POSITIONING FOLLOWING STROKE

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POSITIONINGFOLLOWING STROKE

• Sue Oxley
• Therapy Co-Ordinator
• Neuro-Rehab
• SLH

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IMPORTANCE OF POSITIONING

• Important factor in giving the patient the
  opportunity of recovery of normal movement
• Ensures optimal physical recovery is promoted
  24hrs/day
• Averts the onset of complications
  e.g. aspiration, respiratory complications,
  shoulder pain, contractures, pressure sores. (
  National Clinical Guidelines for Stroke 2004)
  

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AIMS OF CORRECT POSITIONING

• To inhibit abnormal muscle tone e.g. spasticity
• To prevent contractures maintain soft tissue
  length
• To prevent pressure sores
• To support/stabalise body segments e.g. subluxed
  shoulder
• To prevent aspiration respiratory complications
• To provide sensory stimulation
• To increase spatial awareness
• To enhance comfort

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WHO IS RESPONSIBLE?

• All members of the TEAM
• Nurses provide 24hr care
• Patients often spend long periods of time in one
  position, when they are unable to move themselves

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EFFECTIVE POSITIONING

• SITTING best position
• In general AVOID - supine or ½ sitting
• Use side lying on either side
• Lying on sound side most neutral comfortable
  position
• Lying on affected side may only tolerate short
  periods
• Supine only use for a short time

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EFFECTIVE POSITIONING

• If you have to use ½ lying/sitting i.e. unable to
  sit out (medically unstable) ensure patient is
  as upright as possible and remove any glide sheet

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DEMONSTRATION OF POSITIONING