Are you sitting comfortably..? Maintaining a good position 24 hours a day
In this book we have talked about the importance of maintaining a good position when sitting. It is just as important to think about your posture when you are lying down, especially if you cannot move around in bed easily. Damage to your skin, joints and muscles is just as likely to occur when you are lying still in one position. In many respects the rules of good posture in bed are the same as those we have talked about for sitting. If the body is twisted, damage is more likely to occur. Think about the way you sleep or rest. If a line was drawn down the middle of your body would you look the same on both sides? If the answer is 'no' you may be creating stresses in your body that will eventually cause damage.
Equipment does exist to help you with positioning. This can be expensive, however, so always try using pillows or towels first for a few days. If you find these helpful, your therapist may also be able to supply you with some positioning equipment. You may find that some of your symptoms such as spasms or pain improve if you try different positions.
Some suppliers of positioning equipment
- Matchett Support Systems
Provide a number of shaped support cushions for use in wheelchairs, easy chairs or beds to help maintain a good 24 hour posture. - C&S Seating
Makers of T-rolls and rolls for positioning legs correctly in bed. - Homecraft Rolyan
Provide a variety of positioning equipment for use in wheelchairs and beds.
Cuneiform
11 Weasenham Road
Great Massingham
King's Lynn
PE32 2EY
Tel: 01485 520309 / website www.cuneiformuk.com/specifications.html
1A Haslemere Road
Thornton Heath
CR7 7BF
Tel: 020 8665 5869 / website www.cnsseating.co.uk
Nunn Brook Road
Huthwaite
Sutton-in-Ashfield
NG17 2HU
Tel: 08444 124 330 / website www.homecraft-rolyan.com
Positioning
The drawings on the following pages demonstrate some sleeping or resting positions, which you may find useful.
Positioning beanbags, or pillows between the knees and under the calves may help to keep legs in a good position when lying down. Keeping the knees slightly bent may help to stop spasms.
Using a T-roll - another way for keeping the legs in a good position when lying on your back.
Keeping the legs apart when lying on your side helps to keep the pelvis straight and may stop the muscles in the groin becoming too tight.
If you have specific concerns about your posture when sitting, your wheelchair or wheelchair cushions, we strongly recommend you talk to a therapist or wheelchair specialist.
The simple changes shown in this book can help anyone who spends most or their day sitting down to achieve as good a posture as possible and to keep themselves as healthy as possible.