Bed Positioning Aids

Following a stroke, muscles can be affected in various ways, causing pain, spasticity, and problems with speed and range of motion. One way to minimize these effects is to properly support, position, and align the body. A healthcare professional can suggest safe and comfortable ways to properly position the body. This may include teaching proper techniques for transferring from sitting to standing and using positioning aids such as foam wedges or slings to maintain body support.

Proper positioning while lying on your back includes pillows placed behind the shoulder, head, weaker arm, and hip, and the feet placed in a neutral position. Positioning while lying on the weaker side includes one or two pillows placed under the head and the weaker shoulder positioned comfortably on a pillow. The stronger leg is forward on one or two pillows, and the weaker leg is straight out. Pillows are also placed in back and in front of the body. Positioning while lying on the stronger side includes one or two pillows placed under the head, the weaker shoulder is placed forward with the weaker arm supported by pillows, and the weaker leg is placed toward the back on pillows.

To prevent pressure sores, make sure the stroke survivor does not lie in the same position for long periods of time. Use pillows to support his affected limbs, especially the heels and elbows. Special mattresses reduce pressure and help prevent skin breakdown for stroke survivors who are unable to reposition themselves in bed.