Westpeak Mobility Unique Wheelchair Seating and Positioning Evaluations.

Wheelchair seating and positioning evaluations are a part of every ordering process at Westpeak Mobility -- from power wheelchairs, manual wheelchairs, bathing equipment to scooters and standing frames.  Each of our Assistive technology  professionals (ATP) have a RESNA certification that represents the ATP’s complex understanding of how to complete  seating & positioning evaluations, accurately measure, and problem solve appropriate wheelchair needs for those with physical limitations.

What does a wheelchair seating and positioning evaluation look like at Westpeak Mobility?

Review your Goals

First, Westpeak’s ATP meets with you & your Physical/Occupational therapist (this can also include your caregiver!) to discuss your goals and expectations, your therapist goals, and any medical concerns that can impact your mobility. These conversations are the foundation of creating the best wheelchair fit. We are matching your specific needs and creating a wheelchairto fit them.

Mat assessment

Next, we get you onto a therapy mat! Westpeak Mobility loves completing seating and positioning evaluations on a therapy mat- WHY??  Sitting on a soft surface with other support makes it difficult to tell if it’s the surface making you sit that way or if your body wants to be in that position.

You can think of it like this, imagine sitting on something soft- like an air mattress, bed, or old cushion—your body sinks in. If you sink back and slightly lean to one side, your whole body wants to lean too. To prevent yourself from falling over, you lean your head to the other side to get back to the middle. This can put you in a weird position like a curve in your spine, or a twist of your hips. This position makes it very difficult to measure how your body truly sits and can give a false impression of what your body is able to do!

Sitting on a flat, solid surface- like the therapy mat-allows Westpeak and your therapist to see how your body naturally sits with no external variables influencing your body. We look for your muscle strengths and weaknesses, your body’s flexibility, and any abnormalities like scoliosis, uneven hips, or tight muscles or joints– all of which tell a story on how to prescribe a perfect fitting back rest, cushion, & wheelchair.

Measurement

We also take body measurements while sitting at the edge of the therapy mat. Again, soft surfaces can change your body positioning causing you to appear longer, shorter, or wider, depending on how you are sitting, and this can skew the size of the wheelchair. Westpeak ensures that we accommodate all needs to get the exact measurements that perfectly match the size of a wheelchair to your body.

BONUS

All of these can be completed in a private treatment room at Westpeak Mobility Clinical Office! Westpeak Denver also has a showroom with a variety of equipment that allows you to see or even test out different wheelchair options! Check out photos on our Google profile or stop by our Denver Location to check it out our space!

Westpeak is here to meet your body’s needs. We love our clinical space but also have flexibility to complete Westpeak’s wheelchair seating and positioning evaluation at your therapy clinic or in your home!  

Click here to learn more about getting a new custom wheelchair!

https://www.westpeakmobility.com/new-equipment

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