The basic principal of bed or lying and wheelchair positioning is to maintain good body alignment. Proper positioning will help the reversal of abnormal posture, and give respiratory and digestive organs room to function better. In contrast, improper body alignment in the bed or wheelchair could lead to deformities and an increased incidence of pressure sores. Regular pillows are often used to support the individual’s neck, arm, head, hips, feet and hands but they don’t really provide support and in time they tend to collapse. The bed and wheelchair positioning products in this website were developed specifically to provide and maintain proper body alignment when in a bed or wheelchair for extended period of time.
Lying in bed (supine lying) supported with positioning product is the most stable
and desirable position for the following reasons:
1. When the body is supported in proper alignment and symmetry
gravity assists and facilitates proper body elongation
2. When the body is in the supine position, the body interface area with the bed is the greatest, thereby reducing the incidence of pressure sores.
Indications for supine lying therapeutic positioning:
1.Asymmetry
2.Compromised weight bearing areas.
3.Body regions especially the knees are swept to one side
4.Both knees stay mostly in inward or outward
Considerations before placing a person in a supported supine lying position:
1. Does the person agree to stay on their back.
2. Was there a surgical intervention (wounds, surgical rods, etc) that preclude this position.
3. Does the individual have the ability to vary their position.
4.Are they any additional risk factor – such as refleax, pain, temp issues history of surgical intervention (i.e spinal rod) Goals to achieve for supine lying persons:
1. Improve pelvis and chest symmetry
2. Improve upper thigh and hip position (should be parallel and horizontal)
3. Improve knee separation
4. Stabilize upper & lower body
5. Keep head in a symmetrical position
6. Elongate the body to minimize stress
7. Equalize and distribute pressure over the largest possible area.
8. Improve comfort and relaxation
The approach:
1. Identify any body areas that require improved elongation, are asymmetric or areas of high pressure.
2. Review the photographs on this website and try to pinpoint the specific area of pressure.
As we know, proper positioning is an art in search of a science. The products available on this website were developed by therapists and used over 35 years.
Suggested products are shown in the following photographs, but it is emphasized that nurses or therapists should use them with slow and gentle approach. Every individual has their unique condition that requires unique approach.
Creative Design Place would be happy to get feedback from the therapist family member or other care giver regarding their experience with the use of our positioning products.
Good luck in applying these positioning products.
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