Postural Support

Seating is split into three main categories – Cushions, Backrests and Headrests. All very important when it comes to providing appropriate postural support. When considering the best way to correct, accommodate or even to simply increase the individual’s comfort, the cushion will complement the backrest, and the backrest will complement the headrest, so always consider all three.

As with all our seating, we have access to many different suppliers so please get in touch to find out what we would recommend and how we can support you in the best way possible.

Backrests

Supporting the spine correctly is often overlooked. Deciding how to accommodate, correct and stabilise the spine is key which is why backrests come in many different forms, shapes and materials.

Cushions

Cushions are the heart of all seating, this is where we look at pelvic position, pressure relieving properties, structure and varying material types. Immersing and supporting the pelvis and skin tissue directly impacts the rest of your body, so always consider what you’re sitting on before addressing anything else.

Headrests

Headrests not only support the head, but the neck too. As our head acts as a heavy weight, with gravity constantly working against us, it can sometimes be difficult to support and maintain strength. Weakness in our neck muscles can have a knock-on effect on posture, encouraging a kyphosis and/or exaggerating a scoliosis, so it’s extremely important that the position and the type of support is correct.

Positional Supports

To compliment the seating system and to ensure that the individuals recommended/preferred posture is supported correctly, Positional Supports concentrating on the upper body, the pelvis and lower body are used.

Sleep Systems

Lying support (also known as sleep systems) are a vital part of 24-hour postural management. It is important to remember that when we are lying our body is subject to the same gravitational force as when we are sitting. When we are asleep our muscles are at their most relaxed and most vulnerable to the impact that gravity can have. Without the correct support at night the body can be forced into positions (such as windsweeping of the legs) which can cause shortening or elongation of soft tissues, ultimately impacting on function and the position that is able to be achieved when in seating.