Therapists and caregivers can be plagued with musculoskeletal injuries, including muscles, tendons, ligaments, joints, nerves, blood vessels, or related soft tissue injuries, including sprains, strains, or inflammation. As a health care provider, if you become fatigued, you risk musculoskeletal imbalance. Preventing a musculoskeletal injury is attained when you apply the principles of body mechanics while assisting your residents with transfers. If your body is well-aligned when sitting or standing, the strain on muscles, tendons, ligaments, and joints is minimal. A lower center of gravity increases your stability, so bend those knees while keeping your back straight; this will bring your center of gravity closer to the base of your support. Then widen your base of support. Remember, unlike video games, there are no redoes in the real world.
Let’s discuss how you can decrease your chances of injury with the use of proper body mechanics and techniques. It’s best to start with some general considerations while working our way through the process.
- Allow the resident to help as much as possible.
- Maintain constant awareness by avoiding being drowsy or distracted while at work.
- Avoid the use of smartphones or devices while lifting. If you use one of these devices for work, have it in silent mode and vibration off when providing resident services.
- Always use a gait belt no matter how independent the resident/patient is.
- Keep all work at waist level, raise the bed if needed, avoid stooping and bending at the waist.
- Assess your resident’s weight and never lift more than you can comfortably handle. Ask for help.
- Tell your resident what you both will be doing, and before starting a movement, count with your resident, “1, 2, 3.”
- Assess the immediate environment noting that it is free of obstacles and that the floor is dry.
- Keep your feet shoulder-width apart and one foot a half-step ahead of the other.
- Keep the resident as close as possible to your center of gravity for balance during the transfer.
- Tighten your abdominal, gluteal, and leg muscles, breathe deeply, bend your knees and hips, keep your back straight and then lift.
- Do not stretch, reach, or twist as you lift. By doing this, you are at greater risk of moving your center of gravity outside of your base of support.
- If needed, use your feet to pivot. Lift with your legs, and if in doubt, ask for assistance.
Here are some ways you can prevent injuries outside the workplace:
- Provide yourself with good nutrition and hydration.
- Maintain your physical fitness.
- Continue to educate and assess your body mechanic techniques.
- Include a daily program for managing the stress in your life.