Our Occupational Therapy Team Reflect on Learning, Innovation and Impact

In July, our occupational therapists and OTA attended the Posture & Mobility Group (PMG) Conference 2025‚ a leading event for professionals working in posture, seating, and mobility. The conference provided a platform for clinical learning, innovation, and collaboration.  Our team returned with renewed insight and practical strategies to enhance outcomes for individuals with complex physical needs.

Jo’s Thoughts: A Holistic Approach to Postural Care

Jo, one of our senior therapists, emphasised the importance of adopting a 24-hour postural care model‚ a shift that considers not only seating, but also lying and standing positions throughout the day and night.

Even with extensive experience in this field, there’s always more to learn. The conference really reinforced how vital it is to look at postural care across the full 24 hours‚ not just when someone is seated. That shift in thinking helps us make more meaningful, person-centred recommendations.

Jo’s learning has already informed her clinical reasoning, particularly in assessing complex presentations such as high muscle tone, scoliosis, and progressive neurological conditions. She’s also integrating pressure mapping and other advanced tools to support decision-making and prevent pressure injuries. Crucially, Jo is placing greater emphasis on collaborative care, ensuring families and carers are actively involved in assessments and fittings.

Kate’s Highlights: Adaptive Design and AI Integration

Kate was inspired by sessions that showcased real-world innovation and the value of iterative design:

• A case study involving a gentleman who had lost both upper limbs demonstrated how continuous adaptation of hand controls led to a solution that was comfortable, sensitive, and accurate.
• Another session explored AI-driven wheelchair technology, where users could steer using headrests and foot pedals. The system intelligently filtered out accidental movements, responding only to purposeful gestures.

It was a brilliant reminder that trial and error is not just acceptable‚ it’s essential when striving for the perfect fit.

These examples reinforced the importance of personalisation and persistence in achieving optimal outcomes for clients with highly specific mobility needs.

Ciara’s Reflections: Customisation and Cutting-Edge Tech

Ciara was particularly struck by the potential of custom-made seating and the growing role of assistive technology:

The idea that cushions and seating can be personally modified to fit an individual’s specific needs was so interesting. Custom-made seating might be a real option for some people.

It’s amazing to see how technology is helping people gain independence‚ especially those who don’t have hand mobility. Using specialised glasses or head and foot movements to control a power chair is just brilliant.

Translating Learning into Practice

Since returning from PMG, our team has been actively applying what we’ve learned:

• Trialling new equipment with suppliers met at the conference, including adaptable seating systems and pressure-relieving cushions.
• Enhancing assessments with a more holistic, evidence-informed approach.
• Strengthening collaboration with families and carers to ensure interventions are practical, sustainable, and person-centred.

These actions are already making a tangible impact‚ supporting better outcomes, greater independence, and improved quality of life for the individuals we work with.

Also see:

A Case Study in Custom Wheelchair Adaptation and Innovation

Seating and Posture Assessment

Specialist Wheelchair Assessment

The post Driving Excellence in Postural Care appeared first on KW Therapy.

When Tom sustained a life-changing brain injury at just 19, his world—and that of his family—shifted dramatically. KW Therapy began working with Tom in 2015, and over the past decade, we’ve remained a consistent presence in his rehabilitation journey. This case study highlights the importance of long-term, collaborative care in supporting complex brain injury rehabilitation, especially for case managers navigating multi-disciplinary input and evolving client needs.

Early Challenges and Initial Support

Tom was referred to KW Therapy while staying at Oakwood ABI Rehabilitation Service. Following a traumatic accident in 2013, he was living with hemiplegia, cognitive impairments, and significant behavioural and psychological challenges. He was wheelchair-dependent, had poor posture, limited upper limb function, and required full assistance with personal care.

Our initial focus was on improving Tom’s mobility, safety, and engagement. We recommended a more suitable powered wheelchair with safety modifications and a heavy-duty manual wheelchair tailored to his needs. We also supported the rehab team with strategies for upper limb rehabilitation and cognitive support, to address Tom’s low motivation and complex behaviours.

Transitions and Setbacks

In 2017, Tom moved to a specialist mental health unit. We continued to support him with equipment reviews and trials, although his cognitive limitations and behavioural responses made progress difficult.

A sensory assessment was recommended to better understand his triggers and support his emotional regulation.

Relocation and Renewed Focus

In 2019, Tom moved to a new unit, closer to his family. Despite initial behavioural challenges, we worked closely with the private team and the staff at the unit to build trust and structure.

We introduced meaningful activities like chess, which improved Tom’s mood, focus, and social interaction.

A volunteer was brought in to play chess weekly, helping to foster routine and engagement.

Community Access and Structure

Recognising the importance of routine and community engagement, we helped secure a second-hand wheelchair-accessible vehicle (WAV) and trained staff in its use. We also created a personalised activity binder to help Tom explore interests like cinema, music, and sport.

In 2021, Tom began working with his own fully-dedicated support workers, allowing for more consistent therapy and structured routines.  He now enjoys regular ski sessions, cycling, and community outings.

His involvement in planning his week has grown, and he’s visibly more engaged and fulfilled.

Cooking and Functional Independence

In January 2023, Tom began working toward a new goal—cooking basic meals independently. Initially, he insisted on standing with his walker, so sessions were carefully co-led to ensure safety. Over time, he became open to cooking both seated and standing, exploring different recipes and using both upper limbs.

This activity has become a source of joy and purpose for Tom, supporting his upper limb function, cognitive skills, mood, and healthy eating habits.

To support this, we’ve continued upper limb therapy through exercises, games, and fine motor activities. A spasticity specialist has also been involved to help manage tone and promote better movement patterns.

Housing Transition and Long-Term Planning

In 2024, Tom transitioned into a rental property with 24-hour support—this time, directly employed staff rather than agency workers. Our OT ensured the home was fully equipped with a profiling bed, armchair, shower chair, and full wheelchair accessibility.

Meanwhile, a permanent home was located and purchased in mid-2024. It is now being rebuilt from the ground up to meet Tom’s current and future needs.

Our team continues to work closely with architects and contractors, with the goal of Tom moving into his forever home by the end of 2025.

A Decade of Dedication

Over the past 10 years, KW Therapy has remained a consistent presence in Tom’s life. This continuity has been vital—not just for Tom, but for the wider clinical and legal teams involved. We’ve worked through challenges including epilepsy management, behavioural complexities, and inconsistent staffing at care units.

Progress was sometimes delayed due to funding or staffing limitations, but Tom’s journey has been guided by a multidisciplinary team—including psychiatrists, epilepsy specialists, spasticity consultants, SALT, Physio, OT, and his Case Manager.

Today, Tom is more independent, more engaged, and—most importantly—happier.

His story reminds us that complex brain injury rehabilitation is not linear, and that true progress happens on the client’s timeline, not ours.

 
Also see:

A Case Study in Custom Wheelchair Adaptation and Innovation

Case Manager Survey 2024

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