Body Mechanics Education

Presented by: [name]

OverviewA. Basic Anatomy

B. Muscle Length Tension Curve

C. Proper Lifting Techniques

D. Golfer’s Maneuver

E. Sit/Stand/Lie

F. Lifting Belts

G. Activities of Daily Living

Ligaments

Bones/Joints

Back Discs

Nerves

Movement

Back Muscles

How do we move?

Muscles

From base of skull to tailbone region.

Some straight up and down. Some in a diagonal fashion. Are primary movers of

lower back.

Ligaments Support structure of the body’s joints.

Prevent two bones from separating.

Still allow appropriate mobility.

Bones/Joints Vertebrae.

One vertebrae meets another - 2 facet joints.

This is where back movement occurs.

Back Discs Hard outer shell – fluid nucleus. Bending forward fluid tends to go

backward. Bending backward fluid tends to go

forward.

Nerves Originate in the brain. Go down to the toes. Carry messages from brain to rest of

body. Allowing movement, sensation, reflexes,

etc.

Any muscle in the body, when it is in a stretched position, is not able to exert as much force.If a muscle is a shortened position, again, it is not able to exert as much force.Muscles are designed to function optimally when at a specific length.

Muscle Length Tension Curve

When we bend forward at the waist, we are putting some of our lower back muscles on stretch resulting in an inability of these muscles to generate a lot of force.When we twist at the spine, we are putting additional muscles in a position of stretch.

Muscle Length Tension Curve

Often we put these muscles on stretch before we perform a lifting activity resulting in a high level of vulnerability.The muscles in the lower back were designed to function optimally with the lower back in a neutral (straight) position.

Muscle Length Tension Curve

Proper Lifting Techniques

Above shoulder lifting.Above shoulder lifting. Floor level lifting.Floor level lifting. Mid level lift.Mid level lift. Push/pull.Push/pull.

Golfer’s ManeuverThis is a maneuver when the surroundings is such that perfect body mechanics cannot be usedBy extending one hip it helps to maintain the lumbar spine in a more neutral position, therefore creating the actual flexion at the hip rather than the lower back.This allows the muscles to maintain a neutral position, therefore taking advantage of the muscle length tension curve.

Sitting Maintaining lumbar lordosis. Maintaining feet on ground. Proper lower back position. Mini breaks.

Standing Increased lordosis will cause facet

pain Pelvic Tilting One foot up helps reduce lumbar

spine. Mini breaks.

Lying Correct head positioning is

important

Improper positioning - ramifications.

How to use a pillow.

Why use lifting belts?

Helps stabilize the lumbar spine.

Muscles continue to work.

Reminds of proper positioning.

Points to considerWhen wearing a lifting belt:Utilization of proper lifting techniquesProper fittingErgonomics of workplace

                           

Activities of Daily Living

Doing the dishesSweeping/vacuumingGetting in and out of bedMowing the lawnDressing

Brushing teeth

Child careMaking the

bedGetting things

out of the trunkDriving a carLaundry

The End

Any Questions??