Physiotherapy and Manual Handling
Table of Contents
Physiotherapy and Manual Handling are essential components of care for individuals with mobility challenges. Manual handling refers to any activity that involves lifting, lowering, pushing, pulling, carrying, moving, holding or restraining a person or object. In healthcare and support services, proper manual handling techniques are essential for both the wellbeing of people with disability and those who assist them. Physiotherapists play a crucial role in manual handling training, focusing on prevention and rehabilitation of injuries while maximising an individual’s independence.
This guide explores how physiotherapists use manual handling techniques to support individuals with disability, highlighting key strategies for caregivers to assist safely while promoting the active ability of those in their care to remain as independent as possible for as long as possible.
The Link Between Physiotherapy and Manual Handling
Physiotherapists specialise in understanding human movement and function, making them experts in manual handling techniques. Their experience working with individuals with disability enables them to develop therapeutic approaches that consider both safety and rehabilitation goals.
Manual handling in the context of physiotherapy encompasses much more than just safe lifting. It involves understanding how to provide support while encouraging the individual’s independence. Physios work with adults and children alike, adapting techniques to suit various health conditions and mobility challenges.
The Principles of Manual Handling Techniques in Physiotherapy for Caregivers
Understanding proper manual handling techniques is essential for caregivers supporting individuals with mobility challenges.
Transfer Patients
Transferring patients safely is a good starting point for understanding manual handling principles. Physiotherapists recommend keeping your back straight and using your legs when assisting someone to move from one position to another. This technique helps reduce strain on your back while providing stable support.
When assisting someone from sitting to standing, encourage weight-bearing where possible. This supports the individual’s active ability and helps maintain motor skills and muscle strength. The physiotherapist may use hands-on techniques to guide movement, providing support at key points rather than doing all the work for the person.
For individuals with spinal cord injury or significant weakness, additional support may be required. Physiotherapists can teach specific hand placements to safely guide movements without causing pain or discomfort. They may also prescribe assistive technologies that support independence while reducing caregiver burden during transfers.
Hoist
A hoist is an essential piece of equipment for safely moving individuals who have limited mobility and strength. Physiotherapists provide comprehensive training on hoist use, focusing on both health and safety considerations and maximising the individual’s comfort and dignity.
When selecting a sling for hoist transfers, consider factors such as the individual’s posture requirements, comfort needs, and the specific transfer being performed. Different slings support different positions—some are designed for toileting, others for bathing, and some for general transfers.
Slide Sheet Use
Slide sheets are invaluable assistive devices that reduce friction when repositioning individuals in bed or transferring between surfaces. Physiotherapists recommend slide sheets to reduce the risk of developing skin tears, pressure injuries, and discomfort during movement.
To use slide sheets effectively, position them under the area of the body that needs to move. This might be under the shoulders and hips for repositioning up the bed, or under the buttocks for sideways movement. The slippery surface allows you to guide rather than lift the person, significantly reducing the physical effort required.
Slide sheets are particularly beneficial for individuals with musculoskeletal pain or those at risk of skin breakdown. By minimising friction and shearing forces, these simple tools protect skin integrity while allowing necessary position changes. Physiotherapists may use slide sheets during rehabilitation sessions to facilitate safe movement and teach caregivers and individuals how to use them independently when possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should manual handling equipment be used instead of physical assistance?
Use hoists when individuals cannot bear weight or when manual transfers pose injury risks. Slide sheets are essential for bed repositioning. Transfer boards help with wheelchair-to-bed moves. For those with some mobility, minimal physical guidance maintains muscle function. A physiotherapist can prescribe appropriate assistive devices based on individual needs.
What should I do if I notice pain or discomfort during manual handling activities?
Stop immediately if pain occurs during transfers. Safely reposition the person, then consult a physiotherapist. Pain may indicate improper technique, unsuitable equipment, or changing health conditions. A physiotherapist can modify techniques or prescribe different assistive devices. Early intervention prevents minor discomfort from becoming serious injury and ensures manual handling maintains the individual’s independence without causing pain.
How can manual handling prevent injuries?
Reposition every two hours using slide sheets to prevent pressure injuries. Alternate positions for individuals with spinal cord injury. Maintain proper joint alignment during transfers to prevent contractures. Ensure wheelchairs and slings support functional postures. Physiotherapists can recommend specific positioning strategies for conditions like cerebral palsy.
