Safe Lifting in Rehabilitation and Physical Therapy

The Safe Lifting Portal encourages Physical Therapists and Occupational Therapists to practice safe patient handling at all times. Please become familiar with the various articles and tools on our site. New tools are announced monthly in the Safe Lifting Newsletter. We encourage you to sign up for the newsletter here. If you have ideas, suggestions, or personal experience with using assistive patient handling equipment in a rehabilitation setting, we invite you to send your comments to alex.white@hill-rom.com.

Note: Physical therapists, occupational therapists, and other rehabilitation practitioners are just as susceptible to musculoskeletal injuries as RNs and patient caregivers. In one study, (Holder et al, 1999) PTs and PT Assistants reported a high prevalence of lower back pain (62% for PTs, 56% for Assistants), followed by significant injury rates for wrist, hand, and upper back. The three most prevalent activities being conducted at the time of injury were transferring patients, lifting patients, and responding to unanticipated or sudden movement by a patient. In another study (Cromie et al, 2000), PTs reported their low back pain was the result of lifting or transferring patients who were heavy and dependent on therapists for transfer, and in many instances the therapists were working in awkward postures, bending and twisting, and performing manipulation or mobilization procedures. Be aware of the risks involved in patient handling, and take steps to avoid self-injury – these precautions are key to a long, productive, and pain-free career!

Articles & Resources – General: