Have a seat: The importance of therapeutic surfaces & sitting
For individuals with limited mobility, chronic health conditions, or those recovering from injury, sitting isn’t just a passive activity—it’s a critical component of care.
The right seating surface can make a profound difference in comfort, clinical outcomes, and quality of life. In this webinar, we’ll explore the science behind therapeutic seating surfaces, including how they support posture, redistribute pressure, and help preserve skin integrity.
Whether you're a clinician, caregiver, or decision-maker, you'll gain practical insights into selecting and applying seating solutions that truly support healing and well-being from our expert speakers Andy Rich, MS, OTR/L, CSPHP and Curtis Schmitz, Director of Marketing during this interactive presentation.
Learning Objectives:
- Explain the clinical importance of therapeutic seating surfaces in preventing pressure injuries and supporting overall health in individuals with limited mobility.
- Identify key features and technologies in seating surfaces that promote pressure redistribution, postural alignment, and skin integrity.
- Apply assessment strategies and best practices to match individuals with appropriate seating solutions based on their unique needs and conditions.
Presenters
Andrew Rich MS, OTR/L, CSPHP
Clinical Solutions Manager - Arjo
Andy Rich received his Masters of Science in Occupational Therapy at Rush University. Upon graduation in 1997, he worked in the more traditional roles as an occupational therapist. In 2004, he entered the world of safe patient handling. He served as a member of on the board of directors for the Association of Safe Patient Handling Professionals. Andy uses his passion and creativity to help design safe patient handling products and programs that help both patients and caregivers remain safe while receiving or providing care. Andy speaks at numerous regional and national conferences on topics ranging from making a business case for a safe patient handling programs to how to create and sustain success in safe patient handling in the long term. For 20 years, he has worked as a consultant, clinical manager and solution manager for Arjo’s MOVE and PHD Program. Here he has led teams using behavioral based safety, right-just culture, system theory, improvisational comedy and simple strategies to infuse fun and passion into change initiatives creating results both his mother and clients are uber-proud of.
Curtis Schmitz
Director of Marketing, Patient Handling & Mobility - Arjo
Curtis Schmitz is a seasoned business leader with over 14 years of experience in product management and marketing, known for driving profitability and strategic growth across diverse healthcare and industrial sectors. Currently serving as a Director of Marketing at Arjo, Curtis leads patient handling and mobility initiatives for the U.S. healthcare market, leveraging his deep expertise in portfolio management and customer-centric strategy.Curtis has held multiple senior leadership roles in product management, overseeing large teams and managing business portfolios exceeding $100 million in annual revenue. His responsibilities have included full P&L ownership, strategic planning, vendor relationship management, and driving both short- and long-term growth initiatives.Throughout his career, Curtis has developed deep expertise in sourcing, product development, and technical support across various industries. His early professional experiences laid a strong foundation for his hands-on approach to problem-solving and customer service, which continues to shape his leadership style today.