Proper Body Mechanics

PROPERBody Mechanics

It is vital to practice proper posture and body mechanics at all times in order to promote a healthy spine and reduce the risk of injuries including fracture.

What is proper posture?

Proper posture is the position of your body that keeps bones and joints in the alignment where the least strain is placed on supporting muscles and ligaments with movement.

Avoid twisting your torso

Do not bend forward

When lifting objects

bend with hip and knees while keeping your back straight.

instead make sure to move your feet when you need to turn.

bend your knees and keep your back straight.

Avoid activities that overload your spine

Avoid lifting objects above shoulder level

When exercising, avoid positions that cause bending

Plus avoid reaching over your head to retrieve something from a high shelf or cupboard.

when you are in a bent position, i.e., putting wet laundry in the dryer.

or round ending in your spine (i.e., crunches) and any high impact exercises.

Why is it important?

Health care professionals who delivers direct care to patients, are often in situations where they have to assist with moving patients from one position to another. Even offering an arm to help stabilize a patient could have disastrous results with inadequate knowledge of body mechanics.

Source: https://rehabconceptspt.com/bone-health-series-part-four-of-four-posture-and-safe-movement/