The walking aid designed for use after spinal surgery.

Why the Wheeleo® is Useful after Spinal Surgery

After spinal surgery, patients face two major challenges: pain and difficulty maintaining an upright posture. These two factors severely limit mobility, even though it is essential for promoting good recovery.

1. The role of paravertebral muscles: maintaining posture

The paravertebral muscles are responsible for trunk extension:

• they enable you to stand upright,
• they contribute to straightening the spine,
• they stabilize the spine during walking.

During spinal surgery (laminectomy, arthrodesis, decompression, etc.), these muscles can be:

• traumatized by the incision,
• weakened by surgical manipulation,
• painful or inhibited post-operatively.

Result: the patient struggles to keep the trunk upright, leans forward, and quickly experiences increased pain.

2. Why trunk flexion increases pain

Leaning the trunk forward increases mechanical stress on the spine.
This posture further strains the paravertebral muscles, which are already compromised after surgery.

This creates a vicious cycle:

1. the patient leans to relieve discomfort,
2. this leaning increases the load on the spine,
3. pain increases,
4. walking becomes difficult, if not impossible.

3. How Wheeleo® helps: reducing stress and facilitating walking

By providing forward support, the Wheeleo® enables:

A Reduction in Paravertebral Muscle Contraction

The anterior support reduces the need for active trunk extension, regardless of which foot the person is bearing weight on.
Muscles tire less, and pain decreases.

A Reduction in Mechanical Stress Applied to the Spine

The patient walks more upright, without bending, which limits tension on:

• the muscles,
• the ligaments,
• the operated areas.

More Fluid, Natural, and less Painful Movement

The Wheeleo® rolls continuously:
the patient does not need to lift the assistive device with each step, which avoids jolts and micro-traumas.

Earlier Resumption of Walking

The main goal after spinal surgery is to avoid immobility.
Walking early reduces:

• the risk of complications,
• muscle loss,
• stiffness,
• chronic pain.

The Wheeleo® facilitates this mobilization by securing each step while reducing pain.

Conclusion

After spinal surgery, the Wheeleo® becomes a true transitional tool:
it reduces pain, secures posture, reduces stress on the spine, and allows for a more comfortable and earlier return to walking.