Orthopedic chairs - Hammock

The hammock is a very old and simple seating and lying down structure that is based on stretching a single long piece of fabric between two fixed points. The result is a suspended material platform on which someone can perch, sit or even lie down.

The hammock probably originated many thousands of years ago when having a sitting and sleeping point some distance above the ground enabled the user to be dry, away from ground based predators and, if supported in trees, benefit from cover and warmth.

Today some native tribes still use hammocks for all of the above reasons, however the hammock now has a different use as an item of furniture. Sitting or relaxing on a suspended hammock on a warm sunny day can be very satisfying. For this reason “stand alone” hammocks (where the hammock and supporting frame are supplied together as a single unit) have become a popular garden furniture purchase.

Modern hammocks

The modern hammock that you will see in online stores, outdoor centres and DIY (Home Improvement) outlets is very different form the original simple design. These patio furniture hammocks are suspended within a metal frame that can be carried and quickly set up in almost any location.

Most of these hammocks suspend the person resting them only two or three feet above the ground, however the free swinging sensation of the original hammock designs is still present – this is their appeal.

From a supportive perspective, the hammock seat does not offer much in the way of good structural support for the back and spine. Its orthopedic qualities are severely limited and it work by “flopping” into shape based mainly on tension and the application of weight. As an orthopedic chair or bed this type of seating score very low marks, however many people find them comfortable and restful.