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How to use a walking frame or wheeled walking frame

Information for patients

Physiotherapy

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Frame batch no:

Batch date:

Date of issue:

Walking (using a non-wheeled frame)

Place the frame forwards approximately one step length in front of you. Place or step your affected or weaker leg forwards into approximately the middle of the frame area. Push weight, as comfortable, through your hands onto the handles of the frame to support your affected or weaker leg. 

Step your un-affected leg forwards into the frame area to slightly past your affected leg, but not stepping too far into the frame area and not too close to the front bar of the frame. Your tummy should not be touching the front bar of the frame.

Care must be taken not to place the frame too far in front or to walk too far into the frame area.

Partial weight bearing 

Lift the frame and place it down one step length in front of you. Place or step your affected or weaker leg forwards into approximately the middle of the frame area, partial weight bearing. 

Allowing the upper body to support approximately 50% of the body’s weight, pushing onto the handles of the frame. 

Take a step forward with the unaffected leg into the frame area to slightly past your affected leg, but not stepping too far into the frame area and too close to the front bar of the frame. Your tummy should not be touching the front bar of the frame.  

Care must be taken not to place the frame too far in front or to walk too far into the frame area.

Non-weight bearing 

Always keeping the affected leg off the ground, hold it a little in front with the knee slightly bent, with your hands holding the handle parts of the frame. Lift the frame and place it down one step length forward, then move your body forwards pushing weight through your hands onto the handles of the frame.

Step your un-affected leg forwards into the frame, approximately to the middle of the frame area, but not stepping too far into the frame area or too close to the front bar of the frame. 

Your tummy should not be touching the front bar of the frame. Care must be taken not to place the frame too far in front or to walk too far into the frame.

Walking (using a wheeled frame)

Use in the same way as the as the non wheeled walking frame but push the frame forwards rather than lifting and placing it.

Care must be taken not to push the frame too far in front or to walk too far into the frame area.

Standing up

Do not stand up with your hands holding onto the handles of the frame. Never stand up by pulling up onto the frame.

Place your hands on the arms of the chair. Lean forward, use your un-affected foot and your hands on the arm of the chair (not pulling up on the frame), to push forwards and up to standing. Once balanced, place your hands, one at a time, onto the handles of the frame, ready to walk.

If you are non-weight bearing use the same method but remember to always keep the affected leg off the ground.

Sitting down

Do not sit down still holding onto the handles of the frame, the frame could topple over onto you.

Walk up to the chair as close as it is safe to do so, slowly turn, placing the frame in front of you a small way round in stages, do not overreach. Slowly turn around until you can feel the chair with the back of your legs. Take your hands, one at a time, off the handles of the frame, reaching down with each hand for the arm of the chair and bend a little forward. Then lower gently into the chair.

If you are non-weight bearing use the same method but remember to always keep the affected leg off the ground.
Additional advice regarding use:




Safety advice

  • The life expectancy of walking aids is estimated at 2 years.
  • Do not use the frame if you feel it is faulty or damaged.
  • Ensure there are no loose rugs or obstacles in the area.
  • Avoid wet or slippery floors, be careful of slipping in icy conditions or on wet leaves.
  • Always try to use a chair with arms and a high seat.
  • Make sure you are wearing supportive flat shoes.
  • Do not use the frame to go upstairs.
  • Wheeled frames are designed for indoor use.
  • Do not store the frame in sub-zero temperatures.

Safety checks

  • Before use make sure all the legs are adjusted to the same height.
  • Please ensure the frame is checked regularly for safe use.
  • Worn or split ferrules (rubber feet) need replacing.
  • Check the tubing is not bent or cracked.
  • Check the frame does not wobble and there are no loose bolts.
  • Check the adjustment holes are not stretched – they should be round in shape.
  • Ensure the clips come out through the adjustment holes.
  • Checked the hand grips are in good condition and not damaged.
  • Make sure the wheels are secure on wheeled frames.
If you have any concerns regarding the condition of your walking aid please contact the department that supplied it or your GP Practice.

Patient experience

South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust would like your feedback. If you wish to share your experience about your care and treatment or on behalf of a patient, please contact The Patient Experience Department who will advise you on how best to do this.

This service is based at The James Cook University Hospital but also covers the Friarage Hospital in Northallerton, our community hospitals and community health services.

To ensure we meet your communication needs please inform the Patient Experience Department of any special requirements, for example; braille or large print.

T: 01642 835964
E: [email protected]

The James Cook University Hospital, Marton Road, Middlesbrough, TS4 3BW.
Telephone: 01642 850850
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