Lifting

Many lower back injuries come about as a result of poor lifting techniques, something that physiotherapists are uniquely placed to address. The following principles of safe lifting should be covered whenever you treat a patient with lower back pain.

Principles of safe lifting

• Assess the immediate area and load to be lifted.
• Bend the knees to lower the body to the level of the load.
• Keep feet shoulder width apart to ensure a broad, stable base.
• Keep the back straight (though not necessarily erect).
• Use a firm, palmar grip.
• Keep the arms close to trunk.
• Keep the load / weight close to the centre of gravity and within the base of support.
• Point / pivot the feet in the direction of the movement. Never rotate the trunk while lifting.
• Lift using the strong muscles in the legs, rather than the postural muscles in the trunk.
• If the load is too heavy for one person, wait until you can get help.