Postural Care

What is postural care?

Postural care involves evaluating and implementing strategies to maintain optimal body alignment in individuals with physical disabilities. The goal is to prevent postural abnormalities and complications by utilising specialised equipment and promoting correct alignment. Postural care enhances musculoskeletal health, comfort, and overall quality of life. It is integrated into multidisciplinary approaches with healthcare professionals, with a focus on optimizing body alignment for daily activities, well-being, and independence.

How do we determine the appropriate equipment to prescribe?

The first step is to identify the client's positions throughout a 24-hour period. We complete a 24-hour postural chart to determine if the client spends excessive time in one position and to assess the suitability of their current equipment. Prolonged immobility in a single position can lead to various issues, such as contractures, musculoskeletal misalignment, pressure ulcers, respiratory complications, circulation issues, digestive problems, and poor wellbeing outcomes. By implementing postural care strategies that involve regular position changes, proper support systems, and a balanced mix of activities, we can mitigate these risks and promote overall well-being.

What equipment can we prescribe?

We can prescribe various equipment options, including seating systems, standing frames, standing wheelchairs, sleep systems, and positioning beds.

Seating Systems:

Customised seating provides posture support during different activities. When prescribing seating systems, we consider postural needs, mobility, comfort, pressure redistribution, functional activities, growth potential, client input, and collaboration with other professionals.

Standing Frames:

These devices offer upright support, weight-bearing opportunities, and numerous physical benefits for musculoskeletal development.

Sleep Systems:

Specialized sleep systems help maintain neutral spine alignment during rest, optimizing respiratory function and preventing musculoskeletal deformities.

What do we recommend?

We advocate for a collaborative approach when prescribing equipment. It is crucial to involve the client's therapists and equipment specialists in the decision-making process. Our focus is to bring together the family, therapists, and equipment providers to discuss needs, goals, and preferences, and to explore the most suitable equipment options. We organise trials and assist with requests for funding, ensuring a more efficient and tailored outcome for the individual in the long term.

If you represent someone who needs an equipment review or prescription of postural care equipment, head to Make a Referral.