Taking Care with Car Transfers

As summer continues, the majority of us find ourselves getting out of the house much more often than in the middle of winter. Maybe you have a lunch date or an appointment to attend or maybe you are setting out on a vacation; either way, you are constantly getting in and out of the car.

Transferring in and out of the car is a common daily activity and should be done with care in order to avoid stress and strain to your spine. Most of us take getting in and out of a car for granted and most of us do it wrong! The common way people get into a car is putting one leg in, then siting, and then putting the other leg in. When we are younger and more nimble, this is not usually a problem. However, as we age or if we are helping an older adult getting in a car, this is not a safe way to transfer.

The following are helpful tips for performing a safe and careful car transfer:

1. Once the door is open, turn so your back is towards the seat. If you use a cane or a walker and you have another person with you, hand him or her your assistive device once you are ready to sit down. If you use a cane or a walker and you are alone, you will likely need to place your assistive device in the trunk or back seat prior to sitting down in the car.
2. Lower yourself down to the seat. Be sure to avoid bumping your head on the car when sitting down.
3. Once you are sitting, turn your body to face the front windshield lifting in one leg at a time.
4. Last but not least, once you are in, make sure to fasten your seat belt.
5. When you arrive at your destination, remove your seat belt and open the door.
6. Move one leg out of the car at a time, turning your body so you are sitting on the side of the car seat.
7. Use your arms and legs to push up to standing, don’t pull on the door. If you use a cane or a walker and you have another person with you, make sure they have your assistive device ready for you when you stand up. If you use a cane or a walker and you are alone, retrieve your assistive device from the trunk or back seat as soon as you are able.

Here are a few additional useful hints for performing car transfers:

• Make sure you are wearing supportive and comfortable shoes to help you have good balance. Wearing good shoes is always recommended, especially when heading out into the community.
• If you have difficulty bending your hips or knees, or maybe you recently had a hip or knee replacement, slide the seat to the position furthest from the front dash. This will allow for ample leg room and help you avoid bending your hips and knees too much.
• If you have cloth seats and you have a difficult time turning your body once you are sitting down in the car, try putting an empty plastic bag down on the seat first. This will allow your body to slide and turn easier on the car seat.
• Finally, don’t forget to bring your sunglasses, sun screen and a bottle of water for all of your summer events to make sure you are keeping your whole body as healthy as possible!

Enjoy the summer, keep moving and take care!

Jessica Berglund, PT, DPT
Live Your Life^TM
Bringing Physical Therapy & Wellness to You!
www.liveyourlifept.com

Dr. Jessica Berglund is a passionate and enthusiastic person and practitioner who truly believes that exercise is medicine! She spent her educational career at St. Catherine University, graduating with a Bachelor’s of Science in Exercise Science in 2011 and with her Doctorate of Physical Therapy in 2013. She has experience treating a wide variety of patients and strives to use health, wellness and prevention to help each patient achieve their life goals. She is an active member in the American Physical Therapy Association as well as the American College of Sports Medicine where she advocates and promotes the profession of physical therapy. Her knowledge, passion and enthusiasm will inspire you to pursue your goals and change your life!