PC1. Pressure Injuries, Surviving Bed Rest & The Paralympics | Dr. Michael Kerr, Paralympian and Lived Experience Advocate

This 3-episode mini-series of the Martina Tierney Podcast was filmed during the 2026 Tierco Healthcare Postural Care Conference held at St James' Park, Newcastle-upon-Tyne in England. The series features three speakers from the day of quality clinical education which focused on the importance of maintaining body shape, posture and mobility.

In this episode of the Postural Care Conference Mini-Series, Martina speaks with wheelchair rugby Paralympian and spinal cord injury advocate Michael Kerr about his remarkable journey following a life-changing spinal cord injury at the age of 17.

Michael shares his personal experience of rehabilitation after sustaining a C6 spinal cord injury, the role of physiotherapy and occupational therapy in regaining independence, and how wheelchair rugby transformed his life, leading to international success representing Great Britain at the Paralympic Games.

The conversation also explores the critical importance of postural care, healthcare seating, pressure injury prevention and management, moving and handling, and the correct use of specialist equipment. Michael candidly discusses his experience of developing severe pressure injuries, including how inappropriate wheelchair seating and poor pressure redistribution can have devastating consequences, requiring prolonged bed rest and significantly impacting physical and mental health.

This episode highlights why regular skin inspections, appropriate seating assessments, pressure care management, and person-centred equipment provision are essential for wheelchair users, clinicians, therapists, carers, and healthcare providers.

Topics covered include:

• Postural care and 24-hour positioning

• Pressure injury prevention and management

• Healthcare seating and wheelchair seating assessment

• Specialist seating equipment and pressure redistribution

• Moving and handling considerations

• Bathing, personal care and maintaining skin integrity

• Spinal cord injury rehabilitation

• Occupational therapy and physiotherapy

• Wheelchair rugby and adaptive sport

• Independent living and disability advocacy

• The psychological impact of pressure injuries

Whether you are an occupational therapist, physiotherapist, nurse, wheelchair service clinician, rehabilitation professional, case manager, caregiver, or wheelchair user, this powerful conversation provides valuable insights into the importance of getting postural care and equipment provision right.

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