Tag Archives: Upper limb

Perfectly Positioned

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Dycem non-slip netting
Dycem non-slip netting

Dycem non-slip material is the ideal solution to getting and staying in the most comfortable sitting position. Occupational Therapist Jen agrees! Read about how she solves this problem in practice –

Achieving the perfect sitting position is never easy and difficult to maintain for long periods.  It is important that we sit in a good position to avoid pain, deformities and problems with breathing and digestion.  Gravity, fidgeting, tiredness, muscle tone and fabric texture are all contributing factors to someone moving out of their optimum position.

Many of us can adjust our position independently and return to sitting comfortably, but there are some of us who can’t.   For those who can’t move themselves back independently, there is a continuous search for a product that stops them moving into awkward, uncomfortable positions.

One solution is to use Dycem.  It can be a real asset in helping to overcome the challenge of slipping cushions, supports and body parts!  Dycem can be placed under, between or on top of cushions, on armrests, backrests and footrests to stabilise either the cushion or body part.  It can also be positioned on the floor to stop feet slipping.

Dycem reel material or netting can be cut to the required size and therefore used discreetly if needed.  There are a variety of colour options to either contrast or blend in with the furniture depending on the individual’s need.  Both the reel and netting can be washed, repositioned and reused, making them a cost effective solution to seating problems.

Being able to sit comfortably is vitally important for social, psychological and physical reasons and Dycem can help in being able to achieve the optimum sitting position.

Steady as he Goes

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Dycem Noes-over-Toes non-slip Mat
Dycem ‘Noes-Over-Toes’ Mat

This week, we chatted to Chartered Physiotherapist Adam Page about how he uses Dycem products in his line of work –

As a physiotherapist within the stroke setting I have used Dycem’s Non-Slip products with great clinical effectiveness. From dense hemiplegic strokes to mild alterations in an individual’s strength or grip, the non-slip products have been functional to all my patients.

Recently I have been using the Dycem Non-Slip mats during treatment of a 57 year old gentleman whom had suffered a stroke resulting in moderate left sided weakness and mild cognitive changes.

Having been previously very active and mobile, our therapy goal was to maximise his rehabilitation potential by having him up and mobilising with assistance within 7 days of admission.  Such an ambitious goal would by many be considered unrealistic, even unsafe when considering the limited staffing on our wards. However, through the use of Dycem Non-Slip we were able to achieve it.

Maximising the mats bright colour to inform visual attention we placed a number of them on floor as a cue for the patient to place his feet during mobilisation. Whilst two of us supported the patient’s upper limb, the lower limb was secured with use of the non-slip mat. Secondary to reduced strength, a patient’s affected leg will often slip from under them during sit to stand and mobilisation, unless secured by another member of staff. However by simply placing the Dycem non-slip ‘Nose-Over-Toes’ mat under the effected foot, a secure lower limb resulted.

By using a number of mats the affected leg was supported from slipping over the entire distance mobilised. Whilst a number of different coloured mats ensured easy instruction by the therapist for foot position, the alternative texture with its roughened boarder helped to inform sensory feedback during movement.

Easily wiped clean and reused, these non-slip products are of an absolute necessity to any physiotherapist wanting to maximise the rehab potential of their patients.

Are there any other Physiotherapists out there who use Dycem?

Step Ahead with Dycem

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Use Dycem non-slip for stair lifts

Did you know Dycem isn’t only for upper limb impairments? Occupational Therapist Joanne Corr has recently showed us how Dycem non-slip products can assist those with conditions that affect lower limbs as well.

Mary is a senior patient of Joanne, and has osteoarthritis of the knees. She uses a stair lift to go up and down her stairs at home.  Over the years, Mary has found that her knee flexion has become restricted and she struggles to keep her feet tucked back on to the stair lift footplate. Joanne was concerned about her feet slipping off the footplate and catching on the wall opposite.  Mary knocking her feet has serious consequences as she is at high risk of ulcers.  Joanne needed to resolve this problem, and gave Dycem a try.

Dycem non-slip reel was available from the community equipment service and a piece of it was cut to fit the stair lift footplate.  Mary tried it and found that the Dycem non-slip material gripped her feet, preventing them from falling off the footplate.

Thanks to Dycem non-slip, The Occupational Therapist had found a simple solution that enabled Mary to continue to independently access the upper floor of her home and reduce the risk of her damaging her feet whilst using the stair lift.

Just think of all the situations where one’s feet need to be positioned correctly. Dycem could be used on stand aids, rotastands, wheelchair footplates … the list goes on!

The flexibility of the Dycem material reel is perfect for these applications as it can be cut to the exact size of the surface.

Can you think of any non-traditional uses for Dycem?