Posture

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As defined in our notes posture is the relative alignment of body parts. The ideal posture alignment is when the center of gravity is centered over the base of support. It's important that the spine keeps its normal curves because it ensures that the weight is evenly distributed throughout the body. There are two lordotic curves, which are convex and there are two kyphotic curves, which are concave. The order of these curves is lordotic, kyphotic, lordotic, and kyphotic again. These curves provide mobility and stability of the spine and ensures the client to independently participate in ADLs and iADLs.
Another reason why it is important to teach a client proper posture and body mechanics is because it minimizes the risk of injury and/or progressive deformity. For example, if a client has poor posture and develops excessive thoracic kyphosis, which in lay terms is, "hunchback" or a "rounded" back. With this, the order of the curves goes kyphotic and then lordotic which is backwards of what it should be. This leads to a loss of height and shortening and stressing of the sub-occipital muscles otherwise known as the neck muscles. One last reason why it is important to have good posture is because it allows the muscles and organs to function optimally! Excessive spinal curvature can leaded to weakened muscles like stated above. 

When teaching my client about proper posture and body mechanics, education is key. Many work related injuries are because people are just unaware of how to properly lift, move, etc. One thing I would teach my client is when lifting a heavy object to make sure they keep the object weight close to their body, to keep their body erect as possible (demonstrate this with a ruler against the back), and to make sure their legs are bent and feet flat on the ground. Along with lifting, I would teach them to make sure they do not twist their trunk while lifting. Instead to use their feet to pivot around if necessary. Also, with heavy lifting they need to plan it out ahead of time. For example, if they are moving around they need to clear their pathway of any tripping hazards such as extension cords, animals, furniture arrangement, etc. 


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