Therapeutic Lying as part of 24-Hour Postural Care

Synopsis:

Comprehensive postural care extends beyond seating. While clinicians often provide seating assessments, lying positioning is frequently overlooked despite individuals spending significant time in bed. Poor lying positioning can exacerbate asymmetrical body shape, discomfort, and pressure risks, while also compromising sleep quality, respiratory function, and musculoskeletal integrity.

This interactive workshop will explore the principles of therapeutic lying positioning as part of 24-hour postural care. Participants will explore how gravity affects body shape and why supporting the lying position can help maintain body shape, promote symmetry, provide comfort, and support daytime function, regardless of clinical diagnosis or age.

Through practical sessions and case studies, delegates will have the opportunity to trial and explore a range of lying supports, from shaped cushions to full ‘sleep’ systems, experience how they feel, and get feedback from colleagues about real-world use. We will consider risk assessment and pressure management, and the compromises required to promote therapeutic lying in real-world settings.

Learning Outcomes:

Explain the role of lying supports within a comprehensive 24-hour postural care programme and describe how gravity, prolonged positioning and body shape influence posture, comfort and function.

Recognise the biomechanical and clinical principles that underpin effective positioning in supine and side-lying across a range of conditions and age groups.

Enhance assessment skills by considering factors specific to assessment in lying, including body shape, range of movement, comfort, respiratory function, pressure care, sleep and daily routines. Apply clinical reasoning to identify appropriate positioning strategies and consider how lying supports can be integrated into an individual's wider 24-hour postural care plan.

Develop practical skills in the use of lying support systems, applying positioning principles to support clinical decision-making rather than product-specific techniques.

Registration from 09:00 am