Ergonomic Training
It’s Time to Improve Your Posture
Have you ever heard of ergonomic training?
Did you know it is possible to change the things you use every day in your home or office to make you more comfortable? Ergonomic preparation will help if you’re feeling aches and pains due to poor posture.
Ergonomics is defined as the manner in which we enhance our movement and function for everyday life.
At InHome Rehab Pro, in addition to helping you avoid accidents, our physical therapists may teach you how to improve ergonomics in your everyday life to help overcome problems of discomfort you’re facing.
In addition to identifying/changing factors that may contribute to injury, ergonomics usually involves some instruments or body mechanical techniques that concentrate on optimizing efficiency and safety.
Benefits of ergonomics
By simply implementing certain health and safety systems – which includes ergonomics training, companies could reduce their injury and illness costs by as much as 40%.
The Occupational Health & Safety Administration (OSHA) states that companies in the United States spend at least $170 billion annually on occupational injuries.
These most common work-sustained injuries are typically caused by poor posture, excessive sedentary behavior, and improper workspace setup:
- Carpal tunnel syndrome (median nerve entrapment at the wrist)
- Cervical strain and pain (including a new phenomenon called “text neck”)
- Trigger finger
- Rotator cuff strains and tears
- TMJ dysfunction
- Back pain caused by injuries to the muscles, joints, or discs
- Tension headaches
- Medial or lateral epicondylitis (golfer’s or tennis elbow, respectively)
- Tendonitis (inflammation in tendons)
Working on the ergonomics in places like your office will reduce the chances of suffering these kinds of issues, which can save a lot of cash on hospital costs, loss of income, and lower productivity!
Inside your everyday life, you can even incorporate ergonomics – anything from driving to playing sports to using your phone has room for change.
What to expect from an ergonomics training session at your PT’s
Just because you treat the symptoms of an injury, that does not necessarily mean that the injury will not return in the future. That’s why addressing the cause of the injury and finding ways to repair it is crucial.
One of our highly qualified physical therapists will perform a physical examination when you arrive for your initial appointment, in addition to reviewing your medical history and addressing your work/home environment.
A physical therapist can ask you questions about your desk or office set-up, the type of instruments and equipment you use, your job’s expectations and demands, and/or a description of your average day. This will assist in deciding what things might be subject to alteration.
The aim is to optimize posture, energy efficiency, and body dynamics while concentrating on ergonomics. To mitigate and avoid further discomfort and damage, this is achieved by making appropriate improvements, modifications, and changes.
For example, we may advise you on changing the position of your computer monitor or suggest setting a timer to remind you to get up more frequently to walk around and take a break.
In some circumstances, specialized devices or equipment modifications (such as splints or wrist supports) may be recommended as a way to make your daily tasks more comfortable.
Ready to find out if ergonomics is right for you?
In addition to the ergonomic training we provide you with, it is likely that you will also be prescribed additional physical therapy services, depending on your individual needs.
If your work or personal life is causing you pain, it could be fixed with some simple ergonomics!
This may include any combination of targeted exercises and stretches, manual therapy, joint mobilizations, ice and heat therapy, electrical stimulation, ultrasound, and more.
