The Optimal Foundation: Good Posture and Body Mechanics

Teaching a client to use proper body mechanics and correct posture is important to ensure that the spine is properly distributing the weight of the body. The spine has four normal curves: two "forward facing" or lordosis in the cervical and lumbar portions of the spine and two "backward curves" or kyphosis in the thoracic and sacral portions of the spine. This ideal body alignment ensures that the muscles and organs function properly. If a deformity is the result of poor posture (slouching or a forward head posture) then the client could see issues with organ function, pain when sleeping or lying down. Good body mechanics also reduces the chance of injury. This is especially true for someone who is working on their feet for long periods of time, engages in heavy lifting or prolonged sitting. A work-related injury can result in loss of a job, temporary loss of income and could potentially put stress on the household dyanimcs and the mental state of the client.

Retrieved from:
https://www.columbian.com/news/2016/jan/25/align-yourself-with-a-good-sitting-posture/

My client who has faulty posture and poor body mechanics works in an office setting. In order to teach or correct a faulty posture I would try different chairs for my client and see which one would work best for them and the work envrionment keeping in mind the ideal sitting position (open angle beteen the torso and thighs, full thigh support, center of gravity positioned behing the ischial tuberosities and reducing lumbar lordosis). If finding a new chair for the client is not an option, I would teach the client the proper sitting position with the chair they have and possibly modify the chair with a lumbar log or an under the desk footrest to create a neutral pelvic motion. Good posture and body mechanics are two ways to prevent back pain therefore if my client is ever lifting any heavy objects on the job (reams of paper or replacing the water dispencer) I would teach them about a proper lifting technique. This technique includes keeping the feet flat on the floor, bending at the knees into a squat, keeping the weight close to the body and the back as erect as possible The best way to teach this would be by example or video instruction so I could correct in real-time and provide feedback.

Until next time,
Sam the Student