Seating for Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
Seating for Multiple Sclerosis (MS) – Maria’s Story and Case Study
Maria is a 47 year old female who lives life to the fullest and loves making memories with her family. She lives at home with her husband and regularly has her grown-up children over for dinner. She enjoys socialising with her friends and is passionate about musical theatre. Maria has worked hard to gain a senior role in administration at the company she has worked at for over 20 years.
Maria was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis 8 years ago after noticing some neurological symptoms, including visual problems and changes to sensation. After several months of appointments and testing, Maria received the diagnosis of relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis.
Maria has been able to manage her relapses at home with support from her GP and Specialist Nurse, and she generally makes a very good recovery with complete remission. She has been prescribed a disease modifying therapy with the aim of reducing the frequency and severity of her relapses. Maria also takes an active role in her rehabilitation by following exercise advice from her Physiotherapist. Maria is a motivated individual as it is important for her to continue to participate in daily life with her family and friends, and maintain her occupation.
*Maria has asked for her image not to be used, image used is of a model representing this case study.
“We strive to balance posture and pressure management with the individual’s own goals.”
However, during a relapse, Maria can experience significant motor and sensory problems; consequently, she can present with specific postural challenges:
- Pain
- Fatigue
- Muscle weakness
- Poor postural control
- Pelvic instability
- Muscle stiffness and spasms (spasticity)
- Sensory impairments
It was essential for Maria to have a comprehensive assessment with the aim of identifying appropriate specialist seating as her complex posture and pressure management needs were not being met. The correct chair would manage her postural challenges during a relapse, whilst assisting with her recovery and rehabilitation during remission.
Following her assessment and with input from her team of health and care professionals, it was evident that Maria’s needs would be best met with our HydroFlex. The HydroFlex offers high levels of adaptability for those with more complex posture and pressure management needs:
- Back angle recline promotes comfort and relaxation
- Tilt-in-space improves Maria’s pelvic stability and promotes energy management
- An articulating head support with adjustable wings supports Maria’s head in a midline position to continue interaction with family and friends
- Contoured back support offers adequate postural control during periods of weakness
- The addition of a tray allows Maria to maintain her occupation working from home
- Integral pressure management encourages maximum support with the aim of reducing the risk of pressure injury during periods of prolonged sitting
- There is also an ergonomic push handle to ensure Maria’s husband can safely and easily handle the chair to support her during a relapse
- The flexibility of the HydroFlex is key as Maria has the potential for developing secondary progressive multiple sclerosis as her condition progresses; the HydroFlex can be adapted and accessories fitted retrospectively should her needs change
At CareFlex, we strongly believe in our ethos: we strive to balance posture and pressure management with the individual’s own goals, whilst also futureproofing the chair so that it can evolve with the needs of the individual.
Get in touch to arrange a free no-obligation assessment if you think you or your loved one need support from CareFlex specialist seating for Multiple Sclerosis (MS), like Maria, to meet specific posture and pressure management needs.
