How To Improve Your Wheelchair Posture
Posted by Build My Wheelchair on Jun 14th 2023
When sitting in a wheelchair for long periods of time, it's easy to develop poor posture. Slouching, leaning forward, and other incorrect positioning is fairly common, which can lead to long-term pain and discomfort. Fortunately, there are some steps you can take to improve your wheelchair posture.
The Importance Of Good Wheelchair Posture
Having proper posture when sitting in a wheelchair is important for several reasons. It helps to maintain optimal balance and stability, ensuring that you don't roll forward excessively. Good posture also allows your lungs to expand more fully, allowing for deeper breathing and increased oxygen circulation throughout your body. Further, having good posture reduces stress from poor positioning of your muscles and joints, reducing pain and fatigue.
Tips For Improving Wheelchair Posture
- Adjust the height of your seat so that your hips are higher than your knees and feet. This helps to reduce strain on your back.
- Make sure the backrest is at a comfortable angle and adjusted in a way that supports your lower back without pushing into it too much.
- Place cushions or pillows behind your lower back, if needed, to provide support so you don’t slouch.
- Angle your legs slightly outward, which can help to ease pressure on your lower back.
- Adjust the armrests so that your elbows are supported at a 90-degree angle when you use them for support.
- Make sure you take frequent breaks from sitting and move around as much as possible to help reduce strain on your body.
- Stretch regularly to ensure muscles don’t become too stiff and tight from sitting in one position for a long time.
Good posture is an important part of having a healthy and comfortable experience with your wheelchair. By following the tips listed above, you can improve your posture and reduce the risk of pain or discomfort from incorrect positioning. Taking small steps to maintain good posture throughout the day will go a long way toward keeping you pain-free and comfortable in your wheelchair.
