What it's all about – in a nutshell:

How the GANYMED® forearm walking aid can promote posture, mobility and independence
Which everyday aids and personal adaptations have proven successful
Why user perspectives are crucial for the further development of assistive devices
Impulses for everyday life and practical suggestions for more freedom of movement in everyday life

From REHACARE to a new life – a gift with consequences

Lea with 2 ergonomically shaped crutches; Copyright: Ossenberg GmbH

At REHACARE 2024, Lea visited the Ossenberg stand – the manufacturer of the walking aids that now support her on a daily basis.

Lea actually had no expectations when she was given a GANYMED® walking aid by the junior manager of medical supply retailer Hörnlein in 2022, who had discovered it at REHACARE in Düsseldorf. "At first I thought: what does this crutch look like?" she recalls. But it was clear from the very first test run: this walking aid is different. "I immediately stood up straighter – even though it hadn't been adjusted properly yet. I haven't let go of it since."

Today, Lea herself works at the medical supply store that once gave her the forearm walking aid – in the marketing / social media department, among other things. Her perspective as a user now flows directly into her work.

"I immediately stood up straighter" – what makes GANYMED® so special

The walking aid is designed so that the main tube is in front of the handle. This promotes an upright posture and relieves pressure on the wrists and shoulders. An individually rotatable rubber foot ensures smooth rolling and stability, especially on slopes. Lea notices this: "It gives me much more security on downhill sections – thanks to the special contact position, which is further forward here. And my overall posture has improved."

This has not only given her mobility back, but also even more self-confidence. "I was able to improve a lot of things in my body that had been ‘dormant’ for the last few years," she says. Being open to new things was also crucial for her: "If you take a negative approach to something straight away, it won't work. I was simply open-minded and gave it a try."

Rare disease: Lea's journey with SPG73

Since the age of two, Lea has been living with a rare neurological disease that has since been diagnosed as SPG73 in connection with a CPT1C gene variant. Research into this is still in its infancy – only a few documented cases are known worldwide.

Her own medical history is characterized by uncertainty, attempts at therapy – and a lot of personal initiative. For Lea, one thing is clear: "Just because something is rare doesn't mean it doesn't deserve attention."

Click here to go to Lea's Instagram account, where she shares insights into her everyday life

Gif animation: REHACARE 2025 from 17 to 20 September 2025 in Düsseldorf/Germany, linked to "Get your tickets now"

Customised, user-friendly, made for everyday life: Lea’s walking aid with extras

Lea together with some Ossenberg employees; Copyright: Ossenberg GmbH

Between user and specialist: Lea meets the Ossenberg team at an industry trade fair – and brings her two-facetted perspective to the exchange.

Whether it's a water bottle holder, rear light or hands-free strap – Lea has long since personalized her GANYMED®. "Some of my gadgets prevent me from making excuses for not walking," she says with a wink. She is particularly fond of the hands-free strap (German: Freihandband) – developed by a small start-up: "A strap, similar to a car seatbelt, that you can put around your waist. This keeps the crutches safely close to me in everyday life and when driving."

The manufacturer Ossenberg also attaches great importance to suitability for everyday use and freedom of design. "Our motivation is to give people with limited mobility a bit of quality of life back," says Ruth Temmen, Head of Marketing, Ossenberg GmbH. "To achieve this, we focus on functional design, modular adaptability and close collaboration with practitioners."

New sense of body awareness: swimming, life hacks and small wins

Lea’s journey is shaped by initiative – not just when it comes to her walking aids. After her last stay at a neurological rehab clinic, she started swimming. "In the water, I could do things I wasn’t able to do on land. That’s when it all clicked for me." She earned her first beginner’s swimming certificate in 2024, took a trial course – and is now part of the Para Swimming Team Bavaria (BVS). In May 2025, she faced classification and competed in her first event at the South German Championships in Darmstadt.

In addition to swimming, small everyday hacks help her navigate daily life: a pulley system for laundry, a rolling board for firewood, motion sensors in the apartment to avoid having to walk to the light switch. All are practical solutions designed to remove obstacles.

3 photos of Lea in a swimming pool, in the water and at the edge of the pool; Copyright: private

Indoor swimming pool, walking aids, club jacket – three snapshots of a journey that has only just begun for Lea. Her motto: #SponsorsCloseToMyHeart

"What do I want to achieve?" – Advice from the perspective of a user

Lea gives the following advice for other people with mobility impairments: "Think about it: What do I want to achieve and what could help me achieve it? Talk to your physiotherapist, occupational therapist or psychotherapist." Even if applying for modern aids is often difficult, the effort is worth it. "If an aid helps you in the trial phase: document the changes and go!"

She herself knows how important it is to go your own way – even if diagnoses are a long time coming or the health insurance company doesn't cover all the costs. "Yes, it's time-consuming. But if you feel better afterwards and have more courage to face life, why not?"

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about the GANYMED® forearm walking aid

What makes GANYMED® different from conventional forearm walking aids?

The special geometry with the main tube in front of the handle can promote an upright posture and relieve strain on the shoulders and wrists. A rotating, double-cushioned rubber foot can provide more stability when walking, especially on uneven ground or downhill.

Who is the model particularly suitable for?

GANYMED® is designed for people with limited mobility, neurological conditions (such as spasticity), or those undergoing rehabilitation after surgery. In Germany, the device can be prescribed and is listed in the official medical aid registry.

Is the walking aid also available in the color of my choice or with special features?

The GANYMED® is available in two elegant colors: textured grey and textured black. Each walking aid is individually manufactured and is available with an ergonomic soft grip, an anatomical soft grip or an anatomical soft grip made of cork – each for right- or left-handed users.

Detailed view of the curved walking aid from the side; Copyright: Ossenberg GmbH

Visibly different: The special design of the GANYMED® walking aid can promote an ergonomic hand and arm position when walking.

Next steps: personal goals and product development

Lea wants to keep at it, keep training, keep trying. "I want to maintain what I've achieved and build on it." In the meantime, the Ossenberg team is working on further model adaptations – for different weight classes, for example – and is focusing on exchanges with clinics and medical supply stores.

The next steps? For Lea, it's clear: keep walking – and take others with her.

Nadine Lormis smiles in to the camera; Copyright: Victoria Emanuel

Author: Nadine Lormis | REHACARE eMag

Nadine Lormis has been writing about (digital) developments in the assistive technology sector, self-determined living and inclusion for over 15 years. As editorial director of the REHACARE eMag, she is closely networked with the community of people with disabilities and chronic illnesses – both professionally and personally.

Published on: June 5, 2025