Best Way to Shower with Non Weight Bearing Leg

Navigating the bathroom can be challenging after an injury especially when you are non-weight bearing. How to shower with a non weight bearing leg? Between small space navigation and slippery surfaces, the bathroom can pose many risks for individuals on crutches or a walker. Enter the Freedom Leg, a state-of-the-art hands-free crutch alternative that maintains non-weight bearing status while providing freedom of mobility and top-level stability.  

Non-Weight Bearing Brace

The Freedom Leg offers security and stability with adjustable straps and a non-slip base. Depending on the severity of the injury and physician protocol, the non-weight bearing status may be extremely strict.  

The Freedom Leg uses a multi-strap suspension system to bypass the injured body part, unloading the limb and seamlessly transferring the weight of the body into the ground. Long distance ambulation, stair negotiation, and object management all become much more manageable with the Freedom Leg giving you the freedom and independence you deserve while recovering from an injury.

How to Shower With Crutches

Showering is a common problem for individuals who are non-weight bearing.  Many showers cannot accommodate a bulky shower chair and slippery surfaces make negotiation in and out of the tub challenging. Managing axillary or elbow crutches in the shower is both cumbersome and unsettling. Without a chair, the individual is forced to perform a single limb hop over the tub threshold just to enter the shower.  

The Freedom Leg solves the shower woes allowing the individual user to stand and transfer safely with the use of the lower body device. Small accommodations such as a long-handled loofah or a removable shower head, combined with the Freedom Leg, can be helpful to minimize weight shifting and transfers required once in the shower.

How to Bathe With a Cast

If wearing a cast, it’s important to wrap the limb with either a shower guard or plastic bag to protect the integrity of the cast. Cast covers can be purchased which come in a variety of sizes and offer a waterproof barrier between the leg and cast. The Freedom Leg is compatible with most casts, walking boots, and shoes and can be worn with the waterproofing device in place.  

How to Use the Toilet While Non-Weight Bearing

Besides showering, toileting poses a high risk for individuals who are non-weight bearing. Similar to the shower, slippery surfaces, difficult transfers, and tight spaces all contribute to an increased risk of falling.  Without the appropriate equipment, an individual who is non-weight bearing is often forced to hop or pivot to get to and from the toilet to their assistive device. With the Freedom Leg, toileting is as simple as entering the bathroom, placing the affected limb slightly in front of you, and sitting down. The arms are free to assist with eccentric descent to the seat and the leg is maintained in a braced, stable position all while keeping full weight off of the leg.  

Things to Do When You Are Non-Weight Bearing

Recovery Takes Time

Healing takes time and so does every little task when you’re recovering from an injury. Acknowledge that your limitations are temporary and give yourself a little grace. Be patient, don’t be afraid to ask for help, and give your mind and body ample time to heal.

Set up your Environment before Beginning any Activity

Setup is key particularly when injured. Anticipate any objects or devices you might need prior to beginning an activity. Use proper technique, ensure your assist device is properly fit, and plan how you will manage your non-weight bearing limb before you act.  

Mitigate Risk

Risk mitigation is also imperative during injury recovery. Small adjustments can make a big difference when it comes to fall risk reduction and overall safety. In the bathroom, in addition to using your Freedom Leg, consider the use of a non-slip mat both in and out of the shower. Grip or grab bars are an additional safety measure that may offer security, particularly during transfers into and out of the tub or shower. If your injury is long-term, such as following an amputation, more permanent solutions exist that can withstand higher levels of body load and prolonged use. Staying active and independent after an injury has never been easier!

Non-Weight Bearing Leg Brace

The Freedom Leg is the best hands free knee crutch alternative which provides users top-level safety and stability in all activities of daily living including showering and toileting. Forget the knee scooter or armpit crutches and manage your leg injuries with the best hands-free mobility aid on the market. If you or your loved one is non-weight bearing and looking to set themselves up for functional freedom, check out the Freedom Leg and get moving today! Are you ready to make your life easier with the Freedom Leg?