Individuals with postural care needs can spend from 33% to 50% of their day in a lying position!
Anytime your child is lying, the aim is for them to be symmetrically and supported. Altered tone, muscle strength and gravity can have an impact on your child's body shape, even in lying. It is important to prevent them from being pulled into damaging postures.
Hip DevelopmentLying symmetrically and supported protects hips from dislocation - An imbalance of muscle pull can increase the risk of the hip coming out of the joint. This can cause discomfort and pain. Treatment for hip dislocation can involve surgery. Along with a lengthy recovery period. Good positioning can reduce this risk and improve your child’s comfort.
Skin IntegrityLying symmetrically and supported improves skin integrity - When well supported and symmetrical, your child’s weight is distributed evenly on the bed. This reduces the build-up of pressure points and protects the skin from breaking down.
Well-being and SleepLying symmetrically and supported improves sleeping pattern - By supporting your child’s lying position, pressure areas are reduced and joint positions are improved. This means your child is more comfortable and will have better sleep and be more alert the next day.
ContracturesLying symmetrically and supported protects a joint's range of movement - Keeping joints symmetrical and in ‘midline’ while lying is a better position to rest in. This prevents joints from being pulled into damaging positions for long periods of time. If the muscles shorten and develop contractures it is harder to position your child more comfortably or allow them to move easily the next day.
RespiratoryLying symmetrically and supported improves breathing - When your child is positioned symmetrically, the lungs have room to breathe more easily and deeply. If the chest is pulled into a damaging posture, the shape of the rib cage can change. This changes the space that the lungs have to work in. This may make it more difficult for your child to breathe easily.
SpineLying symmetrically and supported protects the shape of the spine - Keeping the spine symmetrical and in ‘midline’ while lying is a more comfortable position for your child to rest in. This can prevent a spinal curve (scoliosis) which can have a negative impact on breathing. This may also affect your child’s, comfort, digestion, reflux, ease of positioning and general wellbeing.
InclusionLying symmetrically and supported increases opportunities to participate socially - Being able to lie symmetrically protects your child’s body shape and therefore makes it easier to position your child during the day. This can increase helps your child to participate in social activities.
ComfortLying symmetrically and supported increases comfort - When your child is lying in a symmetrical and supported position, the body is able to rest and relax. This prevents an imbalance of muscle pull into damaging positions which can ultimately cause discomfort and pain for your child.