PowerPoint Presentation

[Virtual Presenter] Hello and welcome. Today’s topic is an important one: 24-Hour Postural Care an innovative approach to promote healthy posture in children with various impairments. It is a multidisciplinary effort involving evaluation and therapy which aims to help children reach the optimum posture attainable. Let us take a deeper understanding of the idea of 24-Hour Postural Care and the part that occupational therapy and physiotherapy play in this process..

[Virtual Presenter] In this presentation we will be looking at how to understand normal posture and what constitutes healthy and unhealthy posture. We will also discuss what 24-hour postural care is and whose responsibility it is as well as how to identify and correct unhealthy posture. Finally I will provide some advice on the equipment that therapists may recommend to help improve posture.

Postural Care is a technique aimed at supporting healthy posture in children. It involves constant surveillance of the child's body shape to guarantee optimal posture. This is especially crucial as healthy posture during development has a plethora of positive effects.

[Virtual Presenter] Concerning 24-hour postural care there are particular children who may take advantage of this type of care. This includes children who have difficulty adjusting their positioning independently those with restricted movement in their joints or spine those who have disproportionate or repetitive body movements and children with either rigid or limp muscles. In summary 24-hour postural care can offer assistance to those who have difficulty performing certain motor skills..

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[Audio] Postural care necessitates an all-embracing and multifaceted approach often deploying many different professionals. Such professionals may include an occupational therapist, physiotherapist, wheelchair services therapist, rehabilitation engineer, tissue viability nurse or even a speech and language therapist. Each individual offers a distinct outlook and it can be advantageous having a team with various perspectives working on the assessment. In unison they can deliver a more thorough assessment..

[Audio] Good posture is essential for children to receive the full benefits of occupational therapy and physiotherapy. Posture not only makes them more comfortable but also helps them to perform daily tasks more efficiently. For instance good posture aids children in sitting upright and comfortably when they are eating their meals. Are there any other methods that could be used to help children maintain good posture?.

[Audio] Having good posture is essential for living a healthy life. It is especially important for children as it can lead to a greater sense of freedom as well as better mental and physical health. Most people don't think of posture as something of value but teaching children to align their bodies properly can help prevent injury and provide relief to some medical conditions. This can make everyday activities such as lying sitting and standing much more comfortable both for the children and those around them. Moreover good posture affects not only the individual but also those caring for them. Therefore it is worth taking the time to instill the importance of posture in our children so they can benefit from it..

[Audio] When a child is placed in a position such as sitting standing or lying their body may move into a certain posture. This is either because it is comfortable or because the child cannot hold the body in a different way. However if the body remains in this position for too long it can be unhealthy and affect the child's physical development. For this reason it is important to consider the body's postures and help the child move in different ways and positions..

[Audio] Maintaining a good posture is a fundamental part of good health. In this slide we’ll talk about what is considered a healthy posture as well as what is seen as an unhealthy posture. Healthy posture should include a back with natural curvature a pelvis or hips that are level symmetrical legs and good balance. Unhealthy posture on the other hand should include a curved or rounded back wind-sweeping knees to one side legs apart as if ‘frogging’ legs together as if ‘scissoring’ and an asymmetrical pelvis or hips. Establishing and maintaining good postural habits can help to reduce pain increase energy levels and improve overall health..

[Audio] Children who do not receive regular postural care can experience a range of medical issues which include contractures of muscles and joints immobility pain and discomfort tiredness respiratory problems digestive problems poor balance poor concentration pressure injuries loss of independence functional difficulties moving and handling difficulties and a poor quality of life. For this reason postural care is essential for pediatric care..

[Audio] Windsweeping is an abnormal posture that can lead to serious health and mobility issues in a child. It involves the legs being asymmetrical with both knees falling to the same side which typically appears in children with spasticity which is an excessive muscle tone. Without postural care and corrective treatment it can eventually become a permanent posture and result in hip lower limb or spinal deformities. Occupational therapy and physiotherapy sessions can provide the necessary 24-hour postural care and help prevent such issues..

Windsweeping. Caring, Learning & Growing. Lying with legs to one side….

[Audio] Scissoring is a common issue faced by children who have spasticity or high muscle tone which can cause problems with walking and toileting. It is characterized by the child's legs being held together tightly at the hips and knees and may even cross each other. To address this stretching the hips knees and ankles is the main concept. Supportive postural and stability measures such as positioning the child in a more neutral alignment and providing a splint can help address any underlying problems and allow the child to be in the best possible position..

Scissoring. Caring, Learning & Growing. Lying with knees together….

[Audio] Frogging is a posture seen in children who have hypotonia or low muscle tone. It is characterized by the child lying on their back with their legs extended outwards. To help correct this posture the necessary support must be given to the child in a way that suits their individual needs. Options for support include extra padding around the knees torso or legs and feet. This ensures that the child is comfortable and held up in the correct position..

Frogging. Caring, Learning & Growing. Lying with knees out to the side….

[Audio] I am here to talk to you about 24-hour postural care an important issue when it comes to children's occupational therapy and physiotherapy. We all know that children can easily develop fixed flexion deformities of the hips and knees if they spend most of their day seated or in a curled up foetal position. This is because the muscles adapt to any position that they're in for an extended period of time resulting in the hips and knees becoming tight and unable to straighten completely. It is important to recognize these deformities and find ways to accommodate them in order to prevent other issues such as standing and walking problems..

Fixed Flexion Deformity. Caring, Learning & Growing.

[Audio] Postural Care is a significant strategy that ought to be taken into account by occupational therapists and/or physiotherapists. It involves providing 24-hour aid and support focused on averting the health and social repercussions related to long-term inadequate posture and bettering the standard of living for kids. Postural Care is not a solitary event but should be incorporated into a kid's regular care regimen. It necessitates examining the entire body and considering the individual requirements capacities and preferences of the child..

[Audio] An assessment of your child's posture and movement will be conducted by an occupational therapist and/or physiotherapist. Occasionally photographs may need to be captured to track improvements in posture throughout the duration of care. Before any photographing is undertaken permission must be requested and the images will be kept private..

[Audio] We need to understand your child's position lying sitting and standing in order to assess and develop an individual postural care plan. During the assessment process we'll be asking you questions about your family situation. This will help us gain a better understanding of your child's needs. Following the assessment we'll work with you and your child to create a care plan that meets their needs. Any equipment necessary for the plan will also be discussed with you and your child. Please don't hesitate to ask questions throughout the assessment..

[Audio] Postural care is essential for children to maintain comfort even when they are not in school. Without adequate postural care their muscles can become tight leading to discomfort. Physiotherapists can tell if a child has not had sufficient postural care during school holidays. For 24-hour postural care it is essential for parents and other carers to continue with the approach that is already being implemented during the school day. A collective effort from everyone involved with the child is required to achieve this..

[Audio] It is clear that regular movement and good postural care are essential for the health and well-being of any person particularly for children. As Findlay (2001) suggests good basic positioning is not only important for comfort but also for the prevention of deformities. In order to prevent pressure sores it is recommended to regularly change body position and to carefully distribute your weight. To achieve this it is important to encourage regular changes of position into healthy postures to carry out passive stretches and movements following physiotherapy advice and to use appropriate equipment such as chairs standing frames pillows sleep systems side-lying boards et cetera.

[Audio] Special equipment can be a key resource for children requiring Occupational Therapy and Physiotherapy. Such equipment may include moulded seating seating support for school or home standing frames and walkers. It is imperative to remember that the use of such equipment should solely be by those who have received training from professionals like therapists. If you have doubts or seek guidance on how to use the equipment to aid your child please contact therapists who can offer the needed training and advice..

[Audio] Standing frames are an important factor in the overall health and development of children who cannot weight bear through their legs by the age of two. These frames can play an essential role in building strong bones and healthy muscles by providing the body with the necessary amount of weight-bearing and stretch. Furthermore they can help improve the child’s self-esteem by allowing them to interact with their peers on the same level. Finally frames can also help improve the child’s respiratory system their gastro-intestinal function and their bladder control. It is essential that these frames are used with good posture and that the pelvis is adequately supported..

Standing Frames.

[Audio] Specialist seating systems can provide extra postural support for children who need it and come in a variety of designs including high or low bases moulded or modular as well as wheelchairs and buggies. Such systems can help children take part in everyday activities while providing them with proper support and may even help to improve their bowel and bladder function in addition to respiratory health..

Seating. Caring, Learning & Growing. heathfield chair.

[Audio] When looking to improve the quality of sleep for children sleep systems can be beneficial in order to reduce the build-up of pressure points. There is a wide selection of sleep systems available from specialised supports and brands to everyday items like pillows towels and rolled blankets. Ensuring that the person is as symmetrical as possible while sleeping is important for comfort..

Sleep Systems. Caring, Learning & Growing. Little dots - babies sleep system for Smirthwaite Ltd.

[Audio] Posture is an essential element of any child's development and growth particularly for those with physical and occupational needs. To ensure the effectiveness of any specialised day positioning equipment a good sleep system is essential as bad positioning during this period can cause a detrimental 12 hours a day. It is thus important to implement 24 Hour Postural Care in order to maintain the gains made during the day and ensure the child's progress continues long into the evening..

[Audio] The Acheeva Learning Station provides a safe and supported lying experience that allows children to learn and play comfortably. Its design ensures easy integration within the classroom or school environment while keeping the child at a height where they can effectively join and contribute to the lesson. Utilizing the Acheeva Learning Station will give your students a more pleasant learning experience as well as improved learning results..

[Audio] An occupational therapist or physiotherapist should create a physical management programme (P-M-P--) that is tailored to each child's needs. The program should consider the child's current abilities and development potential as well. To reach the objectives of the P-M-P various methods should be implemented such as stretching active exercise use of specialist equipment and orthotics and for younger kids play and activities songs and toys. Ultimately the P-M-P should seek to maintain correct posture and at the same time enhance the child's function as much as possible..

[Audio] Milly is 11-years old and has a condition that affects her muscle tone and mobility making it difficult for her to maintain her postural alignment throughout the day. Her medical team has provided physiotherapy and occupational therapy to help her explore postural care and use a variety of postural support equipment. With their assistance Milly has learned the skills to maintain her posture and keep her muscles relaxed throughout the day as well as increased her confidence and awareness to make further positive changes in her postural care..

[Audio] Postural Care and Management have notable advantages for children with physical disabilities and conditions namely a more ideal body shape and posture diminishment of pain enhanced function and comfort levels and remodified sleeping habits. Besides better breathing and digestive system functioning make for a more gratifying lifestyle. All of these are essential for better quality of life..

[Audio] If you have any questions or concerns about your child's occupational therapy or physiotherapy needs please don't hesitate to contact their occupational therapist or physiotherapist. Thank you for taking the time to listen to this presentation and for your time and attention..