Positioning

Essential with People Who Have:

• Limited mobility and sensation
• Deformities, spasticity, or pain
• Pressure ulcers or high risk of pressure ulcers
• Cognitive impairment
• Postural instability or restlessness

Essentials:

• Always communicate before touching participant’s body or equipment.
• Ask if the person has recently been in the position and how long ago.
• If it is possible, allow a participant a choice in position.
• Watch for clothing shift.
• Be aware of medical devices or implants.
• Watch for skin and joint protection.
• Always do a visual and verbal check of the body and facial expressions.
• Be aware of sustained position and injury prevention.
• Support on fatty areas and avoid pressure on bony areas.
• Avoid pressure on red or irritated skin.
• When in doubt, ask a staff or profiler.

 

Wedge

 

• A wedge attaches onto a surfboard and raises the participant’s chest to make it easier so they can achieve the correct neck positioning.
• A wedge can reduce neck and lower back strain during prone paddling and can also protects and cushion the upper ribs.
• Wedges can also be used in different areas to maintain a position or support deformity/missing limbs.
• Be aware of the joint range in hips and knees. This may effect where pain or pull may occur.

 

 

 

Chin Rest

 

• A chin rest relieves neck and upper back strain during prone paddling.
• Chin rests have adjustable settings to raise and tilt the participant’s head and neck to achieve the correct neck positioning.
• The correct position is as close to a neutral as possible. Hyperextension of the neck can put a person at risk for injury. Listen to the individual when positioning them.
• Chin rests are made out of a silicone or rubber material. To prevent allergic reactions, always ask participants if they have any allergies to silicone or rubber.

 

Positioning will change a person’s experience in all situations:

• Supine
• Prone
• Wedged
• Supported sit
• Sit
• Stand
• Tall kneel
• Low kneel
• Somewhere in between…