knees. You can learn a new transfer technique or buy a seat cushion designed to reduce pressure, Hastings said, but good posture should not be compromised. Poor posture causes pain.
Pain develops when muscles are asked to do a job they aren't designed for and to "stand in" for muscles that are paralyzed, Hastings explained. There are two types of muscles: tonic, for holding (the postural muscles); and phasic, for mobility (the task-oriented muscles). "They are union workers," she said. "They don't do things not in their job description. With paralysis, there are fewer muscles to work, and the remaining muscles are asked to do work they weren't designed for physiologically. Asking phasic muscles to hold and tonic muscles to move results in pain and fatigue." In addition, if these muscles are doing a different job, they are not available to do their own job. The situation compromises functionality.
Muscles also have a length they like to operate in, and if they are stretched or shortened due to poor posture they become weak. "Poor posture sets up and exacerbates muscle imbalances," Hastings said. The key, then, is to make sure the wheelchair is configured properly to give adequate trunk support and stability so the non-paralyzed muscles do not become fatigued and painful from doing too much or doing the wrong job. Pay attention to the skeleton so the muscles can do their job, Hastings said. "That's the take-home message."
IT'S THAT TIME AGAIN!! SET YOUR CLOCKS BACK ON HALLOWEEN NIGHT OCTOBER 31!!
FOR SALE !!!!***
*1985 Komfort Koach van;v-8 engine; power fold-up wheelchair lift; power window and door locks; wheelchair safety strap/hooks; almost new tires; AC/front and rear vents; cruise control; AM/FM radio, tape deck, CB radio; game table and window shades; trailer hitch; $135,000 mi.; good cond.; $2750.00 (502) 425-0314.
*2003 Ford F-250 lift-equipped green/gray van; leather seats, TV, DVD player. Playstation hookup, am-fm radio. Rick Miller, 937-2245. Shower Chair; 2 yrs old, negotiable; 2 RoHo cushions; low profile; $150 each; Invacare 900 Action Power Chair; 4 yrs. Old; $600. Call 448-5296.
*RoHo High Profile 16x16 cushions; $160; 589-6620.
*2002 Dodge Caravan "Entervan" (Braun modification); app 18,000 mi; remote operated oil recently changed; mechanic confirms excellent condition; used only a little more than 2 mos.; $34,000. Call 859-492-7971.
*Ford 1997 Econoline Van; 100,140 mi; $16,000. Hunter Green-gray; new tires & brakes; "loaded"; call 270-786-4547; ask for Dale.
*Heavy Duty Scooter; used less than 50 hours/2 new batteries; $1200. Call (502) 348-9305.
*Liberty Stairlift/Set for 13 steps; $1500 soft; 937-9492
*Video tapes for sale. Various topics related to spinal cord injuries. Call David Allgood or Buddy Lawson.
***If assistance is needed to pay for any of the above items, contact Kentucky Assistive Technology Loan Corporation at for information on loans at 5% interest to qualified candidates.
