About Standing Therapy
Indications:
Standing frames are an important tool for helping individuals with mobility impairments improve their physical health and independence, while enhancing their overall quality of life.
Contraindications:
While standing therapy can have many benefits for individuals with physical disabilities or neurological disorders, there are some conditions where standing therapy may not be appropriate.
Standing frames are an important tool for helping individuals with mobility impairments improve their physical health and independence, while enhancing their overall quality of life.
- Prevention of contractures: Individuals with limited mobility or spasticity may develop contractures (permanent shortening of the muscles, tendons, or ligaments). Standing therapy can help prevent the development of contractures by providing weight-bearing on the lower extremities and stretching the muscles.
- Improved bone health: Standing therapy has been shown to improve bone density and prevent osteoporosis in individuals with spinal cord injuries or other conditions that affect bone density.
- Improved cardiovascular health: Standing therapy can increase blood flow and prevent orthostatic hypotension (sudden drop in blood pressure when standing up).
- Improved bowel and bladder function: Standing therapy can stimulate the nervous system to promote peristalsis, which is crucial for digestion and waste removal.
- Improved respiratory function: Standing therapy can increase lung capacity and promote deep breathing.
- Improved psychological well-being: Standing therapy can promote social engagement and help improve self-esteem.
Contraindications:
While standing therapy can have many benefits for individuals with physical disabilities or neurological disorders, there are some conditions where standing therapy may not be appropriate.
- Uncontrolled hypertension: Individuals with uncontrolled hypertension (high blood pressure) may experience a sudden increase in blood pressure when standing upright, which can be dangerous.
- Autonomic dysreflexia: Standing therapy can trigger autonomic dysreflexia (a potentially life-threatening condition) in individuals with spinal cord injuries at or above the T6 level.
- Active skin breakdown: Individuals with active skin breakdown or open wounds may be at risk for infection or further injury during standing therapy. Standing therapy should be avoided until the skin has healed.
- Unstable fractures: Individuals with unstable fractures or spinal cord injuries may be at risk for further injury or damage during standing therapy. Standing therapy may be contraindicated until the fractures or injuries have stabilized.
- Severe spasticity: Individuals with severe spasticity may experience discomfort or pain during standing therapy.
- Cognitive impairment: Individuals with cognitive impairment may have difficulty understanding and following the instructions for standing therapy, and it might not be appropriate for them.
