Proper posture and body mechanics are
important for a person to practice for many reasons. Posture is defined as relative
alignment of body parts. One of the reasons it is important for a client to
practice proper posture and body mechanics is because it protects the spine
from injury. The spine is crucial for a person because it provides mobility,
stability, transmits and absorbs forces and protects the spinal cord. Another
reason proper posture is important is because it prevents less fatigue. When a
person does not sit or stand properly it overworks the muscles causing more strain,
resulting in excess tiredness. Also, correct use of pushing, pulling and
lifting are much easier for a person who practices good posture. Lastly, poor
posture can result in abnormal development of bone, muscle, tendons, ligaments,
and other soft-tissue. These reasons, among many others, are important to express
to a client.
During an intervention with a
client, I would first find out how often they sit or stand during an average
day. If the client sits in a chair most of the day, I would advise they buy a
chair that does not have a back to it, also known as unsupported sitting
posture. For example, they could buy a balanced yoga ball so that it would require
their back to sit straight up. This allows an open angle between the pelvis and
thigh. If the client stands most of the day, I would go over proper ways to
stand with correct posture. One way is to stand straight with the shoulders
pulled backwards. Also, standing with the arms hanging naturally on the sides
of the body will better a person’s posture. I would demonstrate these stances
with the client, so they are aware of what it is supposed to look like. Also, I
would let the client know every time they are either sitting or standing with
poor posture, so they will become self-aware.
