OUR ERGONOMIC PEARLS

ADJUSTABLE CHAIRS AND DESKS

To encourage good posture and the neutral body position you could purchase high-quality

adjustable chairs, furniture, and equipment. The more positions a chair and desk can adjust to, the more they can be tailored to the individual using them. When it comes to ergonomics, one size most definitely does not fit all. Flexibility is key!

PROPER DISPLAY HEIGHT AND DISTANCE

Monitors and other display devices should be placed at eye level. Viewing a display should not

require straining of the neck or squinting of the eyes. Ergonomics dictates that individuals not be required to turn their neck to the left, right, up, or down to view a display. This principle applies to individuals with the conventional single monitor and power users employing multiple displays as well.

KEYBOARD AND MOUSE POSITION

Proper keyboard and mouse configuration is vitally important when it comes to achieving neutral body positioning. If you are reaching for the mouse at a bad angle or have to violate the inline parallel rule for elbows and wrists, you will lose neutral positioning and increase load in your muscles and joints. Reaching for devices can lead to excessive fatigue, and after lengthy exposure, overuse related injury. Keyboards and mice should be placed where they can be accessed with comfort and ease, whilst adopting and maintaining the postural techniques.

REDUCING REPETITIVE MOVEMENT

In a home office setting, most often musculoskeletal disorders are caused by repetitive motion,

resulting in overuse. Even if you apply perfect ergonomic principals, repeating the same action over and over can cause stress and eventually lead to injury. The best way to combat this problem is by changing tasks. You can do this by performing a different movement–even for a relatively short length of time. This can reduce the potential for injury on the tissues under continuous stress.

STANDING UP AND MOVING AROUND (THIS IS ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT TIPS!)

Get up and move around. We all get so involved in our tasks and hours may go by in a blink, having forgotten to move at all! Set your alarm to go off every hour, stand up and take a few minutes to walk around, drink, look out the window, go outside and enjoy the sun or climb the stairs.

ENVIRONMENTAL SETTING

Proper lighting, temperature and humidity are ergonomic essentials. Lighting should not cause a glare on your computer screens. Attempt to maintain a temperature that is comfortable for you. Colder temperatures can contribute to further muscular stiffness and spasm.

 

LOOKING AROUND

Looking at a computer display all day long can cause noticeable eye fatigue. To decrease stress on your eyes, look away from the monitor every 10 to 20 minutes and focus on something in the distance.

ERGONOMIC ACCESSORIES

Through the years the concept of ergonomics has progressed hugely along with the quality and

design of office equipment, accessories and furniture. These are available to individuals to improve their workspaces and reduce injury potential. When it comes to office equipment, one should do whatever is reasonable and possible to make  one’s workstation as healthy and ergonomic as possible.

EXERCISE AT YOUR WORK STATION

Certain exercises are well suited to performing right at your work station. Regular engagement in these movements will reduce load related injuries and decrease your risk of injury.

GETTING HELP

If you feel you would benefit from a one on one telehealth consultation and Biokinetic exercise

rehabilitation, or further discussion on your home office and posture and ways to improve, please contact us. We would love to help you! We share your passion for movement!

Please contact us should you be interested in purchasing ergonomically sound and Physio Endorsed home office furniture, equipment and accessories.

IT’S NOT THE LOAD THAT BREAKS YOU.

IT’S HOW YOU CARRY IT.