What is ERGONOMICS to a PHYSIOTHERAPIST?

Our approach to this topic results in the "adaptation" of the workplace or workstation to fit people to prevent discomfort and painful conditions from occurring. We can also help in alleviating pain already occurring or prevent worsening conditions.

• In Western countries, painful conditions and diseases of the musculoskeletal system (mainly neck, shoulder, wrist and low back) constitute a large portion of the reasons for absence and occupational disability.
• These conditions can be often ascribed to poor design, set-up or use of one's workstation.
• An Ergonomic assessment and "fitting" contributes to the prevention of inconveniences and also, to some considerable degree, can help improve performance and of course increase the worker's general health.

POSTURE AND MOVEMENT:

Posture and movement play central roles

• At work (as in sports and "life"), the body's muscles, ligaments and joints are involved in adopting a posture, carrying out a movement, and applying a force
• ie: Muscles provide the force
  • Ligaments have a stabilizing function
  • Joints allow relative movement
• POOR POSTURE and MOVEMENT can lead to local mechanical stress on the muscles, ligaments and joints, resulting in "strain" and then "pain" in the neck, back, shoulder, wrist, elbow and other parts of the musculoskeletal system.

PAIN AND TRAUMA:

• Cumulative trauma refers to repeated application of force to a structure that tends to wear down or irritate the structure, thus, lowering its tolerance to the point where it will cause "pain" (PAIN can be "aching, sore, throbbing, sharp or just feel like increased pressure")
• Cumulative trauma begins by exposing a part of your body to manual exertions that are either frequent (repetitive) or prolonged
• The "physiological" response to the mechanical irritation is muscle tightness or spasm,.. and often swelling or inflammation of the tissue.
• This spasm or swelling stimulate the nocioceptors surrounding the structure and signal the central control mechanism (brain) that pain exists.
• The end result: - reduced strength
• reduced tendon mobility/motion
• functional limitation ... and of course PAIN and discomfort

WHAT CAN WE DO FOR YOU?

A Physiotherapist can come to the workplace and assess the worker within the space and with the available equipment/furniture. Most often, there are minor adjustments made to the level or angle of keyboards, monitors, and CHAIRS (and instruction on how to use the chair adjustments).

PROPER POSTURE at the desk/workstation is also reviewed corrected and a worksheet is left with the worker.

**NOTE: If a worker has a pre-existing problem or significant pain, it would be more beneficial if this was assessed and treated by the physiotherapist prior to workplace review. Often, the "set-up" changes can be much more effective, if the "condition" is diagnosed first, as this gives more understanding to the changes that should be made.

SERVICES AND COST:

Please call Sylvia Slosel BPHE,. BSc.P.T., owner/manager for individual needs and discuss the options. A quote can be given verbally or written upon request.

Royal Centre Physiotherapy Clinic - # 604-682-6886

OR Cell - # 604-839-4402

OR E-mail - info@vancouverphysiotherapy.com

(or visit our contact page)