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TESTIMONIALS
Don’t take our word for it.
Use crutches. Then use the IWALKFREE. Our customers did, and here’s what they have to say:
"As a General Surgeon, I spend my working hours standing at an operating table, impossible with crutches...and have been on my I-walk-free ...for nearly six months. This device is one of the most fantastic, original, insightful and important medical innovations of recent years and has allowed me to maintain my job, my family, and my sanity despite a nasty injury."
---Richard W. Shallman MD. WA.
“Duh – why hasn’t anyone thought of this before? Once I saw the iwalkfree, I understood immediately it’s huge advantage over crutches. Why would anyone ever think about using crutches again?”
---Jim Davis – Austin, Texas
"May I start with a disclaimer that I do not regularly write letters of praise to companies nor do I make recommendations lightly? Your product is an exception. I have used it and I have recommended it to many as well as loaned my Iwalk-free crutch out to about half a dozen very active friends that have also praised the device.
My story goes as follows. In 2006 I was finishing up the last few weeks of training to be a Pararescueman in the air force, a pipeline of over two years. During a fastroping iteration I had a bad landing. Falling to my side I knew something was not right. My fellow trainees, all medically trained as well, quickly came to my aid. Once at the hospital, my fears were confirmed and I had broken my ankle. Specifically it was a transverse and spiraling fracture of the distal fibula. Surgery went well, and I got away with only a plate and five screws. On the down side, I was out of training for six months, with two weeks in a cast then over a month more non-weight bearing. As I lay in my bed frustrated to no end, my mind spun. I was no stranger to crutches having broken my femur years earlier in a mountain biking accident. I knew what I was in for and did not look forward to it. I knew the challenges of day to day living. Like the simple questions of what to do if when pour a bowl of cereal and then need to take it from the kitchen counter to the dinner table? As simple act like that becomes a frustrating and sometimes messy task when one does not have use of their arms. Then my mind fell back to an instructor I had during paramedic school. He had a strange crutch like device strapped to his leg. A crutch that did not depend on arms. I tracked him down and got the details for the device. It was an Iwalk-free. A week later Thanks to this device I was standing and walking and using my hands.
Unable to train I was released on convalescent leave. My girlfriend and I loaded up a truck and drove back home to Washington. By that point I was very comfortable with my crutch. Realizing that I had months of healing on my hands before I could resume training I decided to build my house. Soon I found myself picking up lumber and building materials. I could dig with a shovel and even climb a ladder (carefully.) At one point I with just a friend and me on the Iwalk free, we were able to a carry a 400 pound timer to the site. Thanks to the Iwalk free crutch my time was far from wasted. Moreover the rest of my body stayed active. I was not restricted to stationary physical therapy. I was using my body and staying strong. By the time I was able to bear weight, the only atrophy to occur was that in my left lower leg.
The following winter a friend of mine who was suffering from chronic ankle pain had surgery to alleviate some of the discomfort. Having been so impressed by the device I loaned it to her. Next thing I knew she was reporting back that she regularly wore it to shovel snow from the driveway and she was so comfortable in it she had even used it to go cross country skiing. From her it moved on to another friend who broke his ankle trying to free a buried snowmobile. Then to another friend who injured her ankle parachuting, who then loaned it to her surgeon! The list goes on; this device is almost viral in how almost everyone to have worn it swears by it.
My hat is off to whom ever came up with this idea. No doubt they were a person who understood the needs of an active person. I have recommended the Iwalk- free to people on the street that I see walking on crutches, and sitting in doctor’s offices. I cannot speak highly enough of this amazing device.
Thank you,
---Simon Friedman
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"You the man! This thing rocks, I had it out of the box and on in seconds."
---Angus Sutherland AB.
"I use it every minute of the day and I seriously rely on it as if it was my leg. I would be lost without it."
---Daniel Lee Hoel WI.
“ First let me communicate my appreciation for your device. It has substantially improved my quality of life while recovering from a broken arch and subsequent surgery. I still have over a month to go with no weight bearing, but the I walk free crutch makes it a bearable period.
I too have found the iWALKFree device to be a huge quality of life improvement over using crutches. Not only can you carry and lift things with your hands, but you can easily and comfortably simply stand upright and have conversations, etc. without being draped over crutches. And you are no longer dependent on others to get things for you.
There are other rolling knee walker devices out there, but they cannot go over rough and uneven terrain, and even stairs, like the iWALKFree can. I thought some of the things I read others were doing on thier iWALKFree's were "stretches" of the truth (swinging a golf club, throwing a ball, mowing the lawn, etc.), but after 3 weeks on my iWALKFree, I have done all of those and more.
I told my wife this weekend that if I were forced to make the choice between 10 weeks in a non-weight bearing cast WITH the use of the iWALKFree VERSUS only 5 weeks in a cast on crutches, I would choose 10 weeks WITH the iWALKFree... it improves my quality of life that much!”
---Michael Mahoney - Houston, Texas
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Divine intervention – “This device is a "God Send"! Being able to get around and carry what I need is a must. My surgeon moved my weight bearing ahead by a full 4 weeks Thanks.”
---Father Paul Doucet - New Brunswick
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iWALKFree has allowed me to continue with virtually
all my regular workouts. I'm convinced that it will get
me back into the game sooner."
---Cody Ledbetter QB Hamilton Tiger-Cats |
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“I just want to tell you how much I love the iwalkfree! I am
able to resume my normal life. Today I needed some medical supplies,
so I stopped at the co-op medical supply store in calgary here and
they were amazed at how easily I was getting around.
---Jeff Kowalenko - Calgary, Alberta
“I wanted to let you know that your invention was surely the saving of our farm animals well-being these last 7 weeks. I managed to care for everyone, clean the barn, take the animals to their pasture safely, and never once fell or felt unsafe. I felt
better using it because it was exercise. Your instructions and your 'only a phone call or email away' support made all the difference.
I took the brace everywhere. I can't tell you how many people were struggling during their non-weight bearing stages on crutches and told me that they had fallen, had to stop all activities, were in physio for sore shoulders, and were desperate to get moving ! What the brace did was keep me safe, moving, and helped with my healing
Thank you so much for all it has done for me and our 15 animal rescues. My surgeon is so happy that I got out of my series of casts two weeks earlier.”
---Cheryl Smith - Caledon, Ontario |
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“Thank you again for a great product, it has facilitated my return to work and functionality.”
---Dr. K. Nagel - Georgia
“Crutches are really from hell, you know. Can someone please tell me why, with so many advances in medical science, are crutches still designed as implements of torture? When did having a wrecked ankle mean that I would lose the ability to use my hands?!
I'm sure crutches are part of the arsenal of implements of torture in hell and Satan makes you use them to do things like go up and down stairs, carry hot cups of coffee, or even eat a banana without sitting down. Since I'm not going there, I figured I wouldn't want to experience hell for the months I would be off my foot.
There was no way I would be able to be out and about using crutches and/or a wheelchair.
While researching Achilles tendon injuries and treatments online, I came upon something called an Iwalkfree hands free crutch. I tried it on, did a bit of wobbling and hobbling, then finally got the hang of putting it on and taking it off. That took me about 15 minutes. I was very impressed with the simplicity of the device. Why in the world do hospitals and clinics not even mention that something like this exists? No matter. I have it and you can't take it away from me.
I was able to get out of the car with my wife and kids, walk to the back of the school where all the parents were waiting with their kids, and not feel crippled as I would with crutches.
I was able to get my own coffee, cook my own lunch and carry it all to the chair. I took a little walk in the neighborhood after I dropped off the kids at school. Not very far mind you. I'm still getting used to walking with this wonderful device. Later, I even made some meat sauce . I actually carried a large pot of hot water from the sink to the stove without spilling a drop! There was no way I could do that with crutches!
After dinner with the family, we did some groceries. I insisted that I walk behind a shopping cart instead of using their lovely motorized scooter thing. You know, the one with the little basket in the front. Although my kids and wife wanted me to use it, there was no way I was going to jam myself into that wide-load vinyl seat, grab those tiny handlebars and honk that anemic horn as I put-put through the isles. I'm sure the kids wanted me to use it so they could take a ride too.
Instead, I confidently WALKED through the isles and shopped like everyone else.”
---John Crespi - Toronoto, Ontario
“ I ruptured my Achilles tendon on June 7, 2010. My right foot will be non-weight bearing for 3 months. After being on conventional crutches for one week and discovering how limited they were (e.g. heating up a coffee in the microwave and taking it to the kitchen table becomes an exercise in strategic planning), I found the IWALKFREE.. After a minor fall going down stairs on the crutches, I ordered the iWALKFREE. I strapped it on and went to dinner the same day. I did not feel very stable but thought "This is your best chance for mobility for the next 3 months...get used to it!". I am happy to report I DID get used to it and highly recommend it.
I read on productwiki a reviewer who believed it was not designed well for males since the top strap rides high into your crotch. I've had no issues at all.
I'm no ballerina or superstar athlete. I can ride a bike, ski blues and occasional blacks and do a 10K in about an hour, I have decent adaptable balance. You will place additional load on your "good leg" especially going up and down steep terrain, e.g. hiking up a moderately inclined mountain trail that was supposed to take 15 minutes walking took me about 20 - 25 minutes on the iWalk. I don't believe reviewers who've said you need to be "very athletic".
With repeated practice I can take it on/off in 15 to 30 seconds WITHOUT any help. I think this is a decent trade off against the overall mobility it provides.
By my 3rd day with it, I went to Costco by myself for about 3 hours...I purposely avoided parking in a wheel chair spot. I had at least 5 people approach me to ask about it and enough staring/gawking to make me think I was a real hottie.
I can see that its genius is in its simplicity. I am a fan of this device and highly recommend it to everyone I talk to.”
---Norman Chan - Vancouver, BC
"Just a quick note to thank you for the iWALKFREE. I had a very bad injury to my left foot and ankle: multiple 3rd/4th degree sprains, torn plantar fascia, etc. I was on crutches for 4 months before I stumbled onto the iWALKFREE (just searching around online). It changed the entire experience of my injury. Of course, the main thing was that I could be mobile and use my hands at the same time. After four months on crutches, just being able to carry a glass of water from one room to another was a wonderful extravagance. I used the iWALKFREE for another 6 months before I was able to walk again. I got very comfortable with it. I went hiking with it over lava beds in Hawaii. I learned to up and down stairs pretty quickly with it. I went dancing with it (and it was hilarious).
It really made a huge, positive difference in my healing process. Thanks very, very much."
---Hawkeye Parker - San Francisco, CA
"After 2.5 years of struggling to save a badly damaged leg, I elected to have the lower half of my right leg amputated. While I knew I would obtain a prosthetic leg, I already had well over 2 years of dealing with crutches and wasn't particularly looking forward to using crutches on and off for the rest of my life. After searching the Internet, I located iWalk-free.com and was simply amazed at what I found! This product wouldn't have changed my mind about the amputation, as I am extremely happy with my level of activity with my prosthetic, but I wish I had found the website years earlier. As I understand, these units were initial designed to help individuals with lower leg injuries (ankle, foot, etc) ... but it is a God-send, in my opinion, for below-knee amputees!
When packing for any over-night trip, my 'crutch' is always right beside my luggage. When flying, I don't trust the airlines not to lose it, so it is one of my carry-on pieces.
At six months post-op, I had the opportunity to go on a short-term mission trip with my church. Every evening after taking off my prosthetic leg, I used the hands-free crutch to get to the shower, since I don't have a 'shower leg'. The facility we were in wasn't handicap friendly, but with the crutch, I had no problem getting around without my prosthetic leg.
Last summer while on vacation, I wore it on the beach and into the water so I could go snorkeling with my daughter. I was able to wade out into the surf, take off the crutch and secure it to a nearby railing. With the sturdy construction of the crutch, all I had to do afterward was dunk it in the fresh-water rinsing tank to clean the salt-water and beach sand off and let it drip-dry. (Without the crutch, I wouldn't have even attempted snorkeling, due to the prosthetic liner and socket system I use.)
When counseling new amputees, one of the first questions I am asked is "What all have you purchased to be able to cope as an amputee?". My answer is always:
1. A shower chair
2. A bed rail (so that I don't try to 'stand up' while still groggy and end up falling)
3. Hands-free crutch - so that I can still have total mobility, even without my prosthetic leg
I share about the hands-free crutch as much as I am able, and I consider it a privilege to share my story on this website."
---Ron King
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"On July 19th; 8 screws and 4 hours later I was out of surgery, after
a successful, 'open right ankle fusion'. On July 21st, I left the General
Hospital in Ottawa without the aid of a wheel chair! My wife brought
me my 'iWALKFREE' crutch; and after I demonstrated the COMPLETE
FREEDOM & SAFETY I had in using your crutch; they allowed me to
leave wearing it!!! I am now at home enjoying the freedom of my
recovery period; thanks to you and your 'iWALKFree'. Words cannot
express my gratitude."
---Bryan Far |
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"I crushed my leg a month ago when my horse fell on me, resulting in 'tib/ fib' fractures and 'no weight bearing' for (so far) five weeks. After three other stints on crutches before, the idea of a long crutch 'season' was beyond depressing. I saw a woman with a foot injury using a little scooter so I started looking for it online and came across IWALKFREE. I liked the idea of the hands-free crutch so much more than the scooter because it didn't require any use of your hands to operate or stabilize it and of course, the stairs can be navigated easily.
I ordered it and couldn't WAIT to get it and did it deliver! I have a hobby farm with 10 horses and I am able to do all the chores (I couldn't even get out of stall mucking) because I no longer have my "lame excuse!"
When I first got it, I used one crutch on the off side to help with balance and I still use the off side crutch when I go over uneven ground outside--but otherwise, once you get the hang of it, and the adjustment correct, it is so much easier and more comfortable than crutches. I wear it all day except to sit or drive. And people are always asking me to say 'Arrrrr' like a pirate when they see me coming. But it's brilliant. Thank you!!!!"
---Nancy Turner, Afton, MN
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"iWALKFREEE is an incredible idea for improving patient,s lifestyle...the [iWALK] would be of major benefit to the orthopaedic patient in the rehabilitative state."
---Allan Dalton R.T. Orthopaed (C) |
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" iWALKFREE ...will greatly facilitate ambulation for individuals with non-weight bearing, below knee injuries. Our groundwork findings demonstrate both the safety of the [iWALK] as well as its broad applicability."
---Dion Maxwell R.T.(Orthopaed) |
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"iWALKFree has enormous potential in the management and rehabilitation of traumatic lower extremity injuries."
---Dr. Hans Kreder MD, MPH, FRSC, (C)
".The Walk-Free was the difference between working and not working."
---Katherine Mark ON.
"I would have missed 6 to 8 weeks of work without it...it works pretty good.
I can't believe no one else has thought of this before."
---Jon Mahachek MN.
"...there will be a large group of patients...that have lower extremity injuries, particularly of the foot and ankle, who will benefit from use of this [iWALK]."
---Stephen J. G. Snyder BSc, MD, FRCS(C)
"Your [iWALK] has changed my life...it is the only thing I use."
---Lian Zerafa ON.
"I would whole-heartedly recommend to anyone with a below-the-knee cast, who is confined to crutches, that they give the iWALKFREE a road test. It will do just what its name implies-free up your day in inumerable, helpful ways."
--- Professor John B. Ridpath York University
"...thank you for inventing the iwalkfree. It's a great design that returns much of my physical abilities (and emotional well being) during my recuperation."
---Bill Rennie P. Eng. AB.
"[iWALK] provides many benefits for the patient...early mobilization and help[ing] to decrease loss of both bone density and muscle strength."
---Janet Cleave H.B.Sc.,B.Sc.,P.T.
"This confirms that this [iWALK]...was used effectively...after a lower
extremity injury."
---David J. G. Stephen B.Sc., M.D., F.R.C.S. (C)
The [iWALK] was well-accepted, safe and easy to use. There was a clear trend for better function with the [iWALK]. Patients required to be non-weightbearing due to pathology below the knee now have the ability to maintain use of their upper extremities with the iWALKFREE.]"
---Prospective Clinical Evaluation (AAOS #PE058)
"...it made a huge difference in my life...i was able to help around the house, and get out of the house much more. I'm sure this added exercise sped up my recovery quite a bit."
---Ian Hetherington AB.
"It made a world of difference. I was back to work a week after the accident. The best thing...is that it is much safer than traditional crutches."
---Carl Gustafson P. Eng. ON.
"...[iWALK] sure has made my injury much more tolerable during the mending period."
---Ed Cronin PA.
"A lifesaver!"
---Scott Brutsche AZ.
"I had the iWalk on my leg in about 5 minutes and was walking around the room. I feel better now that I can work without having an assistant help me carry papers around the office and be more useful at home with simple thingsthat I could not do on crutches."
---Lee Forrest NC.
"It truly did get me back on my feet. I was able to service my [own] patients better. Thanks again."
---Keith M. Smith C.O.
“I am pretty impressed with the whole thing. ... It is a great thing to go out, buy beer and not have to have the clerk help you out to your car... I LOVE THIS THING! Thanks!” ---Dave Wolfe Edwards, CO.
“I just wanted to drop you a line and express my profound thanks for inventing the iWALKFREE crutch. It is everything that your web site states.
I ordered your product because of the extreme pain in my shoulders being experienced while using normal crutches. That requirement was more than satisfied, but to my delight many small items of daily living were also vastly improved. I am now able to stop and pick up a fountain drink at the local store without slopping drink out everywhere. I have been able to change the spark plugs in the wife’s car and I am getting ready to take a long vacation in New Zealand that was being dreaded with crutches.
I work as an engineer at the Kennedy Space Center and in the course of my work I have to access areas in large hangars. Before the iwalk free crutch it was all I could do to get from my vehicle to the work site without having to look for a spot to rest and recharge for the next movement. Now I am able walk to the most remote work areas and conduct business without any extreme discomfort. Thanks again.”
---Marvin Land, Kennedy Space Center
“Over four years ago I spent six months on my iWALKFree, healing a complicated ankle fracture. Since then I've loaned it to my brother for achilles tendon surgery, twice! Today I strapped it on again as I've just had all the plates and screws removed from my ankle. I still think it is a fantastic piece of design work. Cheers!”
----Rick Shallman MD WA.
“Hello, My name is Christine Pierangeli and I just want to let you know how happy I am to have my iWALKFREE device!! I broke my foot October 16th and have been non weight bearing since. I ordered your device a week after being casted and I have to tell you, it has completely saved my sanity. I have an 8 month old and a 3 year old and I am a stay at home mom. Crutches were not an option! I couldn’t even be home alone with my kids and that was tough emotionally and financially. Last week I got word that I will be non weight bearing for 6 more weeks and I would surely have withered at that news if not for iWALKFREE.. I get around wherever I want to go. I stairmaster and lift weights daily at that gym and that has been so crucial to my mental and physical health! More valuable than any of that, I can get my kids to preschool, grocery shop and run errands.
… just wanted to let you know how happy I am, …I wish you great success in the future and will be doing my share to make sure anyone with a need knows that your fabulous device exists!”
---Christine Pierangeli CO.
“My daughter has a condition called CRPS that prevents her from bearing weight on her left leg. Your device has given her both the freedom and mobility to perform a wide variety of activities. Last week she walked 6 miles one day and 7 miles the next day along the mall in Washington DC.
This week she was in Baltimore, MD and walked all over the Inner Harbor area."
----Brian Jackson AZ.
"I ruptured my Achilles Tendon early this past June. As this injury has a long recovery cycle, I decided to investigate alternatives to crutches. I quickly came to the conclusion that the I WALKFREE solves most of the prevalent problems with crutches, and does so far better than any of the other alternatives I could find.
The key is that with only a couple of hours of practice, I could negotiate stairs, even without a railing. This allows me to go in and out any entrance of my house and easily work around the yard. What a relief to be useful and independent again. I even played catch with my 10 year old in the back yard.It is amazing to me how attention I still get and how few people have seen or even know about the I Walk-Free. It has been a godsend! Thanks for your product as it has tremendously helped me get through my injury."
----Tyler Hooper MA
"I use it every minute of the day and I seriously rely on it as if it was my leg. I would be lost without it."
---Daniel Lee Hoel WI.
"Thank you for inventing the iWALKFREE. It's a great design that returns much of my physical abilities (and emotional well being) during my recuperation."
---Bill Rennie P. Eng. AB.
"I started out on crutches, switched to a wheel chair and then I heard about iWALKFREE...by the next day, I amazed everyone with my mobility...the best part was that I could carry stuff and open doors."
---Robert Livingstone ON.
The brace fits well and I am using it with a great deal of satisfaction.
Many, many thanks for the prompt personal attention that you gave this matter.”
---Cliff Johnson
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