Sitting properly and your positioning in your wheelchair is paramount for staying injury-free and comfortable day in, day out. We’ve put together a handy guide for those of you in this position to ensure to reduce pressure injuries and increase comfort.
Positive Positioning
There are three main factors to take into consideration when you are using a wheelchair every day, posture, skin and function. Having good posture ensures your organs and muscles can function efficiently and reduce fatigue. When sitting in a wheelchair, the shoulders, pelvis and knees should be ideally situated level, this way, the natural curves of the back and neck are supported.
Sometimes, a special cushion or back support system may be needed to sit you in the correct position. This may be if you’ve suffered any muscle or bone loss below the waist or have an abnormal pelvis or spine.
Pressure Injuries
Any skin that bears pressure while sitting in a wheelchair is at risk of some sort of injury over the time of sitting. Along with the pressure, moisture and heat create the optimum condition for developing decubitus ulcers. A person can be more at risk of developing ulcers if they cannot effectively shift their own weight independently on a consistent basis or have an impaired sensation on the seated surface and don’t practice consistent weight shifts. However, the good news is that any pressure injuries are preventable with wheelchair accessories.
Top Tips
Not supporting your feet correctly can pull your whole body out of alignment as they support some of your weight and help keep your pelvis stable. Your arms can also affect your posture by pulling your shoulders down and in turn affecting the curve of your spine. Ensure the armrests of your wheelchair are at the correct height for optimum support. Lastly, you should also take into consideration where your head is situated. It should be upright and centralised with the ability to look in different directions. Some wheelchair users aren’t able to hold their heads so additional supports may be needed.
Where We Come in
Here at Mobility Solutions we strive to offer the best service when it comes to picking out a wheelchair that suits you perfectly. When you book an appointment with our advisors instore, they take all these seating factors and tips into consideration when showing you a few models. Whether you’re looking for a new wheelchair or your first, our advisors are dedicated to making sure it’s a stress-free process and you’ll be comfortable in your new wheels. Please get in contact with us through the number at the top of the page or fill in our form on the contact us page.
