why do people get contractures, and what to do about it?

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:heartbeatWhat causes people's bodies to ball up and get contractured; I know I curl up myself when I sleep. What can be done to prevent or reverse this process? I work in a vent/ltc unit and I'm so sick of seeing people all bound up like that;isn't there something that can help them/"restorative " programs seem to be under-funded in general,and not paid much attention to.............

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Okay, I have to say that I'm astounded by this post. Or wondering if it's a joke.....

ADDnurse, is this a serious question?

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Specializes in LTC.

Google is your best friend !!!

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Specializes in PICU, Sedation/Radiology, PACU.

Contractures are caused by shortening and stiffening of tendons due to disuse. Basically, they go so long with the body part in a flexed position (hands are very common) that the tendons stiffen and stay flexed so the hand can't straighten. It can be hard to fix them, although the treatment is range of motion and physical therapy. It's much easier to prevent them, and again you do that by frequent range of motion exercises, active if possible but passive as well.

As far as the "bound up position" some people find it more comfortable to sleep in the fetal position, but healthy people like you move in their sleep and adjust there position several times throughout the night. However, done elderly people, especially those with dementia, do not adjust there position and can get stiffness from laying in those positions for extended periods. Are your immobile patients getting turned regularly at night?

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Specializes in Primary Care and ICU.

Answer in five seconds

Muscles not used

Muscle shortens

Muscle stiffens

Irreversible

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Specializes in Med/Surg, Geriatric, Hospice.
Okay, I have to say that I'm astounded by this post. Or wondering if it's a joke.....

ADDnurse, is this a serious question?

Not helpful.

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It would be wonderful if people would do full range of motion exercises on all of the residents in LTC facilities. But the truth is CNAs & staff are too busy or don't care enough to take the time...

Turning is not enough, it only helps prevent/slow down decubs.

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Specializes in Hospice, ONC, Tele, Med Surg, Endo/Output.
Okay, I have to say that I'm astounded by this post. Or wondering if it's a joke.....

ADDnurse, is this a serious question?

Stay completely unknown. Patronizing response to ADD's question.

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Okay, I have to say that I'm astounded by this post. Or wondering if it's a joke.....

ADDnurse, is this a serious question?

You only learn by asking! Nobody knows everything....

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Specializes in Developmental Disabilites,.

I thought it was a good question. OP never be afraid to ask questions. You can't know everything.

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Specializes in LTC Rehab Med/Surg.
Okay, I have to say that I'm astounded by this post. Or wondering if it's a joke.....

ADDnurse, is this a serious question?

CompleteUnknown: Put your helmet on.:)

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Specializes in Psych, LTC/SNF, Rehab, Corrections.
It would be wonderful if people would do full range of motion exercises on all of the residents in LTC facilities. But the truth is CNAs & staff are too busy or don't care enough to take the time...

Turning is not enough, it only helps prevent/slow down decubs.

Yep...

That's one thing that I don't like about LTC (or at least mine).

There are lazy workers out there. Some may not care to do anything, but...mine?

We (my shift 2-10) don't get much time with the residents. Only to quickly shower, dress, feed and change. Basically.

There are too many of them and too few of us. To an extent, the residents have to practically fight for our attention. Depending on the hall that you happen to be working, they do!

I try to do some ROM (arms) while un/dressing them.

That isn't enough, I know.

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