Postural Care and Seating Assessment
A symmetrical body and stable posture are foundations for optimal health and wellbeing. Individuals with symmetrical bodily presentations and are able to assume a variety of different positions throughout the day and night. However individuals with motor impairments that limit their movement repertoire it is different.
When individuals with neurological impairment and mobility restrictions spend hours without moving easily and often into different positions, soft tissues are likely to shorten, ligaments can get stretched and effects of gravity can have an impact on their body posture which can lead to slow and gradual bodily distortion. Eventually the body changes shape and can no longer bounce back to where they started.
Children and adults using wheelchairs or other mobility devices are particularly vulnerable to the force of gravity because their variety of positions is typically limited. Children are at risk during growth spurts; poor alignment in day and night positions can lead to long-term problems like scoliosis and joint dislocations.
24 hour posture care management is a gentle, non-invasive way to promote health and quality of life for people with motor impairments. We use standardised assessment like Goldsmith indices of body Symmetry assessment to inform postural planning suitable for clients for their seating , day and night time. The Goldsmith measurement assessment is a validated tool to measure 3D chest shape changes and hip wind sweep distortion. Monitoring body symmetry is essential in the effort to protect body shape. Maintaining symmetry not only safeguards internal capacity of the abdomen and thorax but also defends function of the internal organs. The assessment provides a global measure of body symmetry and an objective of this review will identify and compare the level of distortions and any recorded progress.
The Measures
The measures provide a simple and reliable method of measuring and recording body symmetry, feedback to those providing postural care for Isobel, increase sensitivity to the early signs of asymmetry and raise awareness of the processes of its development, enable the first circle of support to plan postural care on the basis of objective measurements and provide data essential for the scientific evaluation of the effects of postural care.
Postural Seating Assessment
We offer a comprehensive seating assessment that includes
- A thorough Interview
- Assessment of Skin Integrity
- Hands on assessment that includes assessing clients joint measures and adaptation and assessment in their seating system
- Life Box
Assess relationship between the ribs and pelvis
- Pelvic position
Assess for tilt, rotation, obliquity
- Sitting footprint
Assess for symmetrical loading or peak pressure areas
- Supine assessment
Assess for limitations in motion relative to sitting
- Translating the finding
Determine product parameters/features
- Simulation of solutions
- Assessment for function , activities and Participation
All our assessment are in line with International Best Practice Guidelines and we believe our knowledge as dynamic and justified by individual values, expertise, training and specific situation
Our team of accredited physiotherapists and occupational therapists are trained to manage postural care in children and adults with complex needs. A comprehensive assessment covers thorough analysis from supine to seating to day time and night time positioning . The assessment is backed up with in depth biomechanical and anatomical assessment of body symmetry , spine and associated lower extremity and upper extremity joints. Detailed assessment is carried out to establish a suitable back support, head support and seat cushion while accommodating client’s skin integrity concerns and their symptomatic postural presentation to finally establish a suitable seating system that meets client’s needs.
We use Goldsmith Indices of Body Symmetry measures, a standardised assessment to identify body symmetry and relationship between leg and pelvic, chest symmetry and effects of segmental rotation along the kinetic chain interface. The outcome informs corrective measures to retain the individual’s body shape, posture and symmetry.
Book a treatment home, school or community visit
To make clients feel as comfortable as possible, we offer home visits or arrange treatment at one of our community clinics at William Merritt Centre, Leeds, or a similar centre or location of your choice in your local community across the North West and Yorkshire, or we could arrange to see you at a suitable space within your community.
We appreciate our clients may have mobility restrictions and will always consider how to make consultations and treatments as convenient, time optimised and pain-free as possible. Community-based rehabilitation and integration back into the community is the key to any successful rehabilitation. Besides the benefit of a familiar environment and the discipline of following treatment plans within their own setting , community-based treatment enables the client to stay motivated while involving their family and friends.