Safe & appropriate use of body

mechanics in the workspace

Savannah Walker & Emma Vaitkevicius
 Demonstrate safe and appropriate use of body
mechanics without requiring cueing to maintain
proper posture.

Correctly explain which shoe type would be

Objectives most appropriate for you based on your foot
shape to prevent adverse effects in the future.

Understand the importance of appropriate

and safe body mechanics are to the
workday in preventing pain and injury.
What are proper posture &
Body mechanics?
• Proper body mechanics requires coordination &
integration of information both within & between the
musculoskeletal system & the nervous system for
maintenance of balance & body alignment while
performing activities of daily living.1
• Proper posture & body mechanics allows our body to
perform activities with the least amount of energy
required & facilitates injury prevention for both
healthcare providers and the children.1
https://steemit.com/health/@align-yourself/correct-lifting-technique
Proper body alignment
• Plumb Line
• Middle of external auditory meatus
• Middle of shoulders
• Middle of torso
• Middle of greater trochanter
• Anterior to midline of knees
• Anterior to ankle
http://treaty0u.blogspot.com/2015/06/so-hows-your-plumb-line.html
 Why do proper posture &
body mechanics matter?
https://osteowest.com.au/finding-the-balance-upper-crossed-
• Poor posture & body mechanics can lead to:
https://physioworks.clinic/lower-cross-syndrome-symptoms-and-treatment/
syndrome/
• Increased intradiscal pressure on your spine
• Muscle imbalances
• PAIN ! !

https://www.alleviatepainclinic.com/blog/are-you-suffering-from-disc-pain-know-more-about-slipped-disc-disc-
prolapse/ https://www.drfryer.ca/disc-height/
 Improved postural awareness is correlated with
Why are Proper improved pain symptoms2

Posture & body SLPs on average spend 20% of work week documenting
mechanics = 8 hours a week3

important as a 30+ years of employment

Speech Language
Pathologist? Educating yourself allows you to educate your patients
& their family members!
 Spot the difference
Point out what aspects of her sitting posture that you think are good & bad!
How should I lift?

APTA Posture Tips For Mom

• Avoid twisting
• Keep child close to your body
• Childs level before lift
• Avoid resting on hip
• Keep back and head straight
How Can you implement it?
•Pain = Indicator of body mechanics
•Learning takes practice
•Be active and stretch!
How can you implement it?
• Incorporate ergonomic equipment
• Attentive of body mechanics in all scenarios
• Child chair vs. sitting on floor
• Bring computer to you, not you to computer

https://www.performancehealth.com/articles/ergonomics-tips-and-stretches-for-working-at-home
 Pain from posture & poor body mechanics? Here is what you can do!

Back of head
touching wall
Chin Level
Spine Extension on Foam Roller Upper back &
Bend knees to decrease tension on low back shoulders
touching wall
Cat + Cow

Curve in low
back Pelvis level &
in contact with
wall
Trunk Extension with Chair
 Wall Snow Angles Upper Back & Neck Stretch

Tips
1. Hold for 90 seconds = 30sec x 3, 10sec x 9
2. perform multiple time per day
3. strengthen what you stretch
Hamstring Stretch
Hip Flexor Stretch

Childs Pose
side bending variation to increase stretch on
each side
Feet Things
Pes Planus
“Flat Feet”

Neutral ankle & foot

alignment

Pes Cavus
“High Arch”

https://midwestpodiatrycenters.com/conditions/heel-and-arch-pain/
https://sikasok.com/blogs/blog/the-wet-test-know-your-foot-shape-and-get-the-right-shoes

- Assess your feet at home -

FEET THINGS
• Stability Shoe: extra arch-side support,
high–density foam, gentle arch,
rearfoot stability, forefoot flexibility
• Cushioning Shoe: curved insole,
lightweight material, minimal rigidity,
optimal cushioning
• Motion Control Shoe: rigid, high- https://www.sfpodiatry.com.au/post/2016/07/11/a-podiatrists-guide-to-finding-the-perfect-running-shoes
density foam, increased stability,
prevent over-pronation
Do your research
• Stability: Hoka Arachu 6 Stability Running Sneaker
• Motion Control: Brooks Adrenaline GTS 18
• Cushioning: Saucony Guide 15 Cushioned Sneaker

Take Home Message:

Finds what is best for you!
References
1. Fairchild SL, O’Shea RK, Pierson FM. Pierson and Fairchild’s Principles and Techniques of
Patient Care. Elsevier; 2023.
2. Cramer H, Mehling WE, Saha FJ, Dobos G, Lauche R. Postural awareness and its relation to
pain: validation of an innovative instrument measuring awareness of body posture in patients
with chronic pain. BMC Musculoskelet Discord. 2018;19:109.
3. Bartlett R. Too much sitting may be hazardous to your health. An SLP offers tips to get you
moving at work. ASHWIRE. Publish Febuary 1 2018.
https://leader.pubs.asha.org/doi/10.1044/leader.MIW.23022018.34. Accessed July 11 2023.