How to Push a Walker

A walker can provide increased mobility and independence for a patient with limited mobility due to surgery or injury, impaired balance or other conditions that may increase the risk of falling. Walkers are usually made of a lightweight metal and are available with or without wheels. A variety of sizes and styles is available to meet the individual's needs, and a doctor or physical therapist can determine which style will best accommodate each patient.

Instructions

Walking

• 1

  Position the walker in front of you and grasp the handles firmly with both hands. Stand with the walker until you feel balanced and ready to begin walking, suggests Drugs.com.

• 2

  Push the walker approximately one step ahead of you. Keep your back straight as you move the walker.

• 3

  Step into the walker one foot at a time, stepping with your strongest leg first.

• 4

  Repeat Steps 2 and 3 until you reach your destination.

Sitting and Standing

• 5

  Stand with your back to the chair and your hands on the walker's handles.

• 6

  Walk backward slowly until your legs are touching the back of the chair.

• 7

  Hold on to the walker's handle with one hand and firmly grasp the arm of the chair with your other hand. Remove your hand from the walker's handle and grasp the other chair arm.

• 8

  Lower yourself slowly into the chair. If one leg is stronger than the other, place most of your weight on the stronger leg for better balance.

• 9

  Position the walker in front of your chair before standing up.

• 10

  Slide forward in your chair and place both hands firmly on the walker's handles.

• 11

  Raise yourself into a standing position and stand with your walker until you feel balanced and ready to walk.