Postural Drainage
A therapeutic positioning technique in which gravity is used to facilitate the drainage of secretions from specific lung segments, often requiring specialized positioning equipment.
Full Definition
Postural drainage is a chest physiotherapy technique involving the strategic positioning of a patient so that gravity assists the movement of mucus from peripheral airways toward the central airways, where it can be cleared by coughing or suctioning. In rehab technology contexts, it is relevant because specific tilt, recline, and positioning features of rehabilitation seating and bed systems may be prescribed to facilitate postural drainage. Editors should hyphenate 'postural drainage' consistently and distinguish it from 'postural support,' which refers to positioning for musculoskeletal alignment rather than respiratory therapy. The term should not be abbreviated without prior definition.
Usage
Usage note: Distinguish clearly from 'postural support' (alignment-focused) and 'postural management' (long-term positioning program). Not interchangeable with these terms.
In Context
- "The power wheelchair's recline function was clinically justified partly to allow postural drainage for the client's chronic respiratory condition." — Complex rehabilitation technology justification letter
- "Ensure 'postural drainage' is not conflated with 'postural support' in the clinical rationale section." — Editorial review note