Wheelchair Positioning

Being properly positioned in a wheelchair is vitally important. If a wheelchair user isn’t positioned properly, they will not only contend with pain/discomfort and fatigue easier but can experience a number of other health issues like skin breakdown, reduced ability to breathe deeply or swallow, or have trouble balancing. Poor positioning also increases the risk for spinal curvature.

Southwest Medical has positioning devices for all the key positioning points:

• Head - positioned at the base of the head and not leaning to one side
• Chest - position should be in the middle of the backrest without leaning to one side
• Arms - height should support elbow and forearm and maintain position during weight shifts
• Hips/Pelvis - bottom all the way back in chair and centered within the wheelchair
• Legs/Feet - knees should be even and level with hips and feet should make full contact with footplate.

If you need assistance determining which positioning aid will work best, please contact our friendly and knowledgeable customer service representatives who would be happy to make sure you have the information you need to make an informed decision.