Wheelchair Seating Assessment: Positioning the Upper Extremities
Presented by Michelle L. Lange
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Do the upper extremities really require positioning? Muscle weakness, paralysis or uncontrolled movements may need to be addressed by the wheelchair seating system. This course will present specific positioning needs and suggested interventions. By providing adequate support and control of the arms, the seating system can provide postural support, protect the shoulders from injury and limit uncontrolled movements.
Meet your instructor
Michelle L. Lange
Michelle is an occupational therapist with 35 years of experience and has been in private practice, Access to Independence, for over 15 years. She is a well-respected lecturer, both nationally and internationally, and has authored numerous texts, chapters, and articles. She is the coeditor of Seating and Wheeled Mobility:…
Chapters & learning objectives
1. Positioning the Upper Extremities: Providing Additional Support
This chapter will present scenarios where additional postural support is required for the upper extremities, such as with muscle weakness and paralysis. Suggested strategies will be presented. Goals of addressing this need will also be presented which can, in turn, be used as justification for seating interventions in documentation. Providing adequate postural support can protect shoulder integrity and prevent the arms from dropping to the sides where injury may occur.
2. Positioning the Upper Extremities: Destructive Postures
This chapter will address several common destructive postures of the upper extremities, possible causes, suggested solutions and goals. These postures can lead to range of motion losses, loss of shoulder integrity and other orthopedic distortions. Strategies to achieve a more neutral alignment can minimize these risks.
3. Positioning the Upper Extremities: Uncontrolled Movements
This chapter will address uncontrolled movements of the upper extremities, including self-destructive movements. Positioning the upper extremities protects the client and others, and also provides stability.
More courses in this series
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Wheelchair Seating Assessment: Positioning the Pelvis
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Wheelchair Seating Assessment: Positioning the Trunk
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Wheelchair Seating Assessment: Positioning the Lower Extremities
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Wheelchair Seating Assessment: Positioning the Upper Extremities
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Wheelchair Seating Assessment: Positioning the Head
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