Terry Douglas Physiotherapy

Wheelchairs were initially designed as mobility aids, to transport people from one place to another quickly and easily. Today there are many reasons wheelchairs are used, not only for mobility, but also to maintain and improve posture and balance, to encourage participation in daily life and to enhance function and independence.
It is important to know that wheelchairs aren’t only recommended for those who can’t walk, but also sometimes for individuals who walk slowly, who have poor endurance or cardio respiratory problems and for people who struggle with distances, to enable them to access their community.

According to the World Health Organisation, a wheelchair is appropriate when it meets the individuals needs and environmental conditions, provides proper postural fit and support based on sound biomechanical principles; is safe and durable; is available and can be accessed, maintained and sustained in the country at the most affordable and economical price.

This means that a wheelchair seating should be individualized according to the specific user and should include comprehensive assessment, prescription, fitting and follow up as user needs and conditions change and should be done by individuals that have seating specific training and experience, so ensure that you are accessing a service that offers this service.

Remember that posture in the wheelchair is crucial. It is very common to see people slumping and sliding in their wheelchairs due to incorrect posture and positioning. This can lead to secondary complications such as fixed postural deviations, compensatory movement patterns, increased muscle tone, pain, breathing and swallowing difficulties and pressure sores, which impact on quality of life and function.

There are many different wheelchair and wheelchair accessory options available on the market, from basic chairs with little or no adjustability to chairs that offer many adjustability choices. Irrespective of the wheelchair used, it is essential that the specific user requirements and the basic principles of seating are followed.

Remember that the purpose of a wheelchair is to enhance quality of life, assist in mobility and maintain good health.

For a seating assessment you can contact Terry Douglas Physiotherapy