OVERVIEW.

Positioning is the act of placing or arranging.¹ In physical rehabilitation, it pertains to the adequate arrangement of patients for a treatment (e.g., postural drainage; pressure ulcer treatment), prevention (e.g., prevention of contractures or pressure ulcers), or function (e.g., optimal wheelchair placement for independent locomotion).

Positioning must be monitored to reduce complications. Complications may be pressure related (ulcer development, nerve palsies), joint position related (contractures, dislocations), fall related (falls off support surfaces), and body fluid related (orthopnea) (also see Restraints; Postural drainage; Yoga). Positioning concerns listed below are organized by diagnosis and then by position.