Hemi Walkers
A hemi walker is the perfect assistive walker solution for those who are weak on one side. We've picked out the best for you.
A hemi walker often referred to as a side-stepper, a one-arm walker, a hemi cane, or a side walker. "Hemi" means half, so these "half walkers" were designed to support half of your body, making them especially advantageous for someone who may have suffered a stroke or is weaker on one side. They are also best for one-handed individuals.
Since they are smaller than a traditional handicap walker, they are extremely lightweight and weigh in at typically only 3-5 lbs. Hemi walkers are also foldable, making them ultra-compact and great for travel.
Hemi-walker demonstration
In the following video, Matt demonstrates how to walk using the hemi walker so as to not put stress on the weaker side of the body.
Video Demonstrating Gait Patterns Using Hemi Walker
In this video, we will be demonstrating how to walk using a hemi walker. For the purposes of this video, Matt's involved side is his left lower extremity, as indicated by the red leg sleeve. For fitting of the unilateral assistive device, please refer to the straight cane video.
Remember that, much like a quad cane, a hemi walker has the flat side facing the patient, with the more obtuse side away from the patient. The only gait pattern to use with the hemi walker is a three-point step two gait pattern.
[Matt demonstrates walking with the hemi walker just as he describes it.]
In this gait pattern, Matt will lead with the hemi walker, followed by his involved side, with his uninvolved side going right up to those two points of contact. Again, walker involved side, uninvolved side. You may notice Matt's movements with this gait pattern are very slow, as it is tough to coordinate these.
As Matt approaches the turn, it will be the exact same procedure as used with a straight cane and a quad cane, with Matt turning toward his uninvolved side.
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Sidestepper Hemi Walker G07770X1 by Medline
Medline
MSRP: $85.95current price $66.95Supports users up to 250 lbs. ••• Top handle height adjusts 32" - 36" ••• For individuals with use of only one hand or arm ••• Lighter than walker but more stable than cane ••• Folds for...MSRP: $85.95current price $66.95 -
Heavy Duty Sidestepper Hemi Walker G07770XW by Medline
Medline
MSRP: $89.95current price $69.95Top handle height adjusts 32" - 36" ••• Supports users up to 500 lbs. ••• For individuals with use of only one hand or arm ••• Lighter than walker but more stable than cane ••• Folds for...MSRP: $89.95current price $69.95 -
Side Hemi Walker 10240-1 by Drive
Drive Medical
MSRP: $86.98current price $73.95Handle height adjusts 28.5" - 35.5" ••• Supports users up to 300 lbs. ••• For individuals with use of only one hand or arm ••• Lighter than walker but more stable than cane ••• Folds for...MSRP: $86.98current price $73.95