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Seating & postural management

Posture is important to our level of function so whether sitting to let our bodies relax, wheelchair users who spend long periods of time on the move, or individuals who are nursed in bed; it is crucial to be well supported in sitting and lying to achieve maximum function and independence. Our team of expert seating occupational therapists can assess and advice on the most suitable chairs, wheelchairs and postural management programmes.

Find out how we can help

What is seating & postural management?

Seating & postural management describes the way in which our bodies are positioned and managed both when we are awake and asleep. There are numerous benefits to correct positioning in seating or lying including: effective digestion, respiratory function, comfort and pressure relief. For some, advice on correct postural management may involve sourcing the correct chair for use in the daytime, for others with more complex needs, it may require a full review of their 24 hour support including optimum night time positioning.

Our approach

We aim to provide practical, cost effective and timely seating & postural advice to clients in their own homes or other settings to maximise comfort and independence.

Our collaborative approach ensures that we find the most suitable solution for the client based on their clinical needs, environmental considerations and goals for their seating or positioning. We will conduct a thorough assessment after which we can advise on the next steps, which maybe for example, trials of equipment for more complex needs or the recommendation of the most suitable product for purchase.

Why use The OT Practice to provide seating & postural management services?

We provide advice from the moment you first call us. Our seating & postural management enquiries are answered by a member of our client management team who will be able to provide relevant information about our service, answer any questions you may have and provide guidance on next steps.
Using us allows rapid access to expert occupational therapy seating & postural management advice avoiding long NHS or Social Service waiting lists.
We have a nationwide team of expert seating & postural management occupational therapists and will select the best therapist based on location and clinical need.
Our packages of care are provided into clients' own homes meaning that advice is realistic based on the environment and resources available.
We have established relationships with experienced seating companies to provide support with wheelchair, chair or other equipment trials or purchase.
We provide an all inclusive cost to ensure that our services are fully transparent from the start.

Packages of care

Assessment & advice

An initial assessment is carried out in the client's own home to review the goals, physical abilities and diagnosis.

During the assessment we will take measurements and examine their home environment, including checking for space available for seating or postural management solutions.

If we are looking at specialist wheelchairs we will also look at vehicles, access and any other moving & handling solutions to ensure a holistic approach.

Equipment trials & quotes

We aim to provide seating and postural management solutions that are practical, comfortable and supportive.

For larger and more costly pieces of equipment, such as some specialist chairs for example, the OT may recommend that these are trialled to ensure they are definitely the best solution.

If a bespoke item needs to be made an equipment trial will allow for accurate measuring and to gain the specialist advice from the relevant company representatives.

In these situations our occupational therapist will make recommendations on the most suitable course of action. Where a bespoke items need to be made they will always advise they (or an alternative suitability trained clinician) be present to ensure that the correct specifications are taken and quoted for to avoid costly mistakes.

Wheelchair reviews

When specialist wheelchairs are provided it is advisable to have periodic reviews to ensure the chair remains correctly fitted.

We all change size and shape over time, a seating review ensures that the chair remains correctly adjusted to maximise comfort and and support.

Assessment & advice
Equipment trials & quotes
Wheelchair reviews

A few of our seating & posture specialists

Meet a selection of our occupational therapists specialising in seating & postural management

Richard, an Occupational Therapist, specialises in seating and postural management, functional rehabilitation, and neurological rehabilitation.

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Profession

Occupational Therapy

Regions covered

South East of England, Dorset, Hampshire, Southampton

Specialisms

Seating and Postural management, Functional rehabilitation, Neurological rehabilitation

Specialist skills

Daily living skills, Wheelchair accreditation

Specialising in Housing & Equipment for adult and paediatric clients, Louella is a highly skilled OT based in Buckinghamshire.

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Profession

Occupational Therapy

Regions covered

South East of England, Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Hertfordshire, Northamptonshire

Specialisms

Moving and Handling, Seating and Postural management, Housing and Equipment

Specialist skills

DFG Assessments, Blue Badges / Mobility Assessments, Daily living skills

Donna is a dedicated occupational therapist based in Northern Ireland, specifically serving the Tyrone region.

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Profession

Occupational Therapy

Regions covered

, Armagh, Londonderry, Tyrone, Belfast

Specialisms

Paediatrics, Housing and Equipment, Seating and Postural management

Further qualifications

Sensory Integration

Specializing in housing and equipment, seating and postural management, and moving and handling, Leroy is a dedicated Occupational Therapist.

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Profession

Occupational Therapy

Regions covered

South East of England, Kent, London - Central, London - North, London - South, London - East, London - West

Specialisms

Housing and Equipment, Seating and Postural management, Moving and Handling

Further qualifications

Train the trainer

Specialist skills

Daily living skills, Gross motor skills, Self care

Based in Flintshire, Jacqui is an experienced OT specialising in Functional & Neurological Rehabilitation.

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Profession

Occupational Therapy

Regions covered

North West England, Wales, Greater Manchester, Merseyside, Shropshire, Conwy, Denbighshire, Flintshire

Specialisms

Housing and Equipment, Seating and Postural management, Neurological rehabilitation, Moving and Handling, Functional rehabilitation

Further qualifications

BIA

Specialist skills

DFG Assessments, Fatigue management, Routine planning, Daily living skills, Gross motor skills, Planning & execution, Self care, Postural management, Wheelchair accreditation, Learning disability

Located in Edgeware, Miriam is an expert OT who supports adults of all ages with rehabilitation and housing needs.

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Profession

Occupational Therapy

Regions covered

East Anglia, London, South East of England, Bedfordshire, Essex, Hertfordshire, Middlesex, London - Central, London - North, London - East, London - West

Specialisms

Functional rehabilitation, Moving and Handling, Seating and Postural management, Housing and Equipment

Specialist skills

Fatigue management, Pain management, Daily living skills, Balance, Co-ordination, Self care, Postural management

Specialising in Housing & Equipment, Clare is an OT based in Buckinghamshire delivering assessments for clients across the South East.

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Profession

Occupational Therapy

Regions covered

West and South West of England, South East of England, Gloucestershire, Wiltshire, Swindon

Specialisms

Housing and Equipment, Seating and Postural management, Moving and Handling, Functional rehabilitation

Further qualifications

BIA, Train the trainer

Livonia, an Occupational Therapist, specialises in housing and equipment, seating and postural management, and moving and handling.

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Profession

Occupational Therapy

Regions covered

South of England

Specialisms

Moving and Handling, Seating and Postural management, Housing and Equipment

Occupational Therapist Hannah specializes in housing and equipment, seating and postural management, functional rehabilitation, moving and handling, and neurological rehabilitation.

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Profession

Occupational Therapy

Regions covered

East Anglia, Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Cambridgeshire, Norfolk, Suffolk

Specialisms

Housing and Equipment, Seating and Postural management, Moving and Handling, Functional rehabilitation, Neurological rehabilitation

Specialist skills

Fatigue management, Routine planning, Daily living skills, Self care, Postural management

Jen is an expert OT providing Rehabilitation, Seating & Postural Management and Housing & Equipment interventions across East Anglia.

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Profession

Occupational Therapy

Regions covered

Yorkshire and Lincolnshire, East Anglia, London, Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Cambridgeshire, Essex, Hertfordshire, Kent, Leicestershire, Norfolk, Nottinghamshire, Suffolk

Specialisms

Neurological rehabilitation, Functional rehabilitation, Moving and Handling, Seating and Postural management, Vocational Rehabilitation, Housing and Equipment

Specialist skills

Counselling, DFG Assessments, Blue Badges / Mobility Assessments, Fatigue management, Pain management, Motivational issues, Routine planning, Financial management, Daily living skills, Community access, Sensory integration, Balance, Planning & execution, Self care, Postural management, Sign Language, Anxiety management & relaxation

Elizabeth is a passionate and dedicated Occupational Therapist who has specialised in supporting paediatric clients in London.

View profile

Profession

Occupational Therapy

Regions covered

London

Specialisms

Housing and Equipment, Seating and Postural management, Moving and Handling

Specialist skills

DFG Assessments, Daily living skills, Community access, Self care, Postural management

Ellen is expert in falls prevention, neurological and cognitive assessments, rehabilitation planning, and mental health interventions.

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Profession

Occupational Therapy

Regions covered

North East England, East Midlands, Lincolnshire, North Yorkshire, South Yorkshire

Specialisms

Housing and Equipment, Seating and Postural management, Functional rehabilitation, Moving and Handling

Further qualifications

CBT

Specialist skills

Fatigue management, Financial management, Daily living skills, Community access, Gross motor skills, Fine motor skills, Self care, Social integration, Mental Health, TBI

Sarah is an experienced Occupational Therapist based in Bedfordshire and the surrounding areas.

View profile

Profession

Occupational Therapy

Regions covered

East Anglia, Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Hertfordshire, Northamptonshire

Specialisms

Moving and Handling, Seating and Postural management, Housing and Equipment

Specialist skills

DFG Assessments

Based in Somerset, Sarah is an OT with expertise in Housing & Equipment assessments and interventions.

View profile

Profession

Occupational Therapy

Regions covered

West and South West of England, Devon, Somerset

Specialisms

Housing and Equipment, Seating and Postural management, Moving and Handling

Further qualifications

Train the trainer

Specialist skills

DFG Assessments, Daily living skills, Community access, Gross motor skills, Self care, Postural management

Working across Kent, Gaya provides expert Occupational Therapy to clients in their own homes and workplaces.

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Profession

Occupational Therapy

Regions covered

South East of England, Kent

Specialisms

Seating and Postural management, Vocational Rehabilitation, Moving and Handling, Functional rehabilitation, Neurological rehabilitation

Specialist skills

Motivational interviewing, Fatigue management, Routine planning, Daily living skills, Gross motor skills, Fine motor skills, Behaviour management, Visual perception, Co-ordination, Planning & execution, Postural management, Splinting, Wheelchair accreditation, TBI

Kirsty is an expert Paediatric OT who supports children with a range of conditions across West Scotland.

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Profession

Occupational Therapy

Regions covered

Scotland, Glasgow (City of), Glasgow

Specialisms

Functional rehabilitation, Seating and Postural management, Paediatrics, Housing and Equipment

Specialist skills

Counselling

Judi, an Occupational Therapist with a diverse skill set encompassing housing and equipment, vocational and functional rehabilitation, moving and handling,

View profile

Profession

Occupational Therapy

Regions covered

West and South West of England, Cornwall, Devon

Specialisms

Housing and Equipment, Seating and Postural management, Vocational Rehabilitation, Functional rehabilitation, Moving and Handling

Specialist skills

Counselling, DFG Assessments, PIPs, Routine planning, Daily living skills, Self care, Postural management, Wheelchair accreditation

Lydia, an Occupational Therapist based in Yorkshire, specialises in a comprehensive array of areas.

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Profession

Occupational Therapy

Regions covered

Yorkshire and Lincolnshire , Leeds, Manchester, Wakefield

Specialisms

Moving and Handling, Functional rehabilitation, Seating and Postural management, Housing and Equipment

Specialist skills

Fatigue management, Pain management, Motivational issues, Routine planning, Financial management, Daily living skills, Community access, Gross motor skills, Fine motor skills, Behaviour management, Visual perception, Balance, Co-ordination, Self care, Social integration, Postural management, Dysphagia management, Splinting, Anxiety management & relaxation, Mental Health, TBI

Qualified in 1986, experienced Occupational Therapist Adele specialises in Housing and Equipment, supporting clients across the South West of England.

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Profession

Occupational Therapy

Regions covered

West and South West of England, Somerset, Wiltshire, Bath

Specialisms

Housing and Equipment, Seating and Postural management, Moving and Handling

Further qualifications

Train the trainer

Specialist skills

Blue Badges / Mobility Assessments

Sue specialises in Housing and Equipment, Seating and Postural Management, and Moving and Handling assessments for both children and adults.

View profile

Profession

Occupational Therapy

Regions covered

West and South West of England, Avon, Bristol, Devon, Dorset, Gloucestershire, Hampshire, Wiltshire

Specialisms

Seating and Postural management, Housing and Equipment, Moving and Handling

Further qualifications

Train the trainer

Specialist skills

DFG Assessments, Daily living skills

Mary Kate is an OT in Northern Ireland, specialising in Seating & Postural Management and delivering expert wheelchair assessments.

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Profession

Occupational Therapy

Regions covered

Northern Ireland, Antrim, Armagh, Down, Londonderry, Tyrone, Belfast

Specialisms

Housing and Equipment, Seating and Postural management, Functional rehabilitation, Moving and Handling

Further qualifications

Certificate in Education

Specialist skills

DFG Assessments, Blue Badges / Mobility Assessments, Fatigue management, Pain management, Routine planning, Daily living skills, Community access, Gross motor skills, Visual perception, Co-ordination, Planning & execution, Self care, Postural management, Wheelchair accreditation

Wendy provides specialist Occupational Therapy services, focusing on rehabilitation, housing adaptations, seating, postural management, and complex condition management.

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Profession

Occupational Therapy

Regions covered

North West England, Derbyshire, Sheffield, Manchester, Nottingham, Derby

Specialisms

Functional rehabilitation, Moving and Handling, Seating and Postural management, Housing and Equipment

Specialist skills

Daily living skills, Community access, Gross motor skills, Postural management, Anxiety management & relaxation

Located in Devon, Amy is an expert OT who provides specialist interventions for clients across the South-West of England.

View profile

Profession

Occupational Therapy

Regions covered

West and South West of England, Devon, Dorset, Somerset

Specialisms

Seating and Postural management, Neurological rehabilitation, Functional rehabilitation, Moving and Handling

Further qualifications

Train the trainer

Specialist skills

Daily living skills, Gross motor skills, Self care, Postural management, TBI

Anna, a skilled Occupational Therapist based in Bristol, is devoted to enhancing lives throughout the West and Southwest of England.

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Profession

Occupational Therapy

Regions covered

West and South West of England, Avon, Bristol, Devon, Somerset, Wiltshire

Specialisms

Moving and Handling, Functional rehabilitation, Neurological rehabilitation, Seating and Postural management, Housing and Equipment

Jess supports children and adults with functional rehabilitation, equipment adaptations, moving and handling, and complex paediatrics clients.

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Profession

Occupational Therapy

Regions covered

North East England

Specialisms

Paediatrics, Housing and Equipment, Seating and Postural management, Moving and Handling, Functional rehabilitation

Specialist skills

Motivational interviewing, Pain management

OT Georgia has experience in vocational and functional rehabilitation, as well as expertise in seating and postural management.

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Profession

Occupational Therapy

Regions covered

London, Kent

Specialisms

Functional rehabilitation, Moving and Handling, Seating and Postural management, Vocational Rehabilitation

Specialist skills

Fatigue management, Motivational issues, Routine planning, Daily living skills, Fine motor skills, Planning & execution, Self care, Postural management, Wheelchair accreditation, Anxiety management & relaxation

Covering London and South West England, Jane specialises in housing, equipment, and neurological rehabilitation, supporting clients with diverse conditions.

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Profession

Occupational Therapy

Regions covered

London , London - Central, London - East

Specialisms

Housing and Equipment, Seating and Postural management, Moving and Handling, Neurological rehabilitation

Further qualifications

BOBATH, Certificate in Education

Specialist skills

DFG Assessments, Fatigue management, Routine planning, Daily living skills, Fine motor skills, Self care, Postural management, Splinting, Wheelchair accreditation

Specialising in Neurological Rehabilitation, Tracy is an expert OT working across Yorkshire and Lincolnshire.

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Profession

Occupational Therapy

Regions covered

Yorkshire and Lincolnshire, East Riding of Yorkshire, North Yorkshire, South Yorkshire, West Yorkshire, Leeds, Sheffield, Bradford, Wakefield, Hull

Specialisms

Housing and Equipment, Seating and Postural management, Neurological rehabilitation, Functional rehabilitation

Further qualifications

AMPS

Specialist skills

Fatigue management, Motivational issues, Routine planning, Financial management, Daily living skills, Community access, Sensory integration, Behaviour management, Planning & execution, Self care, Social integration, Anxiety management & relaxation, Learning disability, Mental Health, TBI

Anna, a dedicated Occupational Therapist based in the Midlands, serves Cheshire, Derbyshire, Staffordshire, and Stoke-on-Trent and has multiple specialisms.

View profile

Profession

Occupational Therapy

Regions covered

West Midlands, East Midlands, Cheshire, Derbyshire, Staffordshire, West Midlands, Stoke-on-Trent

Specialisms

Housing and Equipment, Vocational Rehabilitation, Seating and Postural management, Functional rehabilitation, Moving and Handling

Further qualifications

BOBATH

Specialist skills

Motivational interviewing, Fatigue management, Pain management, Motivational issues, Routine planning, Daily living skills, Community access, Gross motor skills, Visual perception, Co-ordination, Planning & execution, Self care, Postural management, Splinting, TBI

Based in Swindon, Sarah is a Paediatric OT visiting children in a home or school setting across the South-West.

View profile

Profession

Occupational Therapy

Regions covered

West and South West of England, Berkshire, Bristol, Oxfordshire, Wiltshire, Swindon

Specialisms

Functional rehabilitation, Seating and Postural management, Paediatrics

Specialist skills

Daily living skills, Gross motor skills, Fine motor skills, Handwriting assessment & treatment, Self care, Postural management, School Based Therapy/Support, Makaton, Learning disability

Liz is an expert Occupational Therapist specialising in rehabilitation, equipment, and mobility, serving Gloucestershire, Herefordshire, and Monmouthshire.

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Profession

Occupational Therapy

Regions covered

Specialisms

Housing and Equipment, Seating and Postural management, Moving and Handling

Joy is an expert Occupational Therapist, delivering specialist rehabilitation and seating assessments to clients at home.

View profile

Profession

Occupational Therapy

Regions covered

Yorkshire and Lincolnshire, West Midlands, East Midlands, Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Staffordshire

Specialisms

Neurological rehabilitation, Functional rehabilitation, Vocational Rehabilitation, Seating and Postural management

Specialist skills

Motivational interviewing, Fatigue management, Motivational issues, Routine planning, Financial management, Daily living skills, Fine motor skills, Visual perception, Planning & execution, Self care, Social integration, Anxiety management & relaxation

Based in London, Debra is an experienced OT specialising in Housing & Equipment and Moving & Handling.

View profile

Profession

Occupational Therapy

Regions covered

East Anglia, London, Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Hertfordshire, Middlesex

Specialisms

Seating and Postural management, Housing and Equipment, Moving and Handling

Specialist skills

DFG Assessments, Daily living skills, Self care

Emma is an experienced Paediatric Occupational Therapist providing specialised care to children across the Midlands in various settings.

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Profession

Occupational Therapy

Regions covered

West Midlands, East Midlands, Derbyshire, Leicestershire, Northamptonshire, Nottinghamshire, Oxfordshire, West Midlands, Worcestershire, Coventry, Nottingham, Leicester, Wolverhampton, Derby

Specialisms

Seating and Postural management, Paediatrics, Housing and Equipment

Specialist skills

Daily living skills, Fine motor skills, Handwriting assessment & treatment, Visual perception, Co-ordination, Self care, Postural management, School Based Therapy/Support

Based in Merseyside, Marie provides expert neurological occupational therapy and rehabilitation to adults and children at home.

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Profession

Occupational Therapy

Regions covered

North West England, North East England, West Midlands, Wales, Cheshire, Lancashire, Merseyside, Shropshire, Conwy, Flintshire, Isle of Anglesey, Wrexham, Liverpool

Specialisms

Vocational Rehabilitation, Seating and Postural management, Paediatrics, Housing and Equipment, Functional rehabilitation, Moving and Handling, Neurological rehabilitation

Specialist skills

DFG Assessments, Fatigue management, Routine planning, Daily living skills, Community access, Gross motor skills, Fine motor skills, Handwriting assessment & treatment, Visual perception, Balance, Planning & execution, Self care, Social integration, Postural management, School Based Therapy/Support, Anxiety management & relaxation, Learning disability

Based in London, experienced Occupational Therapist John assists adults with a range of physical and neurological health conditions.

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Profession

Occupational Therapy

Regions covered

South East of England

Specialisms

Moving and Handling, Housing and Equipment, Seating and Postural management

Specialist skills

DFG Assessments, Blue Badges / Mobility Assessments, Daily living skills, Community access, Postural management

Niharika offers expert Neurological Rehabilitation services, focusing on tailored assessments and treatment strategies for adults with neurological conditions.

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Profession

Occupational Therapy

Regions covered

London, Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Middlesex

Specialisms

Seating and Postural management, Housing and Equipment, Neurological rehabilitation, Moving and Handling, Functional rehabilitation

Mokter, an Occupational Therapist, specialises in housing and equipment, moving and handling, and seating and postural management

View profile

Profession

Occupational Therapy

Regions covered

London

Specialisms

Moving and Handling, Housing and Equipment, Seating and Postural management

Based in Wiltshire, Louise is an expert occupational therapist working with clients in their own homes to maximise independence.

View profile

Profession

Occupational Therapy

Regions covered

South East of England, Berkshire, Bristol, Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire, Wiltshire, Swindon

Specialisms

Housing and Equipment, Seating and Postural management

Further qualifications

Train the trainer

Specialist skills

DFG Assessments, Blue Badges / Mobility Assessments, Postural management

Specialising in Seating and Postural Management, Functional Rehabilitation and Moving and Handling, Karina provides occupational therapy services in London.

View profile

Profession

Occupational Therapy

Regions covered

London

Specialisms

Seating and Postural management, Functional rehabilitation, Moving and Handling

Specialist skills

Motivational interviewing, Blue Badges / Mobility Assessments, Fatigue management, Routine planning, Daily living skills, Planning & execution, Postural management

Jane is an experienced occupational therapist specialising in equipment and adaptations, moving and handling, specialist seating, rehabilitation, goal setting.

View profile

Profession

Occupational Therapy

Regions covered

North West England, North East England, Scotland

Specialisms

Functional rehabilitation, Moving and Handling, Seating and Postural management, Housing and Equipment

Specialist skills

Motivational interviewing, DFG Assessments

Roberta is an experienced OT based in Northampton, offering specialist Housing & Equipment, Seating, and Moving & Handling recommendations.

View profile

Profession

Occupational Therapy

Regions covered

East Midlands, Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Cambridgeshire, Leicestershire, Northamptonshire, Oxfordshire, Rutland, Warwickshire, Birmingham, Coventry, Leicester

Specialisms

Housing and Equipment, Seating and Postural management, Moving and Handling

Specialist skills

DFG Assessments, Daily living skills, Self care, Postural management

Jikku is a skilled Occupational Therapist specialising in Moving and Handling, Neurological Rehabilitation, and tailored interventions across the West Midlands.

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Profession

Occupational Therapy

Regions covered

North West England, West Midlands, East Midlands, West and South West of England, East Anglia, Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Cambridgeshire, Derbyshire, Gloucestershire, Herefordshire, Leicestershire, Northamptonshire, Warwickshire, West Midlands, Birmingham, Manchester, Coventry, Nottingham, Leicester, Stoke-on-Trent, Wolverhampton, Derby, Salford

Specialisms

Housing and Equipment, Seating and Postural management, Moving and Handling, Neurological rehabilitation

Specialist skills

Fatigue management, Pain management, Daily living skills, Gross motor skills, Fine motor skills, Balance, Co-ordination, Postural management, Wheelchair accreditation

Katie is located in Newcastle and provides expert assessments and treatment plans to clients across the North of England.

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Profession

Occupational Therapy

Regions covered

North West England, North East England, Cleveland, Cumbria, Durham, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear

Specialisms

Neurological rehabilitation, Moving and Handling, Seating and Postural management, Vocational Rehabilitation, Housing and Equipment

Specialist skills

DFG Assessments, Postural management, TBI

Based in Derby, Louise provides expert Occupational Therapy helping clients with Housing & Equipment and Neurological Rehabilitation.

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Profession

Occupational Therapy

Regions covered

North West England, Yorkshire and Lincolnshire, West Midlands, East Midlands, London, Derbyshire, Leicestershire, Lincolnshire, Northamptonshire, Nottinghamshire, Rutland, Shropshire, Staffordshire, West Midlands, Channel Islands, Birmingham, Nottingham, Leicester, Stoke-on-Trent, Derby

Specialisms

Housing and Equipment, Vocational Rehabilitation, Seating and Postural management, Moving and Handling, Functional rehabilitation, Neurological rehabilitation

Specialist skills

Blue Badges / Mobility Assessments, Fatigue management, Pain management, Motivational issues, Routine planning, Daily living skills, Community access, Gross motor skills, Fine motor skills, Co-ordination, Planning & execution, Self care, Social integration, Postural management, Anxiety management & relaxation

Based in Newcastle, Kathryn is an expert OT working with clients with rehabilitation needs across the North East of England.

View profile

Profession

Occupational Therapy

Regions covered

North West England, North East England

Specialisms

Neurological rehabilitation, Functional rehabilitation, Moving and Handling, Seating and Postural management, Housing and Equipment

Specialist skills

TBI

Rachelle is a highly skilled Occupational Therapist specialising in housing, seating, functional and neurological rehabilitation, and moving & handling.

View profile

Profession

Occupational Therapy

Regions covered

South East of England, Hampshire

Specialisms

Housing and Equipment, Seating and Postural management, Moving and Handling, Functional rehabilitation, Neurological rehabilitation

Further qualifications

BOBATH

Specialist skills

Routine planning, Daily living skills, Community access, Postural management

Based just outside of Middlesbrough, Deanne is an Occupational Therapist specialising in Functional Rehabilitation and Housing & Equipment.

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Profession

Occupational Therapy

Regions covered

North East England, Yorkshire and Lincolnshire, Cleveland, Durham, North Yorkshire, Tyne and Wear, Middlesbrough

Specialisms

Functional rehabilitation, Moving and Handling, Seating and Postural management, Housing and Equipment

Emma is an OT located in West Sussex, working with clients with housing needs in the South of England.

View profile

Profession

Occupational Therapy

Regions covered

South East of England, West Sussex, Brighton

Specialisms

Housing and Equipment, Seating and Postural management, Moving and Handling

Further qualifications

Certificate in Education

Specialist skills

DFG Assessments, Daily living skills, Community access, Self care, Postural management

Based in Oxford, Catherine is an OT with over 15 years’ experience and particular expertise in Trauma and Orthopaedics.

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Profession

Occupational Therapy

Regions covered

Specialisms

Moving and Handling, Functional rehabilitation, Seating and Postural management

Specialist skills

Blue Badges / Mobility Assessments, Daily living skills, Self care

Katrina is an experienced OT specialising in Housing & Equipment, Seating & Postural Management, and Moving & Handling for adults.

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Profession

Occupational Therapy

Regions covered

West and South West of England, South of England, South East of England, Dorset, Hampshire, Southampton

Specialisms

Seating and Postural management, Housing and Equipment, Moving and Handling

Specialist skills

DFG Assessments

Trained in advanced postural management and rehabilitation techniques, Laura provides expert Occupational Therapy to clients at home.

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Profession

Occupational Therapy

Regions covered

West Midlands, East Midlands, London, South of England, South East of England, Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Gloucestershire, Hampshire, Hertfordshire, Middlesex, Northamptonshire, Oxfordshire, Surrey, Warwickshire

Specialisms

Vocational Rehabilitation, Seating and Postural management, Functional rehabilitation, Neurological rehabilitation

Further qualifications

AMPS

Specialist skills

Fatigue management, Daily living skills, Gross motor skills, Fine motor skills, Behaviour management, Visual perception, Planning & execution, Self care, TBI

Experienced in providing specialist Neurological Rehabilitation, Functional Rehabilitation and Moving and Handling assessments, Fiona covers Scottish Borders, Edinburgh and Glasgow.

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Profession

Occupational Therapy

Regions covered

North East England, Scotland, Tyne and Wear, Borders, East Lothian, Edinburgh (City of), Falkirk, Glasgow (City of), Midlothian, Stirling, Glasgow, Edinburgh, Newcastle upon Tyne

Specialisms

Seating and Postural management, Housing and Equipment, Moving and Handling, Neurological rehabilitation, Functional rehabilitation

Further qualifications

Therapeutic listening

Specialist skills

Counselling, Fatigue management, Routine planning, Daily living skills, Visual perception, Planning & execution, Self care, Splinting, Anxiety management & relaxation, Mental Health, TBI

Based in Northampton, Isobel is an expert OT who supports clients with complex neurological conditions.

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Profession

Occupational Therapy

Regions covered

East Midlands, London, Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Cambridgeshire, Leicestershire, Northamptonshire, Oxfordshire, Warwickshire, West Midlands, London - Central, London - North, London - East, Birmingham, Leicester

Specialisms

Moving and Handling, Functional rehabilitation, Neurological rehabilitation, Vocational Rehabilitation, Seating and Postural management, Housing and Equipment

Specialist skills

Fatigue management, Motivational issues, Routine planning, Daily living skills, Community access, Gross motor skills, Fine motor skills, Behaviour management, Planning & execution, Self care, Social integration, Anxiety management & relaxation, TBI

Ellie is an expert OT based in Gloucestershire, delivering specialist Housing & Equipment assessments to clients at home.

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Profession

Occupational Therapy

Regions covered

West and South West of England, Wales, Avon, Bristol, Gloucestershire, Herefordshire, Oxfordshire, Somerset, Wiltshire, Worcestershire, Cardiff, Monmouthshire, Newport, The Vale of Glamorgan

Specialisms

Housing and Equipment, Seating and Postural management, Moving and Handling

Specialist skills

DFG Assessments, Blue Badges / Mobility Assessments, Daily living skills, Postural management

Specialising in Neurological and Functional Rehabilitation, Paediatrics, and Housing and Equipment, Victoria provides tailored therapy across East Anglia and Buckinghamshire.

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Profession

Occupational Therapy

Regions covered

Specialisms

Housing and Equipment, Seating and Postural management, Functional rehabilitation, Neurological rehabilitation

Further qualifications

CO-OP Practitioner

Specialist skills

Fatigue management, Handwriting assessment & treatment

Specialising in neuro-rehabilitation, Sarah is an OT based in Devon, working with clients following neurological trauma or diagnosis.

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Profession

Occupational Therapy

Regions covered

West and South West of England, Cornwall, Devon, Plymouth

Specialisms

Neurological rehabilitation, Functional rehabilitation, Moving and Handling, Seating and Postural management, Housing and Equipment

Specialist skills

Daily living skills, Behaviour management, Postural management

Aisling is an Occupational Therapist specialising in Seating and Postural Management, Functional and Neurological Rehabilitation, and Moving and Handling.

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Profession

Occupational Therapy

Regions covered

Northern Ireland, Antrim, Armagh, Down, Fermanagh, Londonderry, Tyrone, Belfast

Specialisms

Seating and Postural management, Moving and Handling, Functional rehabilitation, Neurological rehabilitation

Specialist skills

Fatigue management, Routine planning, Financial management, Daily living skills, Community access, Gross motor skills, Fine motor skills, Visual perception, Balance, Co-ordination, Planning & execution, Self care, Postural management, Splinting, Anxiety management & relaxation, TBI

Lucy delivers expert Functional Rehabilitation and Housing & Equipment assessments for clients across East Anglia.

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Profession

Occupational Therapy

Regions covered

East Midlands, East Anglia, Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Hertfordshire, Norfolk, Northamptonshire, Suffolk

Specialisms

Paediatrics, Seating and Postural management, Vocational Rehabilitation, Functional rehabilitation

Further qualifications

AMPS, Train the trainer

Specialist skills

Fatigue management, Pain management, Motivational issues, Routine planning, Daily living skills, Gross motor skills, Behaviour management, Co-ordination, Self care, Social integration

Louisa is an Occupational Therapist specializing in housing and equipment, seating and postural management, functional rehabilitation, and moving and handling.

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Profession

Occupational Therapy

Regions covered

West and South West of England, Devon

Specialisms

Functional rehabilitation, Moving and Handling, Seating and Postural management, Housing and Equipment

Services for businesses, organisations and the public sector

Case managers

Assessment, advice, equipment solutions and reviews on the seating and 24 hour postural needs of clients.

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Care homes

Individual or group seating & positioning assessments and equipment solutions for residents.

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Charities

Seating assessments and solutions for charities following grant funding requests.

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Some commonly asked questions about our seating & postural management service

Questions about seating difficulties our OT's help with

What do I need to consider when purchasing a light weight wheelchair to allow me to take my mother / father out at the weekends?

This is certainly something that an experienced occupational therapist can help you with. Our OT would assess your mother / father to ensure the chair that you purchased was the most appropriate for their needs. As part of the assessment we would look at the following:

Your mother / father’s measurements to ensure any chair recommended is the correct specification and size.
Establishing what terrain you are looking to use the chair on i.e. gravel, tarmac, grass.
The size of your car boot and your ability to lift the chair in and out of the car.
Any medical conditions your mother / father may have that may influence the chair specification.
Whether you are looking for your mother / father to propel themselves in the chair or if you would like to push them.
Where the chair will be stored when not in use.

Generally we can recommend the type of chair required following the assessment and if so we would provide you with the recommended make, model and some suppliers to choose from. If your mother / father had more complex needs they may benefit from trialing a few different chairs to ensure you purchase the most appropriate one. In this situation, we would be able to arrange these trials for you and attend if you wished.

What do I need to consider when choosing a comfy chair for my mother/father?

There are many options for comfy seating in the home. Older people tend to spend long periods of their day seated and so it is important that the chair is supportive and comfortable.

Chairs can do so much more than just be sat in these days, you can have electric elevating foot rests, those that would elevate your mother / father into standing or ones that recline for example. In order make the correct seating choice you need to consider the following:

The medical needs of your mother / father.
Your mother / father’s level of mobility and ability to stand up / sit down safely.
The most suitable height of the chair to ensure that your mother / father is well supported and positioned correctly.
The fabric choice, if there are issues over pressure care or continence then consider the most suitable fabric for their needs.
If you choose an electric function to the chair then ensure you have considered the location of the chair within your mother / father’s home and access to electricity.
Your mother / father’s hand function and if they will be able to operate any controls required.
If there are electric elements to the chair who will service this and fix it should something go wrong?

Our team of occupational therapists are able to provide seating assessments at your mother / father’s home and advise on the most suitable chair for their needs.

How do you stop someone slumping in a chair?

There are different ways to do this depending on a client’s needs and their medical conditions. Any recommendations made or advice given must give consideration to this.

Our expert occupational therapist would complete a full seating assessment to enable them to recommend techniques and strategies to improve a client’s seating position. These can include exercises to improve core support to enable good posture or various supportive seating aids should the client be unable to support themselves.

Our experts would also consider the seat the client is sitting on. Is this supportive of them? Does this promote good posture? These are just some of the questions our experienced therapists will ask. If the chair is unsuitable our therapist will seek to recommended an alternative that will meet with clinical need, client wishes and budgets.

My mother/father is incontinent, what sort of chair should I get him/her?

There are many different styles, shapes and sizes of chairs on the market and it can be difficult to select the most suitable chair that will meet your mother / father’s clinical needs.

Our expert occupational therapist will fully explore your mother / father’s needs and preferences and advise on the most suitable chair for their needs. There are several options when continence is an issue and The OT Practice work with specialist providers of seating solutions for this client group.

My mother/father can’t get in and out of his/her chair, how can an occupational therapist help?

An occupational therapist would explore with your mother / father the reason he finds it difficult to get in and out of his chair. Depending on the reasons behind the difficulties i.e. reduced mobility, reduced lower limb strength or increased pain/discomfort for example, the OT would be able to offer a number of differing techniques and advice with aim of reducing these difficulties.

Some advice might include:

Teaching some alternative techniques for getting into and out of a chair safely.
Raising or lowering the height of his current chair.
Sourcing an alternative chair that best meets his needs.

How can you avoid pressure sores with chairs and beds?

There are many ways in which you can avoid pressure sores with chairs and beds. Any specific recommendations or techniques offered will vary from person to person and would be made in response to that individuals clinical needs at that time. An experienced seating occupational therapist could potentially advise:

Regularly altering positioning within the chair or bed.
Periods of turning for someone who is being cared for in bed.
Specialist pressure relieving fabrics or mattresses.
Nutrition and hydration advice.
Effective continence management.

Questions about conditions that impact on seating and how our OT's help

What are the seating considerations for an amputee and how can an occupational therapist help?

The nature of the amputation and the style of seating required will determine the individual seating considerations for each client.

Our expert occupational therapists would explore the client’s current medical needs, the seating environment and the style of seating required in order to provide advice on the most appropriate seating solutions.

An OT would ensure the following areas were covered in the assessment to inform their recommendation:

The type of seating required for example: wheelchair, hard back chairs or sofa style.
Balance and ability to weight bare.
Transfer ability.
Pressure relief
The environment in which the chair will be used for example, is the chair required to be portable? Is there sufficient space for the chair?

Find out more about amputations and how our OT’s can help.

What do you need to consider when choosing a wheelchair for someone with Dementia?

There are many considerations when choosing a wheelchair for a client with dementia, including:

The purpose of the chair for example, is it for occasional use at the weekends or for every day use in and out of the home.
The medical needs of the client.
Any pressure or continence consideration.
Will the chair be pushed by a carer or does the client wish to propel themselves?
Would an electric chair be more appropriate?
Is the chair to be transported in a vehicle?
What is the current mobility level of the client? Are they going to be able to transfer independently into and out of the chair or will they require physical or mechanical assistance i.e. a hoist?
Are there considerations around anxiety or fearfulness that the chair may trigger for example the noise of an electric chair?
Has the client the cognitive ability to move their own chair or will this increase risks?

An experienced occupational therapists can complete a full seating assessment, taking into consideration all of the above and many more points. They will then be able to advise ob the most suitable next steps.

Find out more about dementia and how our OT’s can help.

What do you need to consider when choosing a wheelchair for someone with a progressive neurological condition such as Motor Neurone or Huntington’s disease?

When a client has a progressive neurological condition it is important that their access to the community and / or work place is not restricted due to a lack of mobility. A wheelchair can provide a valuable link to retaining independence and quality of life.

As the seating needs of client’s with progressive neurological conditions can be complex and altering over time, it is advised that an occupational therapist with experiencing in seating is involved in the assessment and selection of the wheelchair.

Find out more about motor neurone disease and how our OT’s can help.

How to choose a comfy chair for someone with Parkinson’s disease?

There are many options for comfy seating in the home. Client's with parkinson's disease have the potential to have complex and altering seating needs. In light of this it is advised that an occupational therapist who is an expert in seating is involved in the assessment and purchase of a comfy chair.

Correct positioing is important for many reasons including:

Pressure care
Digestion
Respiratory function
Communication
Muscle tone
Joint stability
Upper limb function

Our team of occupational therapists are able to provide bespoke seating assessments and recommendations to ensure the chair purchased will meet a client's immediate and long term needs.

Find out more about parkinson's and how our OT’s can help.

How can an occupational therapist help with long term seating solutions for people with multiple sclerosis?

When purchasing seating solutions for a client with multiple sclerosis, it is important that consideration is given to the short and long term requirements. As multiple sclerosis will affect the client differently over time, the chair needs to meet their needs both now and in the future. Therefore, where possible, seating needs to be easily adjustable and adaptable for example, a chair that can adapt as the condition progresses by adding accessories or altering fittings.

As the seating needs of client’s with multiple sclerosis can be complex, it is advised that an experienced occupational therapist is involved in the assessment for and recommendation of seating solutions.

Find out more about multiple sclerosis and how our OT’s can help.

What wheelchair options are available for a person with a high level spinal injury and how can an occupational therapist help?

Specialist seating following a spinal injury is vital to the rehabilitation journey and independence of the client. There are multiple options available depending on the nature of the injury and the ability of the client.

Whether the chair be electric or manual, self or attendant propelled, joystick or eye gaze operated and so on, the options are varied and complex and getting them right imperative.

It is advised that an occupational therapist with experience in seating is involved in the assessment and selection of a wheelchair for a client with a spinal injury.

Find out more about spinal injury and how our OT’s can help.

How can I get advice on which wheelchair and comfy chair to buy following a stroke?

Correct seating following a stroke is important to facilitate the maximum level of rehabilitation success possible.

The results of a stroke will vary from one individual to another and can vary in complexity. Some people may only have very mild effects and their seating and postural needs may not alter. Other people may require a full 24 hour seating and postural management review to include; bed, wheelchair and day seating.

Find out more about strokes and how our OT’s can help.

Questions about seeking private occupational therapy for seating

What does a seating assessment consist of?

Achieving a good seating position relies on a number of key inter-related factors including the correct seat height, arm rest height, lumbar support, seat depth and angle as well as seat width.

Each person will have differing seating positions therefore to recommend the most suitable chair a seating assessment would be required. This consists of a full exploration of the above key factors.

Within this assessment, an expert occupational therapist would review:

The abilty to transfer on/off a chair.
Height and weight.
They would take accurate measurements of the spine, forearms, hips, thighs and measure from the knees to the floor.

This information will enable them to offer bespoke recommendations in relation to the most suitable chair for a client's needs.

What is an equipment trial?

An equipment trial is a period of time in which a client would be able to try out a piece of equipment to check for suitabilty prior to deciding whether to purchase it.

The length and duration of this period will vary in terms of the supplier and the equipment being trialled.

This is a good way of ensuring that the equipment recommended will meet a client's needs as well as fit within their lifestyle.

What happens if the chair requires adjusting on delivery?

Most suppliers of specialist chairs will require a full seating assessment prior to order. These assessments are usually completed by trained professionals or occupational therapists and ensure that the chair is made specifically to you.

On delivery the supplier would normally have you trial the chair and if it requires adjusting they would do this there and then to ensure that you are comfortable and that the chair will meet you needs immediately.

What do you mean by 'static seating'?

Static seating referrs to seating solutions that do not move and remain in the same position such as an arm chair.

What do you mean by 'dynamic seating'?

This is the opposite of static seating and refers to a seating solution that moves such as a wheelchair.

What do you mean by 'tilt in space'?

A tilt in space feature is where the whole wheelchair tilts, whilst maintaining the posture achieved in the wheelchair. Tilt in space can be a useful feature to counteract the effects of gravity, reduce fatigue, improve respiratory function and vision

How often should chairs be reviewed?

This is dependent on the type, style and purpose of the chair and the clinical needs of its user.

It is recommended that chairs be reviewed following any clinical changes to ensure that the chair continues to meet the required needs.

Seating & postural management

What is seating & postural management?

Our approach

Why use The OT Practice to provide seating & postural management services?

Public sector, charities and businesses

Common difficulties we treat

Common conditions we help with

Packages of care

Assessment & advice

Equipment trials & quotes

Wheelchair reviews

A few of our seating & posture specialists

Richard

Profession

Regions covered

Specialisms

Specialist skills

Louella

Profession

Regions covered

Specialisms

Specialist skills

Donna

Profession

Regions covered

Specialisms

Further qualifications

Leroy

Profession

Regions covered

Specialisms

Further qualifications

Specialist skills

Jacqui

Profession

Regions covered

Specialisms

Further qualifications

Specialist skills

Miriam

Profession

Regions covered

Specialisms

Specialist skills

Clare

Profession

Regions covered

Specialisms

Further qualifications

Livonia

Profession

Regions covered

Specialisms

Hannah

Profession

Regions covered

Specialisms

Specialist skills

Jen

Profession

Regions covered

Specialisms

Specialist skills

Elizabeth

Profession

Regions covered

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Specialist skills

Ellen

Profession

Regions covered

Specialisms

Further qualifications

Specialist skills

Sarah

Profession

Regions covered

Specialisms

Specialist skills

Sarah