The Ability Superstore – Helping me Move
I can't remember the last time I moved freely and without pain, even going back into my younger years I suffered a lot of back pain, while for many years it was something I could bear to live with. These days it has gone way past that point and some days just making it from the bed to the sofa in the next room feels like I have won a gold medal.
I had been lucky that I have been able to bring in aids and adaptations which while it doesn't fix things does make some parts of life easier. In the past, I always used to use wooden sticks, for when I needed to stretch my legs to help keep me balanced and stable.
The Ability Superstore – Helping me Move
In fact, I have used sticks for many years now and I remember quite clearly when I got them saying “wouldn't crutches be better?”However, I was told oh no sticks should be fine and while I won't dispute, for many, sticks would be great, for me I found them more of a hindrance in some ways.
Since my early teens, I've had a tremor, it started off only slight and only really became more of a problem when I hit around my mid-twenties, prior to then I had even been able to even make beaded jewellery when it wasn't too bad.
Sadly as the years have passed it has gotten worse and of course, if I'm having a bad fibromyalgia or fatigue day when it comes to pain, the shakes kick up a gear as well. Now you might be wondering what that has to do with crutches, well I found that shaking hands, on a stick meant to steady you, didn't really work. So I always wondered if that fact you also used your arm to steady yourself with a pair of crutches would help, and kindly The Ability Superstore allowed me to find out.
Soft Grip Comfort Handle Crutches
They kindly gifted a pair of Soft Grip Comfort Handle Crutches in blue (they come in a choice of 4 colours). These crutches are adjustable both in the length of the stick and between the cuff and the handle.
The first thing I noticed about this pair of crutches was the handle, made of a soft material it has been made to fit into the hand comfortable, thus offering a better grip than I even had on my sticks. They are also really quite lightweight coming in at just 1.4lbs, which I am pretty sure is a lot lighter than my sticks ever used to be.
With everything going on around at the moment I haven't been able to give these crutches a good try in different conditions (I just haven't had the energy). However, they do seem to be well made, are comfortable on the hands and arms, as far as I have managed to test them and seem like they will be a great alternative to my sticks.
The only niggle I've had so far is they came without instructions on how to change the sizing and while it didn't take us too long to work it out, a guide with how best to size them in both areas I think would have made a great addition.
If you are looking to get yourself some accessories to help you around the home, or when out and about, I would definitely suggest giving The Ability Superstore a look. For those who chronically sick or disabled, they do also offer VAT exemption on many of the items.
What do you think of my crutches, have you or do you use walking aids?
I received the items in this post free of charge to help with this post.
Fancy checking out another post? Just click here!
Pin It!
This article has 117 comments
Leave a Reply
This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.
Yes sometimes sticks,sometimes crutch depends on what sort of day my MS is throwing me.
These look great! I love the vivid color and the adjustable height. The comfort grips have to be a must-have for hand pressure. I would love a set of these for my son! He’s ambulatory but uses a wheelchair for distance too. I’ve considered something like this and will definitely check out their website!
They are great aren’t they! I love that you can get them in different colours so don’t have to have grey!
You are such a strong person. I can’t imagine living with a chronic thing like that and just pushing on. You are inspiring. I’m glad you were able to find a place that carries the products you need to keep living your life as close to the way you want as possible. <3
Thank you so much. Every little helps that’s what I always think anyway 🙂
My Nan uses walking aids due to her M.E. I’m so sorry you’ve had to suffer with these illnesses, but I hope that these crutches atleast provide some comfort in moving around.
*Fingers crossed* I will be interested to see how things go over more time.
You are really strong. I can’t even imagine how hard it is. I’m happy you found this place, and it’s a bit more easy to walk. Good luck with your life and have a great day.
Thank you so much – you have to keep on going as they say and hey if it wasn’t for my issues I would never have started blogging.
I had a friend in high school who used sticks and she was faster than I was! I can definitely see how beneficial they can be!
I remember using sticks at school when I broke my toe I could do amazing things on them in time.
It’s great that you have alternatives to use, depending on your needs that day. These look comfortable – or at least as comfortable as crutches can be.
They really are so much more comfortable than my sticks, it is so nice to have options.
There was a girl I went to college with that needed something like this. It always look like it would’ve been at least a little bit uncomfortable to use them. This one looks much better. It looks like it has been improved upon a lot since I went to college.
They can be very hard on the hands, another reason I hated my sticks, these are so much more comfortable.
So admire your strength, dear One! I am glad that these make it easier for you to get around and celebrating mobility and the ability to carry forth and carry on! Blessing you, Evelyn <3
Thank you so much your words are very touching!
I cannot begin to imagine the pain and immobility you have had to endure! It looks like The Ability Superstore has aided you in being more mobile. Hopefully they’ll begin to add a guide for users in the near future!
It is so nice, I mean I hate being in a wheelchair – the amount of times someone has hit me with a bag urgh! But I know I have to be a lot of the time but at least this lets me stretch my legs.
I’m glad there’s a place that can help when you need it. These look like sturdy crutches. I’m sorry you move with pain!
It is great that it is easier to get hold of things these days, that’s for sure.
I also have M.E/C.F.S as it is now called , and fibro, anything that can help us with mobility is brilliant, I would struggle gripping the handles as on a bad day I cannot even hold a pen pencil/knife fork. Well done on such a brilliant website, I love it!
I have to admit I am the same, I remember the first time I couldn’t hold a pen like yesterday I was out with my Mum and friend and they were doing some crafting I just stood up and hobbled off, I bought a pack of cigarettes (I had given up 6 months prior) which made it 100 times worse as the cigarette tasted awful! So then I was crying over the fact I couldn’t hold a pen anymore and I couldn’t smoke as it tasted awful! I laugh now at the cig bit I have to say.
It must be so difficult to be in pain and not being able to move freely and easily around, so glad you found these crutches and they are bright and beautiful as well. Hopefully they will include an instruction in the future.
I hope so, I mean it’s pretty straight forward but always nice to have them to look back on.
I love that colour. It’s brilliant that there are more funky colours than just grey around. I’m so sorry you’re having to live with this though and hope these help.
They are great aren’t they – much more cheerful!
I can’t begin to imagine what you go through from day-to-day. But anything that makes it easier for you is a good thing in my book! I love that bright, vivid shade of blue.
It is so much better than the normal grey isn’t it! Makes it a bit fancy.
I will be sharing your post with a family member of mine. I think she’d be interested in taking a look at this. Thank you for your candor and sharing your review.
I hope it helps her a little. Your welcome, I hope me being open helps others.
Wow! These crutches must be a real game changer for you. We are so happy to hear that you are getting the support you need.
Thank you so much! Here’s hoping hey!
I’m glad you found something that works for you and is comfortable. My friend struggles with MS and I know it is difficult to find crutches that work.
It is so hard, hoping these will help in the long term.
Vital to get the support on OFFER
It really is – it makes a huge difference that you can get VAT relief.
I love that there is a place that is really set on helping people! What a great place to find the things you n eed!
It is amazing all the things you can get now, it is just a shame some of it costs so much I think.
I have crutches too but they are hospital ones so hurt my hands. Most of the time I get away with one. But on bad days it’s too. At a Fibromyalgia group I met someone with gel super soft handled walking stick. But when I checked cost it was too much for something without really knowing it will help. I find it frustrating the cost of aids. I was diagnosed last year as Autistic and would benefit no end if I had a weighted blanket but they are either expensive or they are in America and would cost loads to ship here
Sorry feeling frustrated had a car accident a month ago which has triggered my sciatica and Fibromyalgia is joining in.
It is crazy how much some can cost isn’t it – I have to admit I was looking at pair that are really adjustable and they were nearly £100 a pair! These are under £50 with VAT relief, which is still quite a bit but better than £100s.
I am so glad that you found the Ability Superstore! I had never heard of it before. I have two sons with auto immune illnesses so I am sure I can find some items to help them too.
I hope you can find some things to help them there as well, I have a few adaptions now which really help!
you are incredibly strong. beyond inspiring and i am so happy you found something that helps you move easier. thanks for being so vulernable.
Thank you – I hope it helps someone else who is going through the same in some way.
This product looks wonderful and so comfortable. I’ve had to use crutches once, and they were uncomfortable and made it hard to do anything. These look like they would be a huge improvement over crutches both in comfort and what you are able to do while using them.
They can be really hard on the hands can’t they which is such a shame.
It’s good you found what works best for you. I think it’s something that people should consider using over crutches. It looks more comfy.
Most definitely, they do offer a better comfort than say an old style wooden walking stick.
It’s good that the handles are soft, I’m sure you’ll have a chance to use them out and about soon x
Thank you! I’m out tomorrow but the wheelchair is coming for sure, but I might take these for backup!
I am so glad that you found something that works so well for you. I can’t imagine living with chronic pain. Stay strong!
Thank you so much. I love that they look different.
These look amazing. It is so encouraging to see that there is a company making products to enable others to be more mobile.
Most definitely, they have a really sleep looking walker which I have to admit actually tempted me.
I would call your clutches the silverline wherein humanity and technology has wonderfully merged.
It must be horrible living with chronic pain – I can’t imagine. I bet The Ability Superstore are a great resource for you.
It really is I have a little list of things I want now haha!
I’m really sorry to read that you have to live with such chronic pain, I can’t even imagine how hard that must be. It’s great that you found these crutches so helpful. They look very sturdy.
They really are sturdy, I feel much safer with them than I did my old sticks.
I have never heard about the Ability Superstore, but I will spreading the word about them. It must be wonderful being able to use these. It must be incredibly hard for you. Sending best wishes xx
Thank you so much and awesome! I hope it helps some people you know.
I cant even imagine what you go through – i used crutches when i had SPD and that was enough for me. You are so strong!
I think in some ways you get used to it – it’s either that or just give up and I did give up for a while lol.
It’s nice to see a product out there like this. I’m sorry to hear about your pain. I have a friend who is in pain often as well. I’m going to show her this and hopefully she can try them out too.
I hope they help her a little, I’ve been using them today to help me from room to room and it’s been a lot easier.
Loving that color and I also love that they are not boring gray. I’m glad you are getting the help you need for this time in your life.
Thank you so much. They are fab aren’t they – much nicer than grey ;).
Oh Sarah, I didn’t realise you suffered from such bad chronic pain, glad there some aids that are helping make it more bearable.
I try not to talk about it a lot, this is meant to be a happy place after all for me haha! But I guess in some ways sometimes it helps to talk about it.
These look very good. Love the color of them too
The colour is fab isn’t it – must more fun than grey!
I am a glad you found something to help you out. Chronic pain really is no fun at all!
It really isn’t is it? I wouldn’t wish it on anyone.
What a great topic to bring awareness to. I’m so glad you are finding relief.
Thank you – I hope it helps someone else make the change if needed.
Although I am not familiar with using them myself, I know how much of a pain they can be. Those look super comfy though!
So glad these were such a big help to you. It’s always nice to find something that works well for you.
I have used the ability superstore a couple of times now and they are very helpful
It is always good to hear when others have had good experiences with a shop too, thank you.
Glad that you have found crutches that are good for you and that are such a big help to you. xx
Thank you – I’m hoping they help we a little more 🙂
I have seen a friend’s friend using something like this before. I’m sorry about your pain. And I’m glad you found something that really works great for you.
They are definitely much more comfortable on the hands that’s for sure.
You are such an inspiration to so many! I love that these are beautiful royal blue and bright, just like your heart!
Aww thank you so much <3 the colour is amazing isn't it!
I can feel for you. My wife suffers from chronic fatigue and she has good to very bad days she has sticks in the house but we also bought a second hand mobility scooter which is a godsend
I’ve been thinking about getting something like that, as I don’t like having to rely on someone to push me.
They look so sturdy and well made. That is very important when it comes to this stuff.
They really are, or at least that is how they have seemed so far.
I really like the Ability Superstore, and I’m looking into mobility aids at the moment.. I’m glad the crutches seem to be working out for you so far.
I hope it helps you find the aids you have been looking for.
I don’t have fibromyalgia, but I know a few people who has it. Something like this would probably benefit them!
It is such a painful condition that so many people seem to have but is so misunderstood.
It’s great to have options! Hope things work well! Glad you’ve found crutches that work for you!
It does help to get accessories that can help when you aren’t feeling your best for sure.
It is always nice to find things that help. These are the most stylish crutches I’ve ever seen. Thanks for sharing.
They are definitely a step up for the normal grey that goes around aren’t they.
thank you for sharing your experience – I hope your energy levels get better soon and you get to try these out x
Thank you so much – here’s hoping hey!
Thank you for sharing your story and also for the recommendation. You are absolutely amazing and such a strong woman. I admire you for that. I will definitely recommend this for hubby to pass along his veteran friends cos I know a lot of them can find great use for this.
Thank you so much 🙂 I hope it helps then and thank you to them and of course your hubby for all they have done.
Its great that you’ve found a design with comfortable handles, hopefully they’ll help you to be moving around soon xxx
Thank you so much! Here’s hoping hey!
I am so sorry to read that you are struggling so much and are unable to do things that most of us take for granted, like walking without pain. The crutches look nice and it’s nice to hear that they are soft and comfortable. It’s also admirable that the store gives VAT exemptions as well.
It is great isn’t it – I think when you need something to get by it is nice to know that you can get them at least a little cheaper.
I think the cushioned handles make a big difference. I use a cane due to having four herniated disks and I know how important it is to have that extra support.
They definitely make it much more comfortable when it comes to your hands.
Thanks for the information regarding the Ability Superstore. Good of them to be so supportive to you. It can be difficult and time consuming:- When attempting to find the most appropriate aids, adaptions, etc. Best Wishes!
It’s difficult to find sticks or crutches that don’t kill your hands after a few minutes
They sound a lot better to help you get around, they should come with a sizing manual, I will have to check their website out as my fiance is struggling at the moment, especially the stairs who is a pain as we only have a bathroom upstairs, although he’s quite stubborn so may resist aides xXx
I love that you can get them in different colours. Glad you’ve found crutches that work for you!
I am glad you found a device to help you. Oddly, I have the same type tremors, they really for a better word suck. They cause typos (in case you see it happen) I am on meds but there are times of the day nothing is working. I used to be a quilter and even in school was into art so much so I had a scholarhip. Those days are gone :/
Oh no it’s such a shame isn’t it – I used to love writing real letters, couldn’t even write a postcard now!
I’m okay for now but what knows what the future holds
I have just started using crutches this year, so I’m still in the learning stage – look forward to reading more! Lowen @ livingpositivelywithdisability
Great article; I’ve found that ability aids prices can vary hugely for very similar products and it’s always helpful to have positive opinions of suppliers from others.