A Spotlight On Postural Care

Article | Rob Bown, Content Developer at Blue Stream Academy

Try to sit or stand in an uncomfortable position while you read this article. Sit on one of your legs, slump in your seat, or stand awkwardly. If you feel discomfort or pain at any point, assume a ‘proper’ seated or standing position.

For many people, simply shifting their weight in a chair will be enough to alleviate any of the aches and pains that accumulate during the day.

For others who are not as mobile, this becomes either extremely difficult or an impossibility.

Postural care refers to any attention we give our body position, or the body position of others, throughout the day. Despite how important this is, protecting our body shape is something we don’t often give a lot of thought to.

How comfortable are you after reading 100+ words?

If you’re starting to feel uncomfortable, that is your body’s way of telling you that you need to change your position.

Blue Stream Academy’s Postural Care module looks at how we protect our body shape throughout the day without even thinking about it.

We look at the short-and long-term effects of poor posture and how this can have life-altering consequences if it isn’t addressed in a timely and consistent manner.

We also explore what effect a destructive body shape has on specific parts of our bodies over time and how this can cause problems elsewhere.

The module provides all the necessary training required to help you become competent at making decisions about a person’s (or your own) postural care. It also enables you to spot common problems with poor posture and provide and implement strategies for improving it.

Have you ever woken up with a sore neck?

Next up is the importance of 24-hour postural care for everyone. Often, postural care while we are asleep is overlooked. This can undo any progress with protecting our body shape that we achieved during the day.

Our module looks at how our overnight sleeping position can affect us, and how we can help improve someone’s long-term health by following a 24-hour postural care plan.

Are you still comfortable after 350+ words? Have you had to change position yet?

Being in the same position all day means you have to consider the equipment that you are using. Is your office chair ergonomic? Is it designed to make sure you stay comfortable all day? Do you stand for periods of the day, and does this help you to maintain good posture?

Throughout your journey of postural care discovery, you will be shown the different types of equipment available for someone who cannot regulate their own body shape throughout the day.

This equipment forms a vital cornerstone in making sure a person doesn’t slip into destructive body positions.

Finally, the module discusses the different considerations for sitting, whether it’s the type of seat, strategies for making sure someone doesn’t assume a destructive body shape, or just making sure a seat fits properly.

In this section we also take a look at the main considerations for standing, and how standing up for periods of time can help with a variety of short- and longterm health issues – for example, by improving things like confidence, muscle and bone density, and digestion

Want to Find Out More?

If you would like to enhance your awareness of postural care and learn about the skills and techniques that can help to boost knowledge – either for yourself or members of your team – please phone us on 01773 822549 or visit our website’s LiveChat feature (www.bluestreamacademy.com). You can also email info@bluestreamacademy.com.

Rob Bown

Content Developer at Blue Stream Academy

Hi there, I’m Rob, a Content Developer here at Blue Stream Academy. I am part of the team that researches and scripts the content you find in the eLearning modules. I work alongside the Creative Services team and external subject matter experts to ensure the veracity of the content we deliver to you. In my spare time I like watching live music, playing guitar and (trying) to play golf.