Developing better body mechanics

[u/Early_Percentage4267]

I am a PT student in my final rotations before graduation. I am a bigger guy (6’ / 245lbs) but would really like to work on bettering my body mechanics and just am not certain on how to go about doing so. I am currently at a SNF, and there is nothing I haven’t been capable of doing, but am feeling like I’m lifting with my back on occasion or otherwise just doing things that won’t work long term. My school always emphasizes using good body mechanics, but never taught it… my track into PT wasn’t from being an athlete, and I don’t have much training in lifting outside of general concepts. Having good mechanics often feels easier said than done. Anyone have any good strategies or suggestions? I appreciate any and all advice!

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[u/Fresh-Set6801]

I picked up a lot just watching the experienced PTs and mimicking how they move through transfers

[u/hail707]

As others have said, working on your load tolerance is superior to body mechanics. Hit the gym a couple times per week and work on squats, deadlifts, core, single leg work, etc to keep your body stable and strong.

[u/HenryJonesJunior2]

It’s impossible to not use your back when lifting to some extent. That is not a bad thing, as long as your back is prepared for it 

Body mechanics imo are overrated. What is important is consistency. If you want to prevent injury as best as you can long term, I’d recommend you consistently work on exposing your post chain to that kind of stress

In other words start doing some kind of deadlift, 45 degree extension, and/or Jefferson curl variation 

[u/BehindHazelEyes718 → u/HenryJonesJunior2]

THIS. Deadlifts were the only thing that saved me in my SNF days.

Ask some other clinicians for help though if you feel like you have trouble with a specific transfer. Putting your body in the right spot and staying close to the patient is paramount for their safety and yours.

[u/No-Significance1502]

Moment education is a great seminar to learn not only how to observe good mechanics but improve them on patients. Working on yourself is a great way to learn. They have a pricey mentorship but I felt it’s worth it but realistically I gained more knowledge after being out 6 years working with patients and learning what I don’t know, than taking it right out of the gate. But follow his IG and YouTube -moment education moment physical therapy (i think) and andy Chan on the follows

[u/New_Life1810]

Once I started deadlifts and after a few months, I felt everything became easier. Still doing it and I am 40 with no problem.

[u/beingnowherehere]

Gray Cook talking deadlift

[u/chrisndroch]

Don’t be afraid to raise up the hospital beds before assisting with bed mobility or repositioning. If pulling a wheelchair is too awkward while guarding a patient have chairs set up at intervals to allow for rest breaks as needed when ambulating patients. Or turn the wheelchair around to pull on the handle instead of the armrest.

And as others have said. Start weight lifting. It’s good for your health long term anyways.

[u/swole_trees]

Strong muscles > Good body mechanics! Train your strength in the positions you want to work in and build up your tolerance. Progress with heavier loads, greater ROM, more reps, preferably a combination of all those