Georgia Vine
Postural management is and always has been part of my life and since studying to become an OT and especially since my Paediatric placement I have become more aware of how important this is.
When I was on my Paediatric placement I learnt all about 24 hour posture and since reflecting on this placement and attending an OTalk on this I’ve been reflecting on my own postural management and this has enabled me to make sense of past events.
Thinking about 24 hour posture I wanted to start with what equipment I’ve used to help my posture through the night.
Night gators:
When I was around 7 I got night gators. These were not my friends I’m afraid and caused me a lot of pain and they didn’t last me very long because of the pain caused. However, as a child I remember feeling bad because they didn’t last and I would try and sleep with my legs as straight as possible. I probably never did anything but I was still mindful on what I was missing out on, not as mindful as I am now of course.
Even though, I was mindful of what I was missing out I never knew it was for my posture. So, my advice would be to always ask why- it’ll help you grasp the bigger picture one day!
Wheelchairs:
Most of my wheelchairs has been made specially made for me, to make sure I’m getting that right support, as my trunk and core is not as strong due to my CP. I’ve had wheelchairs and special prams from very young to support my posture and this has had a very big impact on my life. This has actually been a worry of mine during lockdown because before March last year I was using a wheelchair 3 times a week and now I’m not which is not good for my posture. Yes, I use a wheelchair for pain and fatigue management but there is a lot more to it than what it seems as it’s also about seating.
Chairs:
I’ve had a few specialised chairs throughout my life to also help me with my posture. I had one that I used in primary school to help my positioning and support my trunk and then of course I have my blue one now! I love my chair now it supports me so much I can certainly tell when I have been sitting in a different chair. I work around my dining table so it’s easier to not bring my blue chair in and to just sit on an ordinary chair but trust me this extra 30 seconds in a morning of setting my chair up is so worth it.
When everything I’ve talked about in this blog was happening I wasn’t necessarily thinking about the affects this was going to have on my posture (a part from my latest chair) but since my occupational therapy studies I have realise just how important these things have been in aiding my posture. In which I am thankful to have learnt this to make sense of these events in my life.
It’s very important that the emphasis on postural management is presented to older children so they have to correct tools and knowledge to continue this to adulthood.
a 21-year-old Newly Qualified Occupational Therapist and an ambassador for CP Teens UK. I am a disability blogger writing about my lived experienced of disability and life as a disabled occupational therapist. In 2021 I was named a Rising Star on the Shaw Trust’s #DisabilityPower100
CP Teens UK Upcoming Disability Blogger of the Year 2020