body mechanics

Clients need to know the importance of proper posture and body mechanics for many reasons including avoiding injury, improving skeletal and muscular balance, avoiding development of abnormal curves in the spine, and allowing muscles and organs to function properly. If a client is taught how to reach back and push from a steady surface as opposed to pulling on a walker or reaching to hold the therapist while standing, it can greatly decrease the chances of injury to both individuals. Also, teaching our clients how to lift with their legs when lifting a heavy load is important to minimize the risk of injury to their back. When the client has proper posture and body mechanics they will also have increased balance which will greatly help in reducing the risk of falls which can lead to more independence. Sway back or flat back are abnormal curves that can occur in the spine due to improper posture. Correcting these abnormalities in the spine early can greatly reduce the risk of them becoming worse over time. In addition, having faulty posture and body mechanics can cause organs to not work properly due to a decrease in space to function. For example, if a client has a forward slumped posture they are decreasing the amount of space in their chest for their lungs to expand to inhale and exhale. One way that I would advise my client to work on correcting their posture and body mechanics would be to use a broom handle across their back to practice lifting with their legs and keeping their back straight to prevent improper lifting. If the broom does not stay flat across their back then they do not have the correct technique for a safe lift. Any client who spends a lot of time seated should use different adjustments to their chairs and surroundings to allow for proper posture. For clients who sit at a desk during the day a chair with a back support or a cushion can improve their posture. For clients who tend to travel and spend a lot of time on the road advising them to roll up a towel and place one behind their neck and one behind their back to provide the correct posture while driving could be an option for them. 

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