Sitting in a wheelchair for long periods of time can potentially cause some discomfort in your back and legs if your posture isn’t quite right. If you live with mobility issues and rely heavily on a wheelchair to get around your house and outdoors, you’ll likely benefit from Complete Care Shop’s guide on the importance of wheelchair posture. Continue reading to find out more about adjusting your posture in a wheelchair.
How important is good wheelchair posture?
Having good wheelchair posture is incredibly important for individuals who rely on wheelchairs as a mobility aid. Proper posture contributes to enhanced physical comfort but it also has a significant impact on a person’s health. Poor posture leads to pain, aches and other issues, so here are a variety of reasons why having good wheelchair posture is important:
- Physical comfort
- Muscular health
- Circulation
- Respiratory health
- Digestive health
- Mental health
Physical comfort
Having a good posture while sitting in a wheelchair helps to prevent overall discomfort and pain. Good posture also allows for even weight distribution and reduces the risk of developing ulcers and sores, which can be quite serious for wheelchair users.
Muscular health
Good wheelchair posture helps to maintain muscle tone and function, with poor posture leading to muscle imbalance and weakness.
Circulation
Having good posture while sitting in your wheelchair also ensures that blood circulates effectively throughout the body. This reduces the risk of developing blood clots and other circulatory problems further down the line.
Respiratory health
The respiratory system can also be affected by poor posture in a wheelchair. Slouching will compromise your breathing. If you sit properly, it allows for the proper expansion of your chest and lungs.
Digestive health
Maintaining an upright wheelchair posture can also help with digestion by allowing internal organs to function without being compressed. This helps to prevent issues like acid reflux and constipation. If you’ve found that you’re struggling with health issues like this and you slouch in your wheelchair, consider adjusting your posture.
Mental health
Sitting properly in your wheelchair can also aid with your mental well-being. Some people with mobility limitations struggle with poor mental health because of the situation they’re in. If they then feel pain and discomfort while using the wheelchair because of poor posture, it can only worsen their mental well-being.
Adjusting posture in a wheelchair
To achieve and maintain good wheelchair posture, it’s essential to have an appropriately fitted wheelchair, along with regular adjustments, if needed. Occupational therapists can play a crucial role in helping people establish a healthy posture in their wheelchairs.
Adjusting posture correctly in a powerchair is essential for a person’s comfort, health, and overall well-being. Here are some steps you can take to achieve good wheelchair posture:
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Seated position
When sitting, you should be all the way back in your wheelchair. Your hips should be as far back as possible but without feeling cramped. Both knees should be at a 90-degree angle or slightly higher if your feet are resting on footplates. Try to keep your feet flat at all times on the footplates. -
Backrest
If you’re able to, try to adjust the backrest to a position that provides good back support for you. Everyone experiences different levels of comfort at varying angles so find the right one for you. Make sure that your lower back is supported and that your shoulders are not slumped forward. This will lead to back pain. -
Armrests
Again, if you’re able to, adjust your armrests so your elbows are at a 90-degree angle. Your armrests should provide support but not push your shoulders up as this will lead to constant discomfort. -
Head position
Always keep your head aligned with your body. Try not to slump to the side or forwards as you’ll end up with aches and pains in your neck and upper back. -
Cushions
Wheelchair cushions are a great way of improving comfort and posture. At Complete Care Shop, you’ll find an extensive range of cushions suited to your specific needs.
Wheelchairs at Complete Care Shop
If you are in need of a wheelchair or wheelchair accessories and you’re not sure what you need, or you need assistance with choosing the right living aids for your home, contact us for help and advice.