The Benefit of Improved Ergonomics For Your Body

Dealing with discomfort and pain can be frustrating, especially if it is a recurring problem. And though stretching correctly every day, increasing your activity levels and using heat packs on painful spots can help, this may not reduce it. Scheduling a Newmarket physiotherapy session with a local professional can assist in diagnosing your pain and treating you for it.

The human body is heavily reliant on posture and daily movement, so when you’re booked for a session with a physio, prepare to answer questions about your workplace and environment setup. 

High impact zones, body stressors, incorrect posture, and monotonous movement are all significant causes of musculoskeletal pain and, ergonomics can be a crucial factor to consider. These may seem like peculiar questions, but a physio will always try to assess your current ergonomics. 

Defining the term ergonomics relates to the connection between people and their environments involving the design of their placement and surroundings. With different industries and demands, it can be challenging to implement ergonomics in your particular job. Cairnhill Physiotherapy has listed the below tips to accommodate most scenarios. 

Desk Workers 

Sitting as far back into your chair is advisable as it provides lumbar support – which is key to reducing pain in your lower back. And often people also forget the importance of the placement of their lower body when sitting in a chair. It is crucial to always have your feet placed firmly on the ground and to try and position your chair to allow for your hips to be more elevated than your knees. Your shoulders should not be tensed, and elbows need to be kept closest to you, for better flow and posture. 

It is not necessary to purchase expensive equipment to ensure improved ergonomics, and we can advise on how this can be achieved using your current setup. As an example, your monitor should always be kept at least an arm’s length away, but still, remain comfortable for your eyes.  Your keyboard and mouse should be close to your body to remove any strain from excess stretching when typing and general movement. 

Non-desk Workers 

For more labour intense occupations, poor posture can be a common issue amongst employees because of the diversity of jobs and its physical demands on the body. Prolonged sitting or standing needs to have regular breaks to change position and improve circulation again. When lifting objects, stretching beyond comfort is not recommended. Instead, invest in a step ladder that is easy to move and can help you reach a level without affecting your body. Do not bend down to work on something, especially if you have an injury. Rather keep to a comfortable eye level to ensure that your back is in a good position. Never pull things behind you as it puts pressure on your neck, back, shoulder and hands. And remember that your body needs to be relaxed in any position and not tensed up. 

As an employee, you may not be able to completely change your surroundings, however you can alter the areas that pertain to you. Not only will improved ergonomics make you feel  physically more comfortable, but it can also increase your productivity. Book a Newmarket physiotherapy appointment today to treat pain and learn how to manage any contributing factors you may face.