Chapter 1

Positioning and changing position: Lying down

Patient positioning techniques are important from the very beginning – in particular, for the patient’s sensation – to facilitate patient activity, regulate muscle tone and prevent secondary impairments.

If possible, the patient should actively assist and be repositioned every 2 hours. Ideally, a few cushions and a chair are prepared for the positioning. The patient can easily tolerate being positioned in supine. It is therefore suitable for longer periods of lying down, for instance, when the patient sleeps. If any respiratory issues exist, the upper body should be raised.

Exercises

Exercise 1 – Facilitation of movement: Lying position

Exercise 2 – Positioning on the affected side

Exercise 3 – Positioning on the unaffected side