Staying mobile with Spinal Muscular Atrophy
Living with Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) can bring complex mobility challenges; managing symptoms through treatment and mobility equipment will help support your independence, comfort, and active lifestyle. The right mobility equipment can drive a transformational change in your day-to-day independence and comfort.
At Wheelfreedom, we work closely alongside individuals living with SMA and other neuromuscular conditions to find the best tailored solutions for your unique case. Our approach combines clinical expertise and an understanding of your lifestyle, because living well goes beyond managing symptoms.
What is Spinal Muscular Atrophy?
Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) is a genetic neuromuscular condition that results in the loss of motor neurons in the spinal cord, which results in muscle wasting and weakness. The condition impacts the nerve cells responsible for controlling voluntary muscles, often leading to daily challenges with mobility. Common challenges can include difficulty in walking, standing or even sitting.
SMA can affect individuals at any age. Some may experience it in infancy, while some in adulthood. The severity varies widely depending on the type of SMA and the progression of the condition. Symptoms of SMA can be managed, and patients may find it helpful to use mobility equipment to maintain independence and participate in everyday activities.
Symptoms of Spinal Muscular Atrophy
Symptoms of SMA can show up differently for each patient; some common symptoms can include:
Muscle weakness
Spasticity
Fatigue
Breathing difficulties or chest infections
Scoliosis or other bone issues
Gastrointestinal issues
Living support for patients with Spinal Muscular Atrophy
While there is currently no cure for SMA, there are treatments and mobility equipment available to manage symptoms and enhance quality of life. Choosing the right equipment can help manage the progression, improve comfort, and support an active lifestyle.
Powered wheelchairs: Provide independent mobility when indoors and outdoors, while offering tilt, recline, and configurable controls for a personalised experience. A powered wheelchair is ideal for patients with severe symptoms and extremely limited mobility in their arms and legs.
Specialist seating: Custom moulded seats and modular seats are effectively tailored to support the patient’s unique posture, reduce strain, manage fatigue and reduce pressure risks.
Active wheelchair: A lightweight option for indoor and outdoor travel. Allows patients to maintain an active lifestyle by manoeuvring independently, and optional add-ons can be used to assist the user if required.
Add-ons for active wheelchairs: Some people prefer the look and responsiveness of an active wheelchair. With the right frame and optional powered add-ons, it’s possible to combine self-propulsion with support when needed.
Special Controls: When traditional joystick controls are not suitable, we can recommend and configure alternative controls based on your physical ability and preferences. Some special controllers can include foot controllers and head arrays.
Adapting Over Time
Some users may find that their condition progresses over the years, which can mean that the equipment can support your body differently at varying stages of your condition. If you require changes to your equipment, our clinical assessors are happy to review and adapt mobility equipment to ensure it continues to support your lifestyle. The assessor might adjust your controls, reconfigure seating, or explore new technology.