Do You Use The Semi Squat Technique When Lifting?
The semi squat technique is just one of many different ways that you can use your body to move manual objects from the floor to waist level. In the past there has been a lot of talk about bending the knees and keeping the back straight and this has sometimes been misinterpreted in manual handling training circles. When people visualise “bend your knees and keep your back straight”, many people see this as the individual needing to keep their spine vertical to the ground. For anyone who has every lifted things off the floor, this is almost impossible to do. The idea has been set around keeping the spine in an upright neutral position to reduce loading on the back. As you can see from this image, the individual is able to maintain a relatively neutral back by using their hips and legs. For those of you who have ever performed the deadlift exercise, this is a very similar movement pattern. Whilst this movement pattern may not be suited to all people, it certainly will suit many people. This is movement that can be used for lifting objects from mid shin height to below waist level.
Next time you pick up an object, check yourself and see how you perform this.
This blog post was written by Osteopath and Work Health and Safety Consultant Heath Williams. Heath is owner and director or Principle Four Osteopathy and Corporate Work Health Australia.
Principle Four Osteopathy is one of Melbourne City CBD leading Osteopathy clinics. At the clinic we treat a wide range of clients, ranging from the office worker, exercise enthusiast to athlete. We have 3 experienced osteopaths working across both of the clinics.
The Melbourne City CBD clinic is located at 29 Somerset Place (basement), close to the corner of Elizabeth St and Little Bourke in the Melbourne City CBD. Our premises adjoin the Jon Weller Personal Training Studio, a fully-equipped training space which allows clients to combine their osteopathy treatment with exercise tutorials or specific training programs and rehabilitation.
The Docklands clinic is located at 717 Bourke St (Ground Floor), beneath the Channel 9 building near the walkway from Southern Cross Train Station to Etihad Stadium. Our premises adjoin Pilates on Bourke, a fully-equipped pilates and yoga training space which allows clients to combine their osteopathy treatment with exercise tutorials, pilates or specific training programs and rehabilitation.
To speak to an Osteopath or book an appointment at Principle Four Osteopathy, please book online or call 03 9670 9290.