Testimonial from a physiotherapist
Dr. Gretchen
Physiotherapist &
MS-Certified Specialist
Meet Dr. Gretchen
Get to know Dr. Gretchen Hawley and benefit from her expert insights on rollator walkers and how to use them.
- Physiotherapist
- MS-Certified Specialist
- Founder & creator of The MSing Link
- Author of the book: The MSing Link
- Helped over 40,000 people to get their life back
Mobility, balance, and independence
Having recognised the potential of physiotherapy not only helping with the pain but also slowing down the progression, Dr. Gretchen dedicates her career to understanding how MS works.
With her holistic approach, she helps regain control by providing the right tools for everyone with reduced mobility.
Dr. Gretchen’s mission is to help people worldwide by introducing her successful online wellness programme for people with MS: The MSing Link. A science-backed education combined with helpful exercises.
What features are important in a rollator walker?
The need for using a mobility aid has many different faces. When it becomes time for a little extra help to maintain mobile, choosing the right mobility aid can be overwhelming.
Check out Dr. Gretchen’s pointers on what the right rollator walker should have:
- Lightweight design: Evenly distributed and easy to lift
- Forward-facing handles: Supporting proper back and neck alignment while walking
- Shock absorption: Through wheels and an angled frame
- Reliable brakes: Solid brakes for safety and control
- Built-in seat: For resting during longer walks or a break from standing
What are the signs that my rollator is not a good fit?
Choosing the right rollator can be a tough one. Signs that you might not use the right one can range from:
- Instability despite walking with a rollator
- Walking isn’t any easier
- Pain in your wrists, arms, shoulders, or neck
- Less confidence in your walking
- Tendency to isolate yourself
Don’t ignore or accept it! A mobility aid is supposed to be there for you, support you – and not make things worse. Talk with your physiotherapist, doctor, or take matters into your own hands by researching mobility aid solutions to improve your quality of life.
First impressions
Getting your rollator holds a lot of excitement and expectations of how the rollator will be for you and fit in your life. As we all know: first impressions count.
Therefore, we want you to see how a physiotherapist reacts and what she looks out for when receiving a rollator. Dr. Gretchen unboxes our rollator models and gives you her unfiltered expert opinion on it. Got curious?
Nordic Pioneer
“Oh my gosh, I love the colour. This is a completely different material from any of their other rollators or really any other rollator I’ve seen.”
The newest member in our rollator family is a versatile 5.9 kg lightweight rollator, helping you with your daily activities and outdoor ventures beyond the urban limits.
Fun fact: The never-before-seen frame design consists of an aluminium core and an outer shell made of the innovative, foamlike material EPP.
Carbon Ultralight
“You see how I’m picking this up with one hand? What are the chances I’d ever be able to do that with a rollator? Very little.”
Our lightest rollator with only 4.8 kg has you covered in your daily routines and is the perfect travel companion for urban explorers and globetrotters.
Fun fact: The brake cables are hidden within the frame and will not give you any worries about getting stuck on anything.
Carbon Overland
“I am loving this and will say this rollator definitely feels sturdy, which is why I’m surprised it’s only 6.7 kg. I can easily lift this up and I also can fold it and look how narrow it gets.”
Our toughest one puts you in charge of setting the limits. The all-terrain specialist at 6.7 kg is the perfect support for off-road enthusiasts.
Fun fact: The carbon fiber frame is five times stronger than steel. The material is also used for prosthetics, aircraft and spacecraft parts, racing car bodies, bicycle frames, and many more.
Scandinavian Butler
“I almost feel more stable in this than any other rollator. I feel like I could put more weight through my arms without running the risk of it tipping over. So that is a huge, huge perk, especially if you are someone who does put more weight through your arms.”
Our reliable and stable indoor rollator at 10 kg is a true ‘butler’ and blends aesthetically into your home.
Fun fact: The intentionally heavier build allows you to put more weight on your arms and feel safe everywhere in your home.
Tips & tricks from Dr. Gretchen
Join Dr. Gretchen as she demonstrates essential tips and tricks for using your rollator walker effectively. Even if you feel you already know all about it, sometimes it’s nice to get the reassurance of doing it right.
Set the perfect rollator handle height
We have introduced a new, unique handle design to the market: The forward-facing direction has been developed together with physiotherapists and shifts the weight to the palm. It empowers you to move fluidly and confidently in various environments.
Dr. Gretchen shows you the easiest way to find the right handle height.
So, make sure that the handle lines with your wrist bone and start your new adventure!
Lifting your rollator in and out of the car…
A foldable rollator walker is a must-have for keeping your life as smooth as possible. Together with a lightweight design, you gain an extra amount of independence and freedom.
Let’s face it, putting your rollator in a car can be both challenging and nerve-racking. Does it fit? Can it be easily lifted? How to do it?
…the right way
Dr. Gretchen shows you how to securely lift your rollator in the car in case you have no helping hand next to you.
- Stand as close to the car as possible
- Put the rollator brakes on
- Change your stance, so that your feet are not in the way of the wheels
- Squat down using your legs (don’t round your back) as you grab for the centre of the rollator
- Lift the rollator and place it in the car without moving your feet (you should feel stable)
To take it out of the car, simply reverse the steps.
Get active!
When being active, it’s not only the physical benefits you gain. It also contributes to your mental health.
Try out the rollator-based exercises from Dr. Gretchen that help you gain stability and security in your walk.
1.
Practicing the lifting motion is crucial for moving your legs forward while walking.
2.
When stepping forward, you need to be able to bend your knee to lift your leg.
3.
To prevent falls or injuries, maintaining a good balance while walking is essential.
Let’s talk rollators
Dr. Gretchen reached out to her MSing Link community and talked with one of the members about life with a rollator walker.
When interviewed, Kate, 55 years young, had been using her Carbon Ultralight for over two months.
How does using a rollator make you feel?
More stable and confident.
When did it first occur to you that you needed a rollator?
I never considered a rollator before discovering byACRE, because others I had tried at physiotherapy worked so poorly.
What feelings and thoughts did you have about it?
It looked easy to use, it looked light, and super well designed… basically, everything I had been looking for in a rollator but had never found until I saw the Carbon Ultralight.
What reactions do you get from others when walking with a rollator?
Because I acquired mine recently, and during the pandemic, I haven’t been around many people while using it. When I have taken it to medical appointments, I like that others are more patient with my slowness and have given me the appropriate space to manoeuvre.
What does it enable you to do that you couldn’t otherwise do?
Inside the house, it has allowed me to stop wall-surfing. After the pandemic, I am hoping it gives me more freedom to go out.
What criteria are important when choosing a rollator? Why?
Being ergonomically correct and enhancing your posture while improving your mobility; being light, and easy for others to move; being visually attractive, not an eyesore.
Explore which rollator walker suits you the best
Feel the weight difference
There is a crucial difference of handling a rollator at 7.5 kg, as most standard rollators are, and at only 4.8 kg. Choosing lightweight material is only one part of the design.
Explore how our lightweight design brings you maximum satisfaction.
Gain more confidence outdoors
Being active contributes to your physical and mental health. The right outdoor rollator walker encourages you to do so.
Set new limits and get to know how to choose your perfect fit!
Nothing speaks louder than your stories
“Thanks to the Carbon Overland’s support, I was able to hike for the first time in over a year and to do so confidently.
byACRE is helping further the idea that the outdoors is for everyone.” – Avonlea
“I finally felt safe and comfortable using a rollator.
I was first scared to try the reverse grips, but that’s now my favourite part of the Carbon Overland.” – Peter
“I used to be really fit and active and now to be faced with a walking aid.
The Carbon Ultralight has changed my life, I’m steady, I’m confident – I’ve got my life back.” – Mary
Stay connected with Dr. Gretchen as she shares fun tips and tricks for living your best life!
Follow her social media accounts for regular updates, inspiring content, and a supportive community!
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