The Wedgster Hamstring/Adductor Positioning Device
Size Regular (R) – Approximate Ages 3 – 8: (Cost: $765.00 w/ recommended Mobile Base)
Size Large (L) – Approximate Ages 8 – 12: (Cost: $845.00 w/ recommended Mobile Base)
The Wedgster Hamstring/Adductor Positioning Device is a custom-made physical therapy passive exercise-sitting device invented by the father of a special needs child. It is designed to help stretch hamstrings and adductor muscles due to spasticity and tightness generally seen in children with Cerebral Palsy (CP). A leading South Florida Physical Therapist (RPT, ATP) states, “To help prevent tendon release and osteotomy surgery, every child who has increased tone in their hamstrings and adductors need to have several hours of stretching daily.” Using The Wedgster daily will help improve the child's Range-Of-Motion (ROM) and help prevent muscle contractures and resulting deformities, and thereby help decrease the amount of surgery such children often require due to severe tightness and deformities.
The Wedgster is great for home, school and therapy center use as the child is stretched during classroom, routine and leisure activities such as reading, coloring, watching TV, eating, playing with toys, and circle time. In addition, The Wedgster is a safe, secure and comfortable positioning device that helps correct and maintain good posture during these activities, as well as treat post-operative spasticity due to growth spurts. The seat has five adjustable "Seat-To-Back Angle" positions depending on the stretching needs of the child:
- 108 Degree Angle (Starting Position For Children With Severe Tightness in Hamstring Muscles)
- 104 Degree Angle
- 100 Degree Angle
- 96 Degree Angle
- 92 Degree Angle (Full Leg Extension Stretch For Greatest Range of Motion (ROM))
Children who cannot tolerate a full stretch due to excessive tightness in their hamstrings should always start out at the highest angled position, which can be lowered as the child adapts to each stretch level (Note: Never lower or adjust the angle while the child is in the seat). The wedge between the legs is set at a recommended angle, but can be adjusted if necessary.
The Wedgster comes with additional side pads for smaller children and straps that adjusts to the size and needs of the child. It also comes equipped with a removable and adjustable tray that allows the surface to remain level regardless the angle of the seat.
The Wedgster Mobile Base
The Wedgster Mobile Base is an optional accessory device that allows The Wedgster to elevate from floor level to a typical chair height of approximately 17”. The Mobile Base has wheels and locks to provide easy movement and secure positioning. When attached, The Wedgster provides parents, caregivers and others better mobility and interaction with the child. The Mobile Base also has a built in storage compartment to stow extra padding, toys, books or other items.
About The Wedgster
After her surgery, Ollie was worried that Janae’s spasticity would cause her muscles to eventually become tight again in the future. Her therapist recommended having her long sit daily for more than an hour to counteract the length of time she had to sit with her knees flexed after we removed the Legster attachment from her wheelchair. So, Ollie designed the Wedgster which is a long sitting chair that is adjustable, mobile and more versatile, not only for Janae but for other children at her school…hence The Wedgster.
