Tom Hetzel
PT, ATP, Aspen Seating/Ride Designs

Is postural deterioration an inevitable event for long-term wheelchair users? This workshop will speak to the early identification and treatment of destructive postural tendencies.

Content Description

Observation of people aging with disability might lead some to believe that postural deterioration is an inevitable event, especially for those utilising wheelchairs for mobility. Simply stating that attention to proper seating and wheelchair configuration is instrumental in warding off long-term destructive change is not enough. Early identification and treatment coupled with on-going monitoring of progress is key. Additionally, consumers must recognise that the wheelchair and seating are an adjunct, not the answer, to long-term sitting health.

This workshop will provide participants with an opportunity to learn, experience, and discuss strategies for the evaluation and treatment of destructive postural tendencies in sitting. Suggestions for intervention relative to specific postural tendencies will be presented as they relate to seating and wheelchair configuration. Out-of-wheelchair strategies directed at reduction of destructive tendencies in sitting will also be discussed.

Course objectives

Participants will be able to:
• Identify 3 postural tendencies in sitting.
• Recognize at least 2 long-term complications associated with untreated destructive postural tendencies related to skin, function, and general health.
• Discuss an early intervention strategy for each of the 3 postural tendencies.
• Determine if a postural deviation is truly fixed or if it may yet respond to proper intervention.
• Suggest in-wheelchair interventions to inhibit/reverse the destructive effects of long-term sitting.
• Suggest out-of-wheelchair interventions to inhibit/reverse the destructive effects of long-term sitting.