why was Van Helsing in a wheelchair?

I didn't notice Van Helsing in a wheelchair at any point. Unless I missed something he makes his first appearance at the 30 minute mark by walking through a door at the clinic. At the 45 minute mark he is seen seated while reading a book which may be construed as though he he is sitting in a wheelchair perhaps. But apart from that I can't think where he is seen in a wheelchair in the version of the film I saw.