Standing Frames
Prone and supine standing frames that support weight-bearing for children and adults who cannot stand unaided.
A standing frame supports someone in an upright position who cannot stand unaided. Most are used by children, though adult frames exist too.
Why standing matters when walking is not possible
Standing is not practised for its own sake. Regular weight-bearing through the legs affects a great deal that sitting does not.
Bone develops in response to load, so weight-bearing supports bone density in growing children. Being upright helps hips develop properly, which matters enormously in cerebral palsy where hip displacement is a real risk. It stretches muscles that shorten with constant sitting, and it helps bowel function, breathing and circulation.
There is also the part that does not appear in clinical notes: being at standing height changes a child's view of the room, their eye level with other children, and what they can reach and join in with.
Prone, supine and upright
A prone stander supports from the front, leaning slightly forward. It suits a child with reasonable head control, and it frees the hands for activity at a tray or table.
A supine stander supports from behind, starting reclined and coming upright. It suits a child with less head and trunk control, since the frame does more of the work.
Some frames do both, which is useful over years as a child changes.
Getting it right matters
A standing frame has to be set to the individual: knee position, hip position, chest and lateral supports, foot placement. Set wrongly, a frame can put a joint in a position that does harm rather than good.
These are almost always specified by a physiotherapist or occupational therapist following an assessment, and we supply and set up exactly what has been specified.
Growth
Children's frames adjust, but not indefinitely. When you are choosing, ask how long the frame will fit, because a frame outgrown in a year is an expensive lesson. We can advise on which models have the most growth in them.
Funding
Standing frames may be funded for eligible Ontario residents depending on the program and the assessment. We handle these applications every day, including ADP, and can tell you quickly what is realistic.
Ask us
Bring the therapist's recommendation and we will supply, set up and adjust the frame. If no assessment has happened yet, that is the place to start.
We're here for your questions.
Client, caregiver or therapist — good decisions start with good information. Our team is available seven days a week to help you choose and to check funding eligibility.