Proper Posture and Body Mechanics

Proper posture is one thing that we hear about all the time but to be honest, most people will push it off (like myself) and do not actively practice it. Proper body mechanics is also something that most people have trouble with. For example, when picking something up off the floor, like a heavy box, most people will lift with their back instead of their legs. Poor posture and body mechanics can lead to a variety of issues. As Occupational therapists, we will need to learn to address these issues and help prevent our clients from developing these issues. 

4 reasons why proper posture and body mechanics are important: 

Poor posture and body mechanics can cause:

- abnormal development of structures in the body like bones, tendons, tissues, etc. 

- deterioration of bones, muscles, etc. 

- shortening and hardening of muscles, tendons, skin, etc.

- decreased proprioception 

- both poor posture and body mechanics can cause fatigue and stress on various aspects of the body

IN A SUM… poor posture and body mechanics can cause unnecessary and PREVENTABLE problems. It is essential to educate others/yourself and bring awareness to the proper posture and use of body mechanics.

Proper posture and body mechanics are all about maintaining balance of the body and providing a strong base of support for all parts. 

Ways to teach and use proper posture and body mechanics in intervention:

-      I would educate the client and use a method called the broom stick method to make sure that they are keeping their back in a neutral position, lifting objects with their legs, keeping their feet flat, and the object close to their body. Education is the first step for a client to know what it correct. 

-      I would also help my client when they deal with fatigue. For this, I would tell them to carry smaller loads if at all possible and to move their feet instead of twisting their body. I would also tell them to change positions and to take breaks in between lifts.