Body Mechanics

Body mechanics refers to the way we move our body. Posture is an important component in body mechanics. Good posture generally means the spine is in a neutral or resting position. The four normal curves of the spine are natural. This position is not static (fixed and is individual. ! neutral spine is one in which the position is comfortably maintained by the discs" bones" and ligaments.

The four curves of the spine are #ervical $ordosis" Thoracic %yphosis" $umbar $ordosis and &acral %yphosis.

The purpose of this information is to help you minimi'e in(ury to your spine. To do this you need to be proactive and learn some basic )preventive) body activities A Complex Structure !s we age our spines change. !ssociated with aging are normal degenerative processes that can affect the vertebrae" facet (oints and discs. Trauma" wear and tear" disease and poor body mechanics can alter the structural integrity of the spine. *our spine is a complex arrangement of bones" (oints" muscles" ligaments" discs" a spinal cord and nerves. +n a healthy spine the vertebrae" facet (oints and discs are vertically stac,ed" held together by a system of ligaments that help support the alignment while allowing movement within a safe range.

Lateral (Side) View of Spinal Structures

Ligaments in the Spine

The discs absorb shoc, from the changing weight loads applied to the spine from excessive- as well as normal activities such as wal,ing" running" lifting and so on. The spines four natural curves also help to evenly distribute these loads" while providing structural support and stability. .acet (oints and the discs allow the spine to bend and twist. /ifferent muscles coordinate movement in many directions. The brain" spinal cord and nerves" the bodys message delivery system" orchestrates movement.

Medically Accepted Bed Positioning

When placing either the Long or Short Form roll the client beyond where you would like them to be supported. Place the edge of the flap just under the margin where the clients body meets the bed surface. After placing the pillow form roll the client back over the flap. he client should be positioned at about a !" degree angle to the bed surface. ake care not to allow the client to rest at an angle more severe than #" degrees. After placing the Long Form or Short Form the shoulder touching the bed should be just visible above the pillow form. he client should be able to comfortably roll back to the body of the form when placed correctly. he Short Form is $ inches shorter than the Long Form and is designed for individuals shorter than $ foot % inches tall. After positioning the back supports& place a standard pillow below the knees flat to the bedsurface and a standard pillow between the knees to create the correct angles of rest and protect the sides of the knees from pressure sores. When not supporting the back the pillow forms should be placed under the knees as the client lies supine. his position will relieve the tension on the clients thigh and stomach muscles. his will also help a client to maintain the back lying position for a longer period of time. he Abductor is best to use post operatively after the physician has released the client from mobility restrictions subse'uent to hip replacement surgery. (t is also good to gently position clients who suffer from fungal infections obtained when the patients groin is never open to the air. he Leg (mmobili)er guides the ankles to a more beneficial upright position and decreases the grinding action a client will adopt at the heel when lying on their back. (t is recommended that the client uses an ine*pensive heel

protector found in any surgical supply store while using the Leg (mmobili)er.
Moving & Turning AClient

1. /evelop your legs" an,les and feet through exercise. 2. !s, someone who has ta,en ballet to give you some balance exercises. 3. +mprove your posture. 4. 5or, toward a better and more consistent dance frame. 6. 7very time you get off balance on the dance floor as, yourself why. 8. Practice dancing to slower tempo music. 9. 7very time you attend a dance lesson or wor,shop as, about balance. :. 5hile you are practicing a move" stop and chec, your foot position. !re your feet in the best position for balance; <. !re you using your partner for balance; 1=. >ever ?uit wor,ing on balance. Be tough on yourself and practice.

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