What
is Postural Management?
Postural
Management (PM) is an approach used to alleviate the stresses caused
by neuro-disabilities and reduced movement. It is the implementation
of a programme that monitors and assesses the correct positioning of
a patient to
promote motor development and reduce the risk of postural deformity.
PM is used to help enhance the lives of those affected by allowing
them to take a more active role in daily life, and prevent any
further injury.
When
is Postural Management needed?
Postural
Management may be needed if, after an injury or because of a
disease, an individual finds it difficult to:
- Attain or sustain good posture
- Sit without support
- Sit or lay comfortably
If
any of these effects the individuals' ability to move freely and take
part in daily activities, action should be taken.
How
does Postural Management help?
There
are three main factors when relieving the complications associated
with poor posture. The support given, the positioning and the surface
on which the individual is positioned. These 3 factors all help to
improve mobility and decrease strain on muscles and the skeletal
network.
Support
can be given through straps, head rests, trunk supports and arm
supports. These can hold an individual comfortably in place once the
optimum positioning is achieved.
The
positioning is probably the most important factor when considering
Postural Management. Ensuring the individual is positioned in such a
way that weight is lifted from muscles and bones will help to promote
movement and relieve pain. This is normally achieved by tilting the
person back, and elevating the legs slightly, but the particulars are
different in each case.
The
surface on which the individual is positioned is also important. A
flat or hard surface can cause strain. As above, the person should be
positioned in such a way that they are not flat, but the material
used also helps. Cushioning can be used to help relieve the symptoms
of uncontrollable posture.
What
could happen if Postural Management is not implemented?
In
short, without Postural
Management an individuals situation could worsen. In the case of
an injury related need for PM, in which there is a possibility for
the situation to improve, the correct postural management can help
with rehabilitation along with physiotherapy. Failure to properly
manage the posture of the individual could result in permanent
damage. In the case of neuro-disabilities, in which their situation
may never improve, Postural Management can prevent further
complications. Properly managing the individuals posture allows them
comfort and the ability to adjust, to take part in daily activities
again.
In
both cases, Postural Management will also prevent pressure ulcers,
which are caused by hard contact on the individual by the surface
they are positioned on.
How
can Postural Management be implemented?
There
are a wide variety of solutions for Postural Management, each with
different levels of effectiveness. Specialist Seating is available
from specialist suppliers, which has varying levels of
customizability. Backs can be lowered, legs can be elevated and
various supports can be added to achieve optimal postural support. As
well as this, there are a wide range of cushioning available. Gel,
foam and air cushions can be used in conjunction with Specialist
Seating, or with normal seating, to provide extra support. These
cushions are normally moulded to achieve maximum efficiency. There
are also a host of extra specialist furniture. Beds, sofas and
armchairs have all been developed to aid Postural Management.
