chair guy who gets it

[@EmpoweredPara]

He owns 49 Bespoke in Ontario! www.49bespoke.com/

[@morgancalvi6675]

What size wheels are these at 21:39. I have always had 24" wheels, but am thinking about getting 26" wheels on my next chair. Pros and cons?

[@EmpoweredPara]

25"

[@morgancalvi6675]

@@EmpoweredPara pros and cons on larger wheels than 24"...are tires hard to find for the 25"?

[@EmpoweredPara]

@morgancalvi6675 Pro: larger tires go further per push. Harder to find wheel accessories (like my push rim covers), but no problem finding tires.

[@morgancalvi6675]

@@EmpoweredPara ok, thank you.

[@brin57]

@@EmpoweredPara Hey Brittany. Do you notice if uphill is a little harder with 25" over 24" . I haven't done 25's. 30 years ago I tried 26's and they were fast but def harder uphill.

[@morgancalvi6675]

Oh wow...the FreeWheel keeps you from even using your casters outside. I never go out without it.

[@EmpoweredPara]

I really want one!

[@morgancalvi6675]

@@EmpoweredPara Living Spinal sells them...plus a percentage of your buy goes to spinal cord injury research. I always buy from them. It's a win-win...stuff I need and I give to a worthy cause at the same time. I think all the employees there are in wheelchairs...so they really help a lot.

[@morgancalvi6675]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/gpSxoYuKbMipndk

[@launadro1646]

Would like contact with Reg

[@EmpoweredPara]

his company is 49 Bespoke! www.49bespoke.com/