This infographic teaches how to transfer in and out of a manual wheelchair safely in three simple steps. Learning how to transfer correctly can protect the user's arms and shoulders.
For more information about how to transfer safely, see MSKTC’s factsheet on Safe Transfer Technique.
Areas where bones are close to the surface (called "bony prominences") and areas that are under the most pressure are at greatest risk for developing pressure sores.
In bed, body parts can be padded with pillows or foam to keep bony prominences (areas where bones are close to the skin surface) ...
What do I need to know?
Individuals with SCI are at high risk for developing pressure sores.
Pressure sores can be life threatening.
Possible complications:
Infections can develop and spread to the blood, heart and bone.
Amputations
Prolonged bed rest necessary for healing can keep you out of work, school and social activities for months.
Because ...
A pressure sore (also called pressure ulcer, decubitus ulcer, decubiti (plural), bedsore or skin breakdown) is an area of the skin or underlying tissue (muscle, bone) that is damaged due to loss of blood flow to the area. Blood flow to the skin keeps it alive and healthy. If the ...
What is the study about?
Survival within two years after spinal cord injury (SCI) has greatly improved over the past few decades, although long-term survival after the first two years has not shown significant improvement. However, people with SCI still have higher rates of mortality than people without SCI. To better ...
What do I need to know?
Ninety-five percent of all pressure sores are preventable!
After spinal cord injury, your skin requires daily care and a lot of attention.
You will need to spend time daily cleaning the skin, keeping it dry (from incontinence or perspiration), checking the skin for problems or changes, moving ...
What is the study about?
This study examined the effect of wheelchair transfers and transfer technique on wheelchair users’ median nerve, which is located in the wrist; damage to the nerve can contribute to carpal tunnel syndrome. It linked ultrasound measures of the median nerve with how an individual performed wheelchair ...
What is the study about?
This study aimed at refining Transfer Assessment Instrument 2.0 (TAI), perform reliability testing, and evaluate measurement properties of the refined version of TAI 3.0. This study is important because TAI is an objective and quantifiable measure of transfer technique that helps clinicians detect harmful transfer technique ...
This training will teach you how to move to and from your wheelchair and help you to prevent wear and tear on your body. It is designed for manual and power wheelchair users and anyone interested in learning about a three-phase technique for safe wheelchair transfers.
This infographic teaches how to transfer in and out of a power wheelchair safely in three simple steps. Learning how to transfer correctly can protect the user's arms and shoulders.
For more information about how to transfer safely, see MSKTC’s factsheet on Safe Transfer Technique.
What is the study about?
The study evaluated how technique used during wheelchair transfers related to shoulder pain and injury in people with spinal cord injury (SCI). Since wheelchair users depend on their arms to perform most of their daily activities, muscles and tendons around the shoulder often get overused and ...
Pain is a serious problem for many people with spinal cord injuries (SCI). Pain after SCI can occur in parts of the body where there is normal sensation (feeling) as well as areas that have little or no feeling.