Breathing is the most normal thing in the world for us. We hardly think about it, even though we breathe in and out about 20,000 times per day. We breathe more when we are active and exerting ourselves, and we breathe less when we are...

What are contractures and how do they develop? Contractures are shortenings of muscles, tendons or ligaments that have a limiting effect on the movements of the joints. The normal ability to move a joint is lost. Contractures are frequently...

In some cases, support is needed for cleaning the nasopharyngeal space and keeping it free from secretion. For this purpose, suctioning is performed through the nose and, if necessary, the mouth. This is particularly necessary if the nose cannot be...

What are haemorrhoids? The haemorrhoid veins are part of the locking mechanism of the rectum and responsible for sealing the anus. The sealing works through different levels of filling of the blood vessels. If these vessels do not inflate and...

Passing urine with a condom catheter The urine is drained into the bag using reflexes – this means rhythmical tapping (triggering) on the lower abdominal region above the pubic bone triggers the drainage of the bladder. This drainage...

What is a bladder stimulator? A bladder stimulator is an implant with which the nerves of the bladder and bowel can be stimulated directly, enabling the bladder and bowel to be emptied. It can only be used on people with a complete spinal cord...

What do I need to consider with regard to the shoulders? The shoulder is the most heavily-strained joint with regard to mobilisation – that applies to sitting up and transferring. It is therefore important to protect the shoulders whenever it is...

People spend between a quarter and a third of their lives in bed; wheelchair users frequently even more. The manner and frequency with which we turn over in bed and change positions vary from one person to the next, as do the requirements for...

In case of a spinal cord injury, the lesion level, i.e. the part where the spinal cord is injured, has a crucial meaning: depending on where this part is exactly located, it determines the functional options, i.e. which activities the injured...

Today strawberry yogurt is on Anna’s* grocery list. In front of the dairy section she notices that she cannot reach the yogurt sitting in a wheelchair. Many stressed people are rushing through the crowded store during rush hour and she does not...

Awareness of the body, regulating effects on spasticity, free and deeper breathing, feeling well and an increased fitness: These are only a few aspects of the feedback with regard to positive effects that yoga can have for people with spinal cord...

Lubrication (vaginal lubrication) Lubrication is a lubricating fluid that is secreted by glands during sexual arousal. Lubrication occurs during the peak period of sexual arousal and facilitates penetration. Depending on the level of paralysis,...