Proper body mechanics and Posture

Considering that 80% of the adult population will have low pain back at some point in their life and 90% of the population has bulging disc, it is very important to spread knowledge of correct posture and body mechanics. Teaching proper posture and body mechanics can be an essential factor in saving your client from back pain, muscle tightness, or degeneration of spinal structures. Many individuals don't realize that simple task they do every day such as twisting while lifting, smoking, and poor footing can cause a bad back, which in result can effect his/her quality of life. Once an individual has been diagnosed with a back disorder, the things he/she is able to do do are limited. For example, with a back injury, it would be difficult for a father to play sports with his son, or a woman to do Zumba at the gym with her friends. Overall, the happiness of our client has been impacted. Another reason we should teach our client proper body mechanics is because if they were to be injured, it could be difficult to perform daily occupations and ADL's. Lastly, It is of the upmost importance to educate the clients who have a demanding job. Poor posture and faulty body mechanics in the work place are the major cause of injuries. Work injuries can be extremely costly for the employee as well as the company. 

If I had a client who worked at a desk all day, I would teach the slouch- overcorrect approach in therapy. By using this approach, she can correct her slouchy posture throughout the day. 

If I had a client who had a job picking up heavy objects during his work day, I would give him a demonstration of the proper way to lift. I would then give him an activity and watch him try for himself to see if he is practicing safe lifting.  (feet flat, legs bent, weight close to the body, back as erect as possible)