Ergonomic Training relieves nagging aches and pains
If you’re feeling daily discomfort, nagging aches and pains that show up most days, ergonomic training may be the answer!
Ergonomics and is the study of body mechanics with the goal of improving movement and function within daily life activities. Your environment at home or at work, can be modified to make you more comfortable while performing your daily tasks.
Ergonomics employs a combination of tool and body movement strategies that maximize safety and efficiency as well as identifying and modifying factors that increase risk of future injury.
Our physical therapy team at Progressive Medical Fitness can use the principles of ergonomics to help resolve the issues causing the pain you experience while going about your normal daily routine. Ergonomics can also help prevent injuries and keep you pain-free.
To learn more about how the science of ergonomics can benefit you, contact our Northport, NY physical therapy office today!
Ergonomic training
Merely treating the symptoms of an injury does not guarantee that ailments from the injury won’t return. It is crucial to identify and fix the root cause of the injury.
During your initial appointment with one of our highly trained physical therapists, a thorough physical assessment will be conducted. Additionally, you will discuss, in depth, your medical history and aspects of your work/home environment.
Your physical therapist will ask questions about your environment to identify areas for improvement. They may ask you questions such as:
- Describe the set-up of your desk or office
- What types of tool and equipment do you use
- Describe the expectations and demands of your job
- Describe a typical day for you
These questions will help identify areas in your environment that can be modified to improve the quality of your daily tasks.
The goal of ergonomics is to improve posture, energy efficiency, and body mechanics while you go about the normal routines of your daily life. Adjustments, modifications, and changes can be made to your environment or your body mechanics to reduce and prevent further pain and injury.
Examples of ergonomic modifications that will improve how you feel during the day include: encourage you to adjust the position of your computer monitor or recommend setting an alarm or schedule for movement breaks throughout your day.
In certain cases, we may recommend specialized devices or equipment modifications (for example, splints or wrist supports) to make your daily tasks more comfortable.
Benefits of ergonomics training
Annually, companies in the United States spend more than $170 billion on injuries associated with the workplace, as stated by the Occupational Health & Safety Administration (OSHA).
Companies could reduce their injury and illness costs by as much as 40% through the implementation of health and safety systems, such as ergonomics training.
Many common work-sustained injuries are typically caused by easily addressed issues such as improper workspace setup and posture or excessive sedentary behavior:
- Neck strain and pain (including a new ailment called “text neck”)
- Tension headaches
- Back pain resulting from injuries to muscles, joints, or discs
- Inflammation of the tendon (tendonitis)
- Trigger finger
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- TMJ dysfunction
- Golfer’s or tennis elbow (Medial or lateral epicondylitis respectively)
- Rotator cuff strains and tears
Working with our physical therapy team on the ergonomics of your home or office environment can decrease your risk of experiencing these injuries. Fewer injuries not only decrease your pain and discomfort, but can also save a lot of money on lost wages, medical bills, and for your employer decreased productivity!
Ergonomics can also be used to improve the many movements that make up your daily life – every activity, from using your smart phone, to driving, to playing sports can be optimized!
Start on the road to pain-relief today
If your normal daily routine, either at work or in your personal life, is the source of your pain, some simple ergonomics could be the solution!
Your personalized treatment plan will not only include ergonomic training, but potentially additional physical therapy services, to address the entirety of your pain. Treatment plans to address your condition include a personalized combination of targeted exercises and stretches, manual therapy, joint mobilizations, ice and heat therapy, electrical stimulation, ultrasound, and a myriad of other treatments.
Contact our Progressive Medical Fitness Northport, NY office to request an appointment today and learn how simple changes to your daily activities can lead you to living your best life!