Tips & Advice
Using Thigh Straps in Sling Configuration for Toileting or Seat-to-Seat Transfers
October 08, 2018
by Barbara Stacy, PT, MOMT
At Desert Mountain SELPA in Apple Valley, California, we’ve discovered a creative solution for seated transfers with the TRAM. This method works really well, particularly for the more profoundly involved kids. Using the standard approach shown in the TRAM Quick Reference Guide (with a thigh strap placed separately under each leg) often results in the body support system riding up the student’s...
Stories
Using the TRAM for Safe Transfers and Mobility in the School Setting
March 13, 2018
by Terri Goebel, PT, Kellie Ray, ESE Teacher and Tara Wayland, OTR/L
Our team of therapists and educators works together to provide opportunities for functional mobility to our students throughout the school day.The challenges we face include a variety of health diagnoses, behavioral management issues, and cognitive and physical deficits. These situations require team problem solving for safe and efficient physical management of the student while maximizing participation in...
PT/OT
Workers’ Compensation Providers and the Rifton TRAM
October 03, 2017
by Elena Noble, MPT
Lifting and repositioning patients is a big part of healthcare, particularly for nurses and therapists. But how we do this is changing, based on the many studies that show how lifting patients manually without assistive equipment is causing staff injuries, lost days from work and decrease in care quality.
The safe patient handling and mobility (SPHM) approach advocates for patient lifts and mobility...
Tips & Advice
TRAM Tip: Inverting Forearm Mounts for Larger Clients
September 12, 2017
by Elena Noble, MPT
The Rifton TRAM is a versatile transfer and mobility device that can safely support people of varying abilities and sizes. To do this effectively it’s important to position the body support low enough on the trunk, but for people with shorter trunks or larger thighs this may be made easier by reversing the arm support post mounts so they don’t dig into the thighs as the body support is...
PT/OT
Creative Mobility Technology for Improved Outcomes
July 03, 2017
by Elena Noble, MPT
I recently attended the APTA Next Conference in Boston. A new component to this conference is the experience zone—an education space in the exhibit hall allowing presenters to draw on resources from the show floor as part of their presentations. A great idea. I attended a course called “Creative Mobility Technology for Improved Outcomes” in the zone.
Here we learned to get the most...
Tips & Advice
Four Field-Tested Approaches For Toileting with the TRAM
April 11, 2017
by Lori Potts, PT
The Rifton TRAM is a remarkably simple solution for toilet transfers, ensuring safety and dignity for both clients and caregivers. Here are four approaches developed by clinicians in the field to accommodate different body types and impairments.
Download the pdf
Method 1
For client with good trunk tone and weak lower extremities
View Slideshow
Method 2
For clients with moderate weight bearing...
How To’s
Rifton TRAM FAQs
Who uses the TRAM?
The Rifton TRAM is a multi-purpose device used for sit-to-stand lifting, gait training, assisted transfers and toileting.
The TRAM is used by children and adults presenting with a wide range of developmental and acquired disabilities including TBI, CVA, SCI, post hip replacement surgery, muscular dystrophy, multiple sclerosis and cerebral palsy.
Always have a qualified healthcare...
PT/OT
Out in Front with Mechanical Lifts in Schools
February 27, 2017
by Elena Noble, MPT
Last week I attended the Combined Section Meeting of the American Physical Therapy Association. It was held in San Antonio (great choice, especially in February!) and included some excellent programming. I’d like to share highlights from one of the workshops which focused on using lift and transfer devices in schools. It was presented by therapists from four large school districts.
Each district...
Tips & Advice
Using Slip Sheets to Position the TRAM Pelvic Support
February 13, 2017
by Elena Noble, MPT
Therapists are always looking for ways to accomplish patient transfers as simply and quickly as possible without excessive repositioning of the patient. Today we’re sharing a great hack from Jamie Haines, PT, DScPT, NCS at Central Michigan University for getting the TRAM Pelvic Support, formerly called the walking saddle, in place under the client without the extra seated transfer.
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PT/OT
Are Good Body Mechanics Enough?
December 13, 2016
by Elena Noble, MPT
Whether assisting someone from a wheelchair to a mat table or the parallel bars, patient transfers are a routine part of all therapy interventions. But did you know that these transfers place a therapist at an extraordinary risk for work-related injury? Statistics show that caregivers engaging in manual patient lifting, transferring and repositioning activities beyond the 35-lb patient lifting maximum set...