Zimmer Frame / Zimmer Walking Frame

What Exactly Is a Zimmer-Frame Walker?

A Zimmer frame is another term for a standard walker. The name is derived from a company known as Zimmer Holdings, which is a major manufacturer of walkers and other disability equipment. The phrase ,“Zimmer frame” is most commonly used in the United Kingdom, however there are many consumers in the US who are familiar with it as well. Once rollators were invented and became popular, the term 3-wheeled Zimmer frame became popular. There are numerous benefits to using a Zimmer frame, especially one with two front wheels:

Avoid Atrophy

In order to maintain or increase stamina and stability, a person needs to exercise his muscles. A Zimmer frame allows users to exercise their leg muscles by using them for what they’re intended for – walking. People’s bodies get older, and sometimes, people suffer from debilitating conditions such as trauma, surgery, or even partially crippling muscular or skeletal disorders. The more that these individuals, and anyone, really, can use their muscles, the better. Exercising muscles by using a walker also helps to maintain one’s mental well-being and allows users to control their weight, keep their cholesterol and blood pressure in check, and manage other health concerns.

Increase Support

Walking without assistance – or even walking with the best walking canes out there - can get pretty tiring. Thus, having a mobility Zimmer frame can greatly enhance a user’s walking experience by allowing them a bit of extra support on their arms. The weight is balanced and distributed evenly throughout the entire frame, rather than just in a singular space. This also helps users with comfort, since they don’t have to put all of their weight on their legs and joints. The older a person gets, the more susceptible they are to slips, falls, and even broken bones, often due to falls, but sometimes caused by weight bearing. By using a Zimmer-style frame, they can avoid this by reducing the weight load on their bodies.

Improve Balance

One thing is for certain: walkers, rollators, and walking canes are all used to increase or maintain one’s stability and balance. Note that Zimmer walkers (with wheels or without) in particular provide more balance and security. They have a broader frame that allows a user to maintain proper weight distribution across a wider area, and since many Zimmer frames with wheels only have the two wheels (with the exception of three-wheel rollators), a person doesn’t have to worry about losing their grip or their walker “going rogue” and rolling out from directly in front of them.

Walk Faster & Smoother

Speaking of wheels, a Zimmer frame with wheels adds some of the functionality of a rollator in the sense that they can provide faster walking compared to standard frame walkers and walking canes. While they may take more space, some users have reportedly been able to walk at a normal pace using a Zimmer walker, since they only have to lift the back end up, thus reducing fatigue and increasing their mobility the more they use it.

You Can Decorate Your Zimmer Frame Walker!

While the Zimmer frame movement originally started in the UK, it has migrated to other areas of the world. Many users, including the elderly, have begun to choose Zimmer frames, thanks to the numerous attachments that allow them to be fully customizable.

Some people have decorated their Zimmer frames with cup and bottle holders, larger wheels for more “off road” use, walker tennis balls of various colors, baskets, sheepskin walker grips, walker trays, and other decorations. There are even Zimmer walkers to be found online with fuzzy dice! Add that to the fact that some of these walkers can come in multiple color varieties. Indeed, a person can literally pick and choose to make their walker their own “personal vehicle.”

There Are Some Concerns to Look for When Buying

If you’re looking to buy a Zimmer frame walker, it’s important to know what to look for so that you can have the best fit possible. Many users neglect to delve into the direct components that would make their walker more comfortable, and this can lead to a less safe or comfortable experience. Two of the most important things to look for when buying a Zimmer frame are:

The Weight of the Walker Itself

Nearly all of our walkers are lightweight and are constructed of high quality, medical-grade aluminum for superb stability and ruggedness. When figuring out what weight capacity you need, keep in mind that the accessories and items a person stores in his walker are going to add to the weight of their Zimmer walker.

Weight Capacity of the Frame

Weight capacity is one of the primary factors that influences safety. By using a walker that doesn’t support the user’s weight, one risks numerous injury possibilities as well as voidance of the warranty from the walker manufacturer. The extra wear and tear of using any walker or medical walking aid in excess of its weight rating can deteriorate the Zimmer’s lifespan, making it buckle or break down faster. Most of these walkers have weight capacities of 250-300 pounds, but users who are heavier may enjoy particular benefits by finding one with a higher weight capacity.

If you’re looking to buy a Zimmer frame walker, AvaCare Medical is ready to help you! We have a well-trained and courteous team of customer care girls. If you ever have any questions or concerns, you can either chat with a customer care rep onsite, give them a call at 1.877.813.7799, or email them now!