Submitted by: Chelsie Lisa F. Salonga
Submitted to: Prof. Marilyn C. Dulig-Cabanes
2nd yr PD-DLF
Body Mechanics * The application of kinesiology to the use of proper body movement in daily activities, to the prevention and correction of problems associated with posture, and to the enhancement of coordination and endurance. * The field of physiology that studies muscular actions and the function of muscles in maintaining body posture. Knowledge gained from such studies is especially important in the prevention of injury during the performance of tasks that require the body to lift and move.
What are good body mechanics?
Good body mechanics involve moving and positioning your body in such a way as to promote healing and to prevent back or neck injury. To be effective, good body mechanics need to be practiced everyday during all activities including working, resting, and exercise. In essence, good body mechanics are a “prescription” for keeping your back and neck healthy. Some important points to remember are listed below: …show more content…
1.
Keep your body in a balanced, comfortable and aligned position at all times. Movements and positions that cause poor alignment of the spinal column put strain on the nerves and should be avoided.
• Avoid straight leg raising. Bend forward from your hips and knees. Bend your knees to bring the foot up for ease of dressing.
• Do not cross your legs.
• Do not elevate your feet or legs on a footstool.
• Avoid driving until approved by your surgeon.
• Sit in firm, straight chairs with arms. Avoid soft, overstuffed or low chairs. 2. Arrange work areas so things are above the hip level and below the shoulder level. This prevents bending, stooping or reaching.
• Avoid heavy housework
3. Lie down to rest. When lying on your side, keep a pillow between your knees. • Use a supportive mattress for spinal alignment and to alleviate pain caused by stress on affected nerves.
4. Take frequent
walks.
• Use caution to avoid twisting of the back when walking on rough or uneven surfaces or when stepping off curbs.
• Stay indoors during icy and snowy weather.
• Do stairs as tolerated or as directed by your doctor. Use the handrail or banister. Go slowly.
5. Pace your activities so that you don’t get over tired.
6. After your surgeon has approved lifting, bend your hips and knees while lifting. • Limit lifting to 5 pounds (a gallon of milk).
• Keep objects close to your body when carrying them.
• Carry objects with two hands and at chest and shoulder level.
• When lifting, squat down, flex your hips and knees and push the buttocks out. In this position, the large muscles of the thighs and buttocks carry the weight, rather than the back muscles.
• Lift with your legs, not your back.
• In general, pushing objects is safer than pulling.
Things to be observed
Posture refers to keeping the bones in the back in their natural curves. Normally the backbones are shaped in an ‘S’ with 3 natural curves. When you have proper posture, you reduce the risk of back pain. This will help you to breathe better and have more energy.
Standing Posture:
• Stand tall.
• Keep feet shoulder width apart.
• Balance your weight equally on both legs.
• Avoid leaning to one side.
• Rest your arms relaxed at your side.
• Relax your shoulders down, not close to your ears.
• Keep your chin tucked in.
Remember . . .
Ears over shoulders over hips
Sitting Posture:
• Keep lower back supported. Using a rolled towel may help.
• Keep feet supported.
• Keep head upright.
• Avoid slouching or slumping while sitting.
Sleeping Posture:
• Support the curves of the spine when both lying on your side and on your back. This reduces the strain on your back. • Use pillows to support the curves.
• Avoid a mattress that is too soft or too firm. Remember:
• Avoid sitting, standing or lying in one position for too long.
• Change your position every 30 to 45 minutes.
• Stretch after 30 to 45 minutes. Body Mec
Reasons for the Use of Body Mechanics
The use of body mechanics is to avoid the following:
* Excessive Fatigue * Muscle strains or tears * Skeletal injuries * Injury to the patient * Injury to assisting staff members
Principles of Body Mechanics A. Maintain a Stable Center of Gravity. * Keep your center of gravity low. * Keep your back straight * Bend at the knees and hips. B. Maintain a Wide Base of Support. This will provide you with maximum stability while lifting. * Keep your feet apart * Place one foot slightly ahead of the other. * Flex your knees to absorb jolts. * Turn with your feet. C. Maintain the Line of Gravity. The line should pass vertically through the base of support. * Keep your back straight. * Keep the object being lifted close to your body. D. Maintain Proper Body Alignment. * Tuck in your buttocks. * Pull your abdomen in and up. * Keep your back flat. * Keep your head up. * Keep your chin in. * Keep your weight forward and supported on the outside of your feet.
Techniques of Body Mechanics
Lifting 1. Use the stronger leg muscles for lifting. 2. Bend at the knees and hips; keep your back straight. 3. Lift straight upward, in one smooth motion.
Reaching
1. Stand directly in front of and close to the object. 2. Avoid twisting or stretching. 3. Use a stool or ladder for high objects. 4. Maintain a good balance and a firm base of support. 5. Before moving the object, be sure that it is not too large or too heavy.
Pivoting
1. Place one foot slightly ahead of the other.