Can I Use a Wheelchair? The Most Responsible Way to Answer

Many people ask the same question when mobility starts to get harder: “Can I use a wheelchair?” It looks like a straightforward question, yet the reality is more complex. Using a wheelchair can make life easier, but it also carries risks if it is used without proper guidance.

This blog looks at real experiences from disabled people, physiotherapists, and long-term wheelchair users. The aim is to give clear, responsible advice that supports independence and safety.

Why the Answer Is Not Always Straightforward

The first reaction from many disabled people is often supportive: “If you think it will help, use it!”
But professionals and experienced users point out that it is not that simple. A wheelchair, like medication, should be matched to the person and their condition.

Without guidance, risks include:

• Long-term muscle loss from reduced walking

• Incorrect use leading to injury

• Picking an unsuitable wheelchair can create additional difficulties.

Three Key Risks to Understand

1. Using a Mobility Aid Without a Diagnosis

If someone uses an aid before a diagnosis, it may cause harm.

• Example: People with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) risk damaging shoulders and wrists if they use crutches.

• Example: Someone recovering from stroke may lose the chance to rebuild strength if they rely too soon on a wheelchair.

A professional assessment ensures the aid supports recovery instead of slowing it.

2. Incorrect Training or Poor Technique

Using a stick, crutch, or chair the wrong way can cause permanent harm.
A trainee physiotherapist with a brain injury explained that years of using a walking stick the wrong way caused severe damage to their foot, which eventually led to amputation.

Common mistakes include:

• Holding aids on the wrong side

• Using equipment not suited to the body’s needs

• Using low-cost transport chairs not designed for everyday mobility can put your safety at risk.

3. Muscle Loss and Reduced Function

Continuous use of a wheelchair may begin to weaken muscles within the first week. This is known as atrophy.

• Legs weaken from lack of use

• Core muscles reduce from sitting too much

• Regaining lost strength is much harder than maintaining it

For someone still able to walk short distances, regular wheelchair use can lead to losing that ability altogether.

Why Professional Assessment Matters

A wheelchair is not a simple tool you pick up in a shop. It is a medical aid that should be prescribed and fitted.

Physiotherapists and occupational therapists look at:

• Your diagnosis and prognosis

• Balance, stamina, and pain levels

• Lifestyle needs (home layout, travel, work)

• The correct size, fit, and type of chair

Without this, people risk long-term harm. The phrase often used is “move it or lose it.” Staying as mobile as possible is essential for long-term health. The NHS provides detailed information on wheelchairs and mobility scooters.

Real Experiences: What People Shared

• Ambulatory wheelchair user: One person with a chronic condition explained they can walk a 5k, but the recovery takes two days. Their doctor supported the use of a wheelchair for pacing, which improved their health overall.

• EDS patient: Someone shared how a prescribed manual wheelchair dislocated their shoulder. A power chair would have been safer, but it was harder to access.

• Amputee physio student: They explained that although a wheelchair is easier than using a prosthetic, overuse would reduce leg strength and shorten life expectancy.

• Patient with no support: In rural areas, some people buy second-hand chairs online because they cannot access physiotherapy. They recognise it is not ideal, but sometimes it is the only option.

Barriers to Professional Support

In practice, many people struggle to get an appointment with a physiotherapist. Problems include:

• Long NHS waiting lists

• Lack of local specialists in rural areas

• Costs for private assessments

• Doctors who dismiss symptoms or delay referrals

This leads some people to make difficult choices, often without safe advice.

Safer Steps if You Cannot Access Professional Help

If you cannot see a physiotherapist right away, there are still safer approaches:

• Look for information produced by qualified physiotherapists online instead of following tips from unverified influencers.

• Consider telehealth assessments where available

• Use mobility aids temporarily and sparingly until reviewed

• Focus on pacing, gentle exercise, and core strength to reduce risk of muscle loss

But the goal should still be an in-person assessment when possible.

The Emotional Side of Wheelchair Use

For many, asking “Can I use a wheelchair?” is also about permission and identity.

• Some feel guilt or shame, thinking they are “not disabled enough”

• Others fear losing independence

• Some worry that professionals will dismiss their struggles

Support groups often rush to encourage, but sometimes what people really need is reassurance that asking for help is valid — and that getting the right advice is the safest path.

A Responsible Answer

A thoughtful and safe way to respond when someone asks about wheelchair use is:

“If you believe a mobility aid could benefit you, arrange an assessment with a physiotherapist or occupational therapist. They can guide you toward the right device, ensure it fits properly, and teach you safe use while helping you stay independent.”

This balances empathy with responsibility. It avoids harm while still validating the person’s struggles.

Final Thoughts

Wheelchairs and mobility aids change lives. They provide access, freedom, and dignity. But like any medical intervention, they come with risks if used without guidance.

• A wheelchair is not always the right answer

• Incorrect use can cause long-term harm

• Professional assessment ensures the right aid, fitted safely

For anyone wondering if they are “allowed” to use a wheelchair, the safest next step is always to speak to a physiotherapist. You deserve support, but you also deserve to stay as safe and independent as possible.

FAQs

Can I buy a wheelchair without a prescription?
Yes, but it is not recommended. Buying a wheelchair without proper assessment could mean choosing the wrong model and putting your health at risk.

Will using a wheelchair make me weaker?
If used full-time without exercise, yes. Strength and stamina reduce quickly. A physiotherapist can guide you in combining wheelchair use with regular activity to maintain strength.

What if I cannot see a physiotherapist?
Try online consultations or NHS 111 for advice. Use resources made by qualified professionals, not social media influencers.

Are cheap wheelchairs from online shops safe?
Transport chairs sold cheaply are not designed for daily use. They often cause strain on arms and back if self-propelled.

Can I use a wheelchair part-time?
Yes, if advised by a professional. Many people use them for pacing during travel or long days, while still keeping active at home.