One of my clients has been helping her mom stand from a chair. She mentioned that occasionally she experiences low back pain. This prompted me to explore the best approach for assisting someone in this situation to minimize the risk of injury. Here’s what I found.
Proper Technique for Assisting
In the video I watched, a lady demonstrates the correct technique for helping someone stand from a chair. Instead of pulling their arms from the front, you should stand beside the person. Here’s the step-by-step method:
- Positioning: Ensure the person is sitting on the edge of the chair with their hands on the chair’s arms.
- Gaining Momentum: The person should swing their torso to gain momentum.
- Assistance: Help them by holding their back and chest, not their arms.
The video also covers two different methods depending on the level of assistance needed.
Things to Avoid
There are several key points to keep in mind to ensure safety:
- Never pull the person towards you: This can put both of you off balance and increase the risk of injury.
- Avoid allowing the person to hold you around the neck: Instead, they should hold onto your waist, shoulders, or arm if they require less support.
Exercise Standpoint for Helpers
If you are the helper, it’s important to incorporate these four principles to protect your own back:
- Engage the Core: Keep your abdominal muscles activated to provide stability.
- Maintain a Neutral Spine: Avoid rounding or arching your back.
- Proper Squat Form: Use your legs to lift, not your back.
- Stay Close: Always keep your body close to the person you are helping. The further away the object, the more strain on your lumbar spine.
Conclusion
Helping a loved one stand from a chair can be done safely by following the correct techniques and avoiding common mistakes. For those assisting, maintaining good body mechanics is crucial to prevent back injuries. For more detailed information, you can refer to the here.
By using these methods, you can ensure both you and your loved one stay safe and comfortable.
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