Moving your body in “smart” ways helps save energy. It also helps protect you from the risk of injuring yourself.
Standing Up
- To stand, scoot to the edge of the chair.
- Lean forward slightly so your nose is over your toes and breathe in.
- As you breathe out, push yourself up using your arms.
- Remember, it can be harder to get in and out chairs that are low, deep, or soft.
Climbing Stairs
- Breathe in before taking the first step.
- As you breathe out, put your leg on the step and push yourself up to the next step.
- Pause on the step and breathe in.
- Breathe out every time you step up.
- If you’re carrying oxygen, try using a portable unit with a shoulder or hip strap, or put it in a backpack.
Lifting and Carrying
- Get close to the object you are lifting.
- Bend at the hips and knees if you need to.
- Breathe in and get a good grip.
- Breathe out as you lift, using your legs to raise yourself and the object (if you had to pick it up from a lower surface.)
- Carry the load close to your body.
Pushing and Pulling
- When you push something, move your whole body along with the object.
- For example, you can hold your vacuum cleaner with both hands and then walk with it.
- Pulling can be easier than pushing sometimes.
Getting into and out of Bed
- When you are getting into bed, sit on the edge of the bed as you breathe out.
- Take a deep breath in, and and as you breathe out lay down on your side.
- When you are getting out of bed, roll onto your side facing the outer edge of the bed.
- Take a deep breath in and as you breathe out, press down with your arms to raise your body.
- Don’t twist your trunk when getting in and out of bed, make sure to move your body as one unit.
If you are having any difficulty performing the above activities, a physical therapist can help! Call Lifeline Therapy today to schedule your appointment.
