Using a Standing Frame For Physiotherapy and Surgery Rehab

The road to recovery following surgery can be a long one. Depending on the nature of a patient’s surgery, the rehabilitation process may be ongoing for many months or years: sometimes, the path to recovery continues indefinitely. With all of the potential challenges that lie ahead following surgery, any tool or piece of equipment that can aid patients in making a full recovery should be welcomed.

This is where standing frames come in. For patients who don’t currently have the energy to stand on their own, these game-changing devices can make all the difference, turbocharging their recovery and allowing them to begin living a fulfilling life once more.

In this guide, we’re going to tell you everything you need to know about standing frames and the benefits they provide to patients undergoing physiotherapy, conditions such as a stroke or recovering from surgery. We’ll cover the basics, explaining what standing frames are and how they work, before moving onto the differences between different models and explaining how to choose the most appropriate frame for your needs. Without further ado, let’s get started.

The idea behind a standing frame is simple: by providing additional support where it’s needed, they allow patients who can’t stand to do so, often without the need for a carer’s support. Not only can this have a transformative effect on a patient’s mental health – allowing them to live more independently and enjoy activities they otherwise couldn’t – it can make a significant difference to their ability to recover.

Although all standing frames share the same basic aim, they don’t all work in the same way. A vast array of different models are available, some of which are more advanced than others. We’ll get into the differences between different standing frames in a moment, but first let’s take a closer look at how they can aid recovering patients.

Regaining the ability to stand, even if only for short periods of time, can make an enormous difference to patients undergoing physiotherapy – or those recovering from surgery. Here are just a few of the reasons why.

• Standing allows a patient to stretch all of their muscles more thoroughly – and for longer periods of time. By stretching these muscles more, patients can more easily maintain their current range of motion and build upon it, aiding in the recovery process. The use of a standing frame can work hand in hand with physiotherapy, improving a patient’s chances of making a full recovery. 
• For patients with spinal cord injuries, standing using a frame can not only reduce spasticity (or muscle tightness), but improve their range of motion. Over time, this can significantly improve the patient’s ability to function independently, aiding in their recovery and boosting their mental health as well.
• Losing the ability to stand can eventually lead to further health complications, such as the development of conditions like osteoporosis, decubitus ulcers and even urinary tract infections. The use of a standing frame can not only speed up a patient’s recovery, but help lessen the likelihood of them developing further health issues as a result of not being able to stand.
• The benefits of standing aren’t merely physical: there are psychological factors to consider too. Losing the ability to stand following surgery can dramatically impact a patient’s mental health, restricting their freedom and limiting their independence. The use of a standing frame can help restore some of this freedom and independence, improving patients’ mental outlook and boosting their self esteem. Ultimately, the use of a standing frame can lessen the likelihood of a patient becoming depressed following their surgery. 

The benefits of standing frames are clear – but how do you choose the right one? With so many different options available, selecting the most suitable can feel like a daunting task. At EasyStand, we live up to our name by making this process simple. Our standing frames, the Strapstand and the Evolv, offer a range of different features and configurable options to suit your specific needs – and our friendly team can help you decide exactly which model is right for you.

Both models are packed with innovative safety features and continue to be used extensively by hospitals, rehabilitation centres and care homes across the UK. 

Let us take the stress out of choosing a standing frame. Discover more about the EasyStand lineup online today, find out more about us or get in touch with our friendly team for help and advice.