Michelle L. Lange, OTR/L, ABDA, ATP/SMS
Dynamic Seating can be used successfully on a power wheelchair, though there are unique parameters which must be considered. Let’s take a look at when Dynamic Seating on a power wheelchair is clinically indicated – and not – as well as these other considerations.
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This blog was originally posted in February 2018. We are posting this update with some new information and recommendations!
Seating Dynamics Dynamic Footrests can move in up to 3 directions. First, the footrests can telescope, allowing movement downward. Second, the footrests can elevate, allowing the knee to extend and the foot to move forward. Third, the footplate can move into plantar and dorsi flexion, allowing ankle movement.
Michelle L. Lange, OTR/L, ABDA, ATP/SMS
If I go to the doctor for any reason, someone on staff always asks if I am in pain and, if so, what level of pain I’m in. Pain is a big deal. Beginning in the 1990’s, increased attention was given to pain and it was even dubbed the ‘fifth vital sign.” Continue reading
Michelle L. Lange, OTR/L, ABDA, ATP/SMS
When I first began working with clients more than 30 years ago (yikes!), I saw many children with the diagnosis of cerebral palsy. Cerebral palsy is an umbrella diagnosis with many other diagnoses residing underneath. As the practice of medicine has progressed, many children have more specific diagnoses thanks to more advanced diagnostic technologies, such as MRIs.
Michelle L. Lange, OTR/L, ABDA, ATP/SMS
Did you know that Seating Dynamics has a very comprehensive list of Frequently Asked Questions? You can find this list by ‘hovering’ over the Dynamic Seating tab on our website. One of our FAQs is “Can dynamic seating be used on any wheelchair?”
Michelle L. Lange, OTR/L, ABDA, ATP/SMS
Kylie and I have known each other for a long time. This young woman lives in Wyoming and works in the theatre. Kylie has cerebral palsy and has used a power wheelchair and speech generating device since a young age. She has recently started using dynamic seating. I spoke with Kylie and her mom, Chele, by phone.
Michelle L. Lange, OTR/L, ABDA, ATP/SMS
Robert is a Dynamic Seating old-timer. This 27 year old man has been using Dynamic Seating for about 10 years now. I had the privilege of speaking with Robert’s parents, Jeffrey and Mary Elizabeth, on the phone recently.
Michelle L. Lange, OTR/L, ABDA, ATP/SMS
In a recent blog, we discussed how, just like Bread and Butter, use of a Dynamic Back requires the use of a Pelvic Positioning Belt to maintain the position of the pelvis during movement of the Dynamic Back. Well, just like Peanut Butter and Jelly, use of Dynamic Footrests requires the feet to be secured in order for client forces to activate this dynamic component.
Michelle L. Lange, OTR/L, ABDA, ATP/SMS
Phillip is a mover and a shaker – literally! This adult with developmental disabilities likes to move. He lives at a residential facility in Delaware. Years of rocking in his manual wheelchairs have left a trail of destruction. He has broken seating systems, mounting hardware, and wheelchair frames as a result of repeated and often strong movements. Phillip is currently using a tilt in space manual wheelchair with a linear back and an off-the-shelf cushion. When he rocks, he tends to move the entire chair across the room, so the staff lock the wheels. The result? He rocks with such force that the solid tires have repeatedly broken where they contact the wheel locks!
Daniel is a 17 year old young man with the diagnosis of cerebral palsy. He has been successfully using dynamic seating for over 5 years now. He started with a Kids Rock dynamic manual wheelchair. He currently uses a tilt in space manual wheelchair with a dynamic rocker back and dynamic footrests. I sat down with his Mom, Mary, to ask her some questions.