Body Mechanics—It’s All About YOU!
Your automobile and other important equipment work based on mechanical principles. Each part is made to work a certain way and to work with specific other parts. Your body is much the same. Certain parts are for certain activities and perform best when they are used the way they were intended. You have some control over making your individual parts work better and stronger. You also have control over whether or not you use them wisely. The proper use of your body is called Body Mechanics.
Body Mechanics involves standing and moving one’s body so as to prevent injury, avoid fatigue, and make the best use of strength. When you learn how to move, control and balance your own body, you can more easily and safely control and help or move another person. Back injuries are common among caregivers and many such injuries are preventable. Use your leg muscles instead of your back.
Proper Body Mechanics – Helpful caregiver advice for moving a person.
These pointers are to protect the caregiver only. Be sure to get training for the steps of a specific move or transfer.
- Before starting a move, count with the person, “1-2-3.”
- To feel in control, get close to the person you are moving or lifting.
- Keep your back in a neutral position, knees bent, weight distributed between both feet. Tighten your stomach and back muscles to maintain a correct support position.
- Use your arms to support the person.
- Again, let your legs do the lifting.
- Turn, rather than twist, your body.
- Breathe deeply.
- Keep your shoulders relaxed.
General Rules
The following hints will help you use proper body mechanics and be safe.
- Only lift as much as you can comfortably handle.
- Always let the person you are helping know what you are going to do.
- To create a base of support, stand with your feet 8-12” apart with one foot a half step ahead of the other to create a base of support as you move.
- Bend your knees slightly.
- Keep your spine in a neutral (normal arched, not stiff) position while lifting.
- USE YOUR LEGS instead of your back to do most of the work—leg muscles are stronger muscles than your back muscles.
- If you are able to adjust the bed, keep the top at about waist level. If it is low or you are tall, put one foot on a foot stool to relieve pressure on your lower back.
- When needing to give a lot of assistance with transfers, tie a strong belt or a transfer belt around the person’s waist and hold it as you complete the transfer. In some situations, you may need a lift device, such as a Hoyer lift, to help you.
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