Reducing Injuries Through Proper Lifting

Did you know that lifting any object improperly could cause pain and injury? We pick up something every day, and if we’re not watchful, we might hurt ourselves. In fact, Physical Therapists treat patients on a regular basis who have sustained an injury for improper lifting.

Improper Lifting Can Cause Pain and Injury

Our bodies are actually quite capable of lifting relatively heavy objects without sustaining damage. Proper body mechanics during the lifting process positions the body correctly to lift objects and prevent an excess amount of force to be applied to one body part.

The most common areas of the body that are injured when poor lifting mechanics occur are the shoulders, low back and knees. Physical Therapists can treat the injury site and will teach the patient specific exercises that will help to increase the strength and flexibility of that body part as well as the entire body, helping to prevent future injuries.

Learning the Proper Body Mechanics of Lifting

Proper body mechanics during a lift provides optimal positioning of the body to prevent injury. The joints are protected from excess compressive and/or sheer forces, and the muscles are at a length that enables them to generate maximum force when they are contracted which moves the object more easily and stabilizes the joints that are involved in the lifting process.

When someone lifts an object, she should keep it close to their center of gravity. Squatting down very close to the object and lifting it with the use of the legs and buttocks can achieve this. The “S” curve of the spine should be maintained at all times during the lift. If the Lumbar Spine “reverses” during the lift, a major injury can occur to the joints or soft tissue. The knees should be kept in alignment with the hips and not allowed to move into the “knock-knee” position. This position can place a tremendous amount of excess force on the knees and cause an injury.

Use Lumbar Supports Correctly

Lumbar support belts can be used to help prevent injuries to the low back, but they must be used correctly. The belt should be pulled tight when the lifting process is actually going to occur. This helps to increase the intra-abdominal pressure that helps to support the Lumbar Spine.

Please note that if the belt is worn tightly around the waist throughout the course of the day, the musculature of the lumbar spine and abdominal wall can develop dependence on the belt. This could cause these muscles to become weaker, and not work as efficiently to help protect those body parts.

Physical Therapy For Recovery and Prevention

Physical Therapists can help patients recover from current injuries and provide training to help prevent future injuries. They can offer specific a rehabilitation program to restore normal function of an injured body part. Then they will teach patients lifting mechanics and the proper ways to lift different-sized objects for future safety.