by Joel Smith
Best Way to Shower with Non-Weight Bearing Leg
by Joel Smith September 14, 2022
Updated Jan 24th 2024
Navigating the bathroom can be challenging after an injury (especially when you are non-weight-bearing). Between small space navigation and slippery surfaces, the bathroom can pose many risks for individuals on crutches or a walker.
How to Shower with non-weight bearing:
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 to enter the shower. The Freedom Leg solves the shower woes, allowing the individual user to stand and transfer safely.
How to Bathe with a Shower Chair
As a note, always consult your healthcare provider with any questions, comments or concerns. When entering the bathroom, place 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.
What if I don’t have a Shower Chair?
- Plastic or Waterproof Stool: You can use a sturdy plastic stool or a waterproof stool inside the shower. Make sure it's slip-resistant and stable.
- Plastic Chair: If you have a plastic chair with a solid backrest, you can place it in the shower. Ensure that it's not a folding chair, as those may not be suitable for wet conditions.
- Bathmat or Non-Slip Mat: Lay down a non-slip bathmat or non-slip mat on the shower floor to provide better stability and reduce the risk of slipping.
- Shower Bench: If you have a flat, stable shower bench or a low step stool, it can also serve as a temporary seating option.
- Plastic Crate or Box: A plastic crate or box can be used as a makeshift seat if it's strong enough to support your weight and won't get damaged by water.
- Bucket or Basin: You can use a large bucket or basin. You can then use a handheld showerhead to rinse yourself.
- Tub Transfer Bench: If you have access to a bathtub, a tub transfer bench can be placed over the tub and used as a stable seat for showering.
- Shower Wall Chair: Some shower wall-mounted chairs can be installed temporarily, providing a seating option when needed.
Remember to prioritize safety when using any of these alternatives. Ensure that the surface is stable and non-slip, and have someone nearby to assist you if needed.
As recommended previously, if you have any concerns or questions about showering with a cast, it's a good idea to consult your healthcare provider for specific advice tailored to your situation.
How to Bathe With a Leg Cast Cover for Shower
If wearing a waterproof leg cast cover, it’s important to wrap the limb with either a shower guard, plastic bag or a shower boot 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.
When entering the bathroom, place the affected limb slightly in front of you and sit down. Keep your arms free to assist with the eccentric descent to the seat, while maintaining the leg in a braced, stable position to ensure that no weight is put on ii.
Setting up your shower:
Before taking a shower, setup is key. Anticipate any objects you may need prior to entering the tub/shower. Use proper techniques, ensuring that your assist device is properly fit, and plan how you will manage your non-weight bearing limb before you act. Small accommodations such as a long-handled loofah or a removable shower head, combined with the Freedom Leg, can be helpful to facilitate easier bathing.
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 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 during transfer into and out of the tub/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.
Last things to remember when non-weight bearing:
Taking a shower or doing other hygiene activities can be frustrating. Recovery takes time and so will every task when you’re recovering from an injury. Acknowledge your limitations and remember self-compassion. Be patient and do not hesitate to seek assistance.
Non-Weight Bearing Leg Brace
The Freedom Leg is a state-of-the-art hands-free crutch alternative that maintains non-weight bearing status while providing freedom of mobility and top-level stability. It is also the best hands free knee crutch alternative which provides users top-level safety and stability in all activities of daily living including showering. 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 and Staying active?
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