The Importance of Proper Lifting Technique

Understanding the importance of proper lifting techniques can help you avoid injury in the future. Dr. Nicholas Delaney is an Orthopedist in Tenafly, NJ and understands how crucial it is to lift using proper technique, and is experienced in treating injuries that occur when proper technique is not used. There are many ways to injure yourself when lifting objects, and some injuries will not be immediately apparent. A lot of people end up needing treatment for injuries that they endured throughout their employment where they were repeatedly lifting objects improperly. If you are in need of expert orthopedic care, contact New York Sports Medicine Institute today.

What is Proper Lifting Technique?

A major part of proper lifting technique is to never bend at the waist to lift something, as this can cause back injuries. To avoid this make sure you bend at the knees and keep your back straight, lifting with your leg muscles instead of your back. Injuries from lifting with your back may take some time to be seen, sometimes not coming to light for many years. Some other proper lifting techniques to follow include:

Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart.
Make sure you have ample space to safely lift the object.
Wear properly fitting footwear
Hold the object close to your body.
Do not obscure your vision in any way.

Why are Proper Lifting Techniques Important?

Dr. Nicholas Delaney, an experienced Orthopedist in Tenafly, NJ, understands how important it is to use proper technique when lifting. Practicing these techniques will ensure you are pain-free and minimize the deterioration in your joints, muscles, and ligaments that can happen as you age. Reasons why you need to practice proper technique when lifting any object include:

Reduce the risk of injury.
Promoted back health.
Ensures you can safely complete job tasks.
Ensures you can safely participate in sports and other activities.

What Injuries Can Happen Due To Improper Lifting?

Injuries can vary depending on many factors such as occupation, objects lifted, and the physical health of the person lifting. If you suspect you might have experienced an injury resulting from lifting something, you should consult an Orthopedist in Tenafly, NJ. The specialist will examine you for any signs of damage, diagnose findings, and develop a specialized treatment plan. Some of the most common injuries caused by improper lifting techniques include:

Rotator cuff tearing.
A ligament sprain where the fibrous tissue between bones tears.
Herniated or displaces vertebral discs (discs that act as shock absorbers in your spine located in between vertebrae).
Sprains or tears of the muscles in your back.

What Measures Can I Take Prior To Lifting?

In addition to following proper lifting techniques, there are things you can do prior to lifting to further prevent injury. Including these measures can relieve built-up tension in your muscles and prepare your body for the lift you are about to do. Some of these measures include:

Stretching prior to lifting.
Wear properly fitting footwear.
Consult an Orthopedist in Tenafly, NJ.

Improper Lifting Technique Injury Treatment

There are many ways that someone can injure themselves when lifting stuff, and there are many ways to treat those injuries. The severity, location, and age of the injury can all affect the treatment plan. Common aspects of treating injuries resulting from improper lifting technique include:

Pain Management – an over-the-counter pain reliever such as Ibuprofen can be used to relieve pain while also reducing inflammation.
Surgery – Surgery may be used to repair damage such as herniated discs or torn muscles and ligaments. This route is usually not the first method of treatment.
Physical Therapy – physical therapy may be needed to restore function to the damaged area. This can include manual therapy, heat or cold treatment, stretches, and massages.
Rest – our Orthopedist in Tenafly, NJ would recommend that you rest when you are recovering from an injury. This will prevent you from causing further injury to the affected area.

Contact Our Orthopedist in Tenafly, NJ

Dr. Nicholas Delaney at New York Sports Medicine Institute has many years of experience diagnosing and treating injuries resulting from improper techniques when lifting. Ranging from strained back muscles to herniated and misaligned vertebrae discs, improper lifting techniques can have long-lasting negative effects. Injuries resulting from improper lifting might be noticed immediately, however, these injuries can sometimes take years to be noticed. Consulting a back specialist on the proper lifting form, injury treatment, and other preventative measures can be a great way to preserve the health of your soft tissues and prevent disruptions in your normal activities. Contact us today to learn more!