Lift chairs are recliners used to assist a person in standing up. Also known as power lift recliners, lift chairs are fitted with an electric motor to raise and recline the chair itself.
Using a lift chair is not just for lower body or leg issues. Many post-op recovery processes can be greatly enhanced by using a lift chair.
Here’s a list of conditions and situations lift chairs are used for.
General Difficulty Standing Up
The most common use for a lift chair is giving a boost to those that have difficulty getting up from a seated position. Old age, arthritis, swollen joints, and artificial joints are common reasons for having difficulty standing up.
How a Lift Chair Helps with General Difficulty Standing Up
Lift chairs are built to help people stand up. Remotes on lift chairs allow users to get to a desired lifted position and stop, allowing them to fully stand up with less effort.
Recovering from Lower Body Injuries
Not being able to use both legs makes it difficult for most people to stand up. Broken bones and torn muscles are two of the most common reasons people have when looking at lift chairs.
How a Lift Chair Helps with Lower Body Injuries and Recovery
Aside from helping with standing up, some lift chair models are built to promote circulation. “Infinite Position” lift chairs enable a deep recline, positioning a user’s legs above their heart.
The ability to nap or sleep in lift chairs can also help users avoid dangerous situations involving stairs during recovery.
Recovering from Upper Body Injuries
This may seem counterintuitive—how do your arms and shoulders help you stand up? Upper body muscles and limbs are used to grant additional leverage when standing up. Putting weight on the arm or seat of a chair or couch is what most of us do when we get up.
Shoulder tears & general injuries, cheat muscle tears, broken arm bones, and minor back injuries are common reasons for considering a lift chair.
How a Lift Chair Helps with Upper Body Injuries and Recovery
A lift chair in a fully extended ‘up’ position allows a user to get up without any arm strength. Some lift chair models are built with extra lumbar support, allowing comfortable use for those with minor back issues.
Recovering from Cardiovascular or Open-Heart Surgeries
Resting after cardiovascular surgery is extremely important. Lift chairs allow users to put a minimal amount of stress on their bodies when getting in and out of a comfortable chair.
How a Lift Chair Helps with Cardiovascular and Open-Heart Surgery Recovery
Aside from eliminating extra stress and energy associated with standing up, lift chairs can be used to sleep in. If you don’t have a bed on the first floor, sleeping in a lift chair may be the best option to avoid walking up and down stairs after cardiovascular surgery.
“Zero Gravity” or “Infinite Position” lift chairs can also help with circulation. If you are required to put your knees or feet above your heart for a few hours a day after your surgery, a lift chair will help with the press of a button.
Other Uses for Lift Chairs
Outside of the above list, lift chairs are commonly used under less severe circumstances including:
- Accommodating elderly family members or guests in your home
- Chronic muscle aches
- Swollen legs from walking
- Use as a short-term ‘bed’ while you’re sick, especially if placed near a bathroom
- Assisting with any difficulty associated with standing up from a chair
Lift Chairs are Made as Furniture that Helps!
Many lift chair manufacturers, like Pride Mobility and Golden Technologies, design their chairs as a lift chair first and furniture second. Over the past 30+ years, however, manufacturers have gotten very good at creating functional chairs that are extremely comfortable.
You don’t have to sacrifice comfort for functionality anymore. Major lift chair manufacturers offer dozens of models with sizing and cushioning for everyone.
If you have back issues—there is a lift chair for you. If you have leg issues—there is a chair for you. The list goes on—you just need to stop by a medical equipment showroom and try out a few models to find the perfect chair.
Lift Chairs at Oswald’s
As our business has grown our lift chair selection has also grown. We have over 2 dozen lift chair models on the floor, plugged in and ready to try out 7 days a week.
We offer lift chair rentals for short-term needs along with quick delivery and setup. Many chair models in-store can be delivered within 48 hours of purchase/rental, with most warehoused chairs being delivered and setup inside of 3-5 business days.
If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to give us a call or send us an email. Our Medical Equipment Showroom team is always on hand for all your lift chair needs.
We also have certified lift chair repair technicians on staff. If you have repair questions, send our repair team an email.
Disclaimer: None of the information presented in this article should supersede instructions or information given by your doctor. If you have questions about an upcoming surgery, recovery after surgery, or general medical questions, please call your doctor.
