Proper Posture & Body Mechanics

It is important for our clients to have proper posture and body mechanics not only to actively function in their occupations, but also for their safety. It is important to teach proper posture because improper posture can contribute to back pain, muscle weakness/tightness, acute or progressive degeneration of bones, muscles, tendons, ligaments, etc. This can lead to a decrease in quality of life, and poor posture can contribute to chronic pain and stiffness which can affect a client’s ADLs. Not only can improper posture contribute to physical pain, there are societal implications too. Individuals with bad posture can be seen as unfriendly, lazy, and unhealthy, even if this is not true. It is also important to teach proper body mechanics to a client to prevent injuries when working, lifting, reaching, pulling, bending, and performing repetitive motions. By teaching the client good body mechanics we can provide them with information that will help them safely function in either every day occupations, and decrease the risk of injury and falls.

If I had a client who worked at an office or who had to sit in a chair most of the day, I would teach them the slouch-overcorrect technique to remind them to be conscious of their posture throughout the day. I know that I sometimes find myself slouching, especially now that I am sitting and working on my computer a lot more. I would ask my client to implement this technique throughout their work day/week to practice proper posture. If I had a client who was elderly and lived alone I would teach them about the Golfer’s lift. Too often I have seen my grandma reach down for something on the ground by only slightly bending her knees and flexing her trunk over her lower extremity, throwing off her center of gravity. By teaching my elderly client the Golfer’s lift, I will teach them to keep their weight over their femur, keep their spine straight like a board, and hold onto a supporting surface if needed to provide extra support. This way when they are home alone their risk of falling over trying to pick something up will decrease and improve their safety.