Wheel Chat - Your Go-To Mobility Podcast

Are Wheelchairs Hurting Children’s Hips? | S2 EP1 with Dr. Mathias Axt ( Pediatric Orthopaedic Surgeon)

We are back for Season 2 — and we are kicking things off in a big way. I'll be honest with you. Hip abduction in non-ambulant children is one of those topics that every clinician I know has wrestled with at some point. How much abduction is enough? Are we helping or are we making things worse? Should every non-ambulant child be sitting in abduction? And what on earth do we do with a windswept deformity? I've been hearing Dr. Mathias Axt's name out in the traps for years whenever these questions come up — and now I finally got him on the pod. Dr. Axt is a pediatric orthopedic surgeon with over 20 years of experience in children's hospitals, specialising in hip development, surgical management, and long-term outcomes in non-ambulant children. The man knows his stuff, and he does not hold back. This episode is for you whether you're a clinician, a wheelchair rep, or a parent or end user trying to make sense of what you've been told about seating and hips. We cut through the confusion and get into the real clinical principles that should be driving these decisions. In this episode, we cover: * Why hips migrate in children with cerebral palsy — and why they're normal at birth * The role of muscle imbalance, Coxa Valga, and antetorsion in hip displacement * Why abduction is a tool, not a rule — and what the 20-degree principle actually means * The danger of forcefully abducting an already subluxed hip * Windswept deformity — what it is, why it matters, and how to seat around it * Why frog leg positioning is something we want to avoid and what to do instead * The problem with standard contoured cushions and why flat cushions with adjustable pommels may serve these kids better * Why pelvis rotation is more important than leg symmetry * The call for better collaboration between clinicians, wheelchair reps, and manufacturers This one genuinely changed the way I'm thinking about how we seat these kids. Subscribe, leave us a review, and share this with every clinician and wheelchair rep you know because this conversation needs to keep going. Email us : We’d love to hear from you. If you have any questions about this podcast, please email us at wheelchatpod@gmail.com Follow us : TikTok : https://www.tiktok.com/@wheelchat_podcast Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/wheelchat_podcast/ Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are solely those of Anthony and Justin.

Wheel Chat: Episode 17 – Cerebral Palsy, Posture & Function: Rethinking Dynamic Splints with Second Skin’s Cathy Harries & Andrea Hinckley

In this follow-up to their popular appearance on Episode 16, Cathy Harries and Andrea Hinckley from Second Skin return to Wheel Chat for a deep dive into cerebral palsy—covering early intervention, postural care across the lifespan, and how dynamic splinting can change the game for function, comfort, and quality of life. From toddlers learning to sit, to teenagers building independence, to adults managing pain and postural changes—this episode is packed with clinical insights, practical strategies, and honest conversations about what’s possible with the right goals, tools, and timing. What’s in this episode: * When to consider dynamic splints for children with CP (and what to look for) * Why “low function” never means “no function” * The truth about splints: soft, dynamic, and made for real-life wear * Real-world case stories: from walking trails in Cairns to managing pain at work * Managing transitions to adulthood: posture, pain, and long-term planning * Setting goals, managing expectations, and getting buy-in from teens * How to fund and fit Second Skin into a client’s broader care plan Whether you're new to cerebral palsy care or supporting long-term clients, this episode offers a realistic, hopeful, and clinically grounded look at supporting posture and participation at every stage of life. Connect with Andrea: 👉 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrea-hinckley-891677223/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrea-hinckley-891677223/] Find out more about Second Skin: https://www.secondskin.com.au/ [https://www.secondskin.com.au/] Email us : We’d love to hear from you. If you have any questions about this podcast, please email us at wheelchatpod@gmail.com Follow us : TikTok : https://www.tiktok.com/@wheelchat_podcast Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/wheelchat_podcast/ Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are solely those of Anthony and Justin.

Wheel Chat: Episode 16 – Post-Stroke Tone, Splinting & the Truth About Shoulder Slings with Second Skin’s Cathy Harries & Andrea Hinckley

In this episode of Wheel Chat, Anton and Justin are joined by Cathy Harries and Andrea Hinckley from Second Skin, an Australian-based team of OTs specialising in custom dynamic splints and compression garments. Together, they dig deep into tone management after stroke, the clinical realities of spasticity, and why slings might be doing more harm than good. With decades of experience and a passion for client-centred innovation, Cathy and Andrea share expert insights on early intervention, splinting strategies, and the critical role of comfort, posture, and pain reduction in long-term outcomes. What’s in this episode: * What tone really is—and why it's more complex than “high” or “low” * Rethinking shoulder slings: when they help, when they harm * Post-stroke splinting: timing, goals, and who it’s right for * Neuroplasticity, function, and why “late” isn’t too late * Seating, transfers, and pain management as essential goals * Powerful real-world stories that show the impact of the right intervention * How to manage expectations without losing hope This conversation is full of practical takeaways for therapists, rehab teams, and anyone working with post-stroke clients—and we’re hoping to continue it in a future episode. Connect with Andrea: 👉 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrea-hinckley-891677223/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrea-hinckley-891677223/] Find out more about Second Skin: https://www.secondskin.com.au/ [https://www.secondskin.com.au/] Email us : We’d love to hear from you. If you have any questions about this podcast, please email us at wheelchatpod@gmail.com Follow us : TikTok : https://www.tiktok.com/@wheelchat_podcast Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/wheelchat_podcast/ Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are solely those of Anthony and Justin.

Wheel Chat: Episode 15 – Power Chair Design, Drive Performance & the Dream Wheelchair with Alex Chesney

Back by popular demand, Alex Chesney returns to Wheel Chat! In this episode, Anton and Justin sit down once again with the brilliant neurological OT and clinical education lead from Quantum Rehab for a deep dive into power wheelchair technology, product design, and real-world performance. From the evolution of the Quantum Stretto and Edge 3 to navigating aesthetic vs. functional needs, crash testing realities, and what actually matters to users this conversation covers it all, with the usual mix of humour, insight, and honesty. What’s in this episode: * Why aesthetics, performance, and power base layout all matter * The evolution of Quantum’s Stretto and how it compares to the Edge 3 * Front-wheel drive for bariatric clients and oedema: clinical benefits and limitations * Crash testing, transport tie-down myths, and international funding frustrations * Global wheelchair wish lists: what the “dream chair” really looks like * Why innovation often stalls and how funding systems play a role * Alex’s inspiring work with RSVP Texas and what it takes to build grassroots access This one is packed with product insights, practical takeaways, and a few unexpected laughs. Whether you're a clinician, ATP, or just a power chair enthusiast, you won’t want to miss it. https://www.rsvptexas.org/ [https://www.rsvptexas.org/] https://quantumrehab.co.uk/ Email us : We’d love to hear from you. If you have any questions about this podcast, please email us at wheelchatpod@gmail.com Follow us : TikTok : https://www.tiktok.com/@wheelchat_podcast Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/wheelchat_podcast/ Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are solely those of Anthony and Justin.

Wheel Chat: Episode 14 – First-Time Power Mobility, Growth Planning & Small Fixes with Big Impact

In this episode of Wheel Chat, Anton Mitchell and Justin Boulos catch up to unpack a few standout cases from their week—including a powerful moment of first-time independent mobility for a young client with complex cerebral palsy needs. From clever adaptations and growth planning to the value of simplicity and knowing when not to start from scratch, this conversation is packed with practical strategies, clinical insights, and those feel-good moments that remind us why we do what we do. What’s in this episode: * Power wheelchair trial success: driving down fear and up a steep Blue Mountains driveway * Smart scripting for abduction, post-op spinal supports, and custom footrests * Simple tips for supporting safe learning in first-time power mobility users * Growth management in children’s wheelchairs: depth, width, and practical workarounds * Knowing when to refurbish vs. replace—and why a small fix can make a big difference * Why reps (yes, reps!) need to write better notes * The importance of celebrating small wins in the assessment and delivery process Whether you're a therapist, rep, parent, or AT enthusiast, this episode is full of the real-world reflections and relatable wins that make Wheel Chat what it is. Email us : We’d love to hear from you. If you have any questions about this podcast, please email us at wheelchatpod@gmail.com Follow us : TikTok : https://www.tiktok.com/@wheelchat_podcast Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/wheelchat_podcast/ Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are solely those of Anthony and Justin.