The Role of the Seating Clinic in Power Wheelchair Prescription

Selecting a power wheelchair is rarely a simple product choice; for users with complex postural or medical needs, it is a clinical prescription. This is where a specialized Seating Clinic, staffed by a team of therapists (OT/PT) and a Rehabilitation Technology Supplier (RTS), becomes indispensable. Their collaborative assessment ensures the chair is a true medical intervention, not just a mobility device.

The process begins with a comprehensive physical assessment. The team evaluates the user's range of motion, muscle tone, strength, skin integrity, and any existing or potential orthopedic deformities. They analyze sitting posture and pressure distribution using tools like pressure mapping mats. This data directly informs the specifications for the wheelchair base and, crucially, the custom seating system.

The seating system is the clinical heart of the prescription. It may involve contoured foam or matrix cushions for pressure redistribution, specialized back supports with lateral thoracic pads for scoliosis management, or headrests with tilt and angle adjustment for users with limited head control. The team determines whether features like tilt, recline, or elevating leg rests are medically necessary for pressure relief, circulation, or managing spasticity.

Finally, the clinic team matches the user to the appropriate power base, considering factors like drive-wheel configuration (mid-wheel for indoor agility, rear-wheel for outdoor speed), required weight capacity, and the control interface. They oversee the fitting and programming of the chair, training the user and caregivers on its operation, medical features, and maintenance. This rigorous, team-based approach ensures the final product safely and effectively supports the user's health and functional goals.