The Mechanics of Lifting
- Back Basics:
The back is made up of movable bones called vertebrae and shock absorbers called discs between each vertebra. Ligaments and muscles that help keep the back aligned in three balanced curves support these structures. You know your back is aligned correctly when your ears, shoulders, and hips are in a straight line.
- Unsafe Transfer Technique:
When you transfer, it’s important to keep your back in balance. If you bend at your waist and extend your upper body to transfer an individual, you upset your back’s alignment and the center of balance. You force your spine to support the weight of your body and the weight of the person you are lifting. This example is called overload. You can avoid overloading your back by using good transfer techniques.
- Safe Transfer Technique:
When you bend at the knees and hug the person close to you as you do your transfers, you keep your back in alignment and let the stronger muscles in your thighs do the actual work. You do not have to extend your upper body and are able to maintain your center of balance. Always remember it helps to go down in your transfers; never try to be transferring an individual up. Keep the wheelchair as close as you can to the bed when you are transferring in and out of bed. If you are transferring from the chair to the bed, it’s always best to use a wheelchair where the leg rests swing out; this allows you to get closer to the person. Also, by removing the arm of the wheelchair it keeps you from having to try to transfer over the arm; this can be dangerous to both you and the person you are transferring. Some persons may use transfer boards to help with the transfer.
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