If you’re currently experiencing discomfort doing work tasks or are concerned about your risk for developing conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome from working on a computer all day, you’ve probably put at least a little thought into how you might improve the ergonomics of your environment. An ergonomic assessment is a professional evaluation that seeks to understand how your work or hobbies could affect your health, risk of injury, and long-term ability to perform basic work functions.
This personalized assessment can provide you the training and resources to mitigate repetitive stress and prolong your overall health and well-being.
Who needs an ergonomic assessment?
Ergonomic assessments are beneficial for individuals whose work or daily activities put them at risk for musculoskeletal disorders due to repetitive movements, poor posture, or sustained unhealthy positions. Office workers, factory laborers, healthcare professionals, and those involved in manual labor are commonly advised to undergo these assessments.
However, anyone experiencing discomfort or seeking to optimize their ergonomic environment can benefit from an ergonomic assessment and physical therapy plan. Ergonomic evaluations aim to identify risk factors, make modifications, and promote healthy habits, which are essential for maintaining productivity and preventing injury.
Symptoms of poor ergonomics
Poor ergonomics can lead to a range of symptoms that may initially seem minor but can escalate into issues that disrupt your work or lifestyle. Common symptoms include:
- Persistent neck, shoulder, or back pain
- Frequent headaches
- Eye strain
- Wrist pain (carpal tunnel syndrome)
- Joint stiffness
While many of the symptoms of poor ergonomics can resolve on their own, especially with adequate rest between periods of use, others can worsen over time, leading to chronic issues and increased discomfort or pain. By working with a professional physical therapist through an ergonomic assessment, you can develop a personalized plan to mitigate repetitive wear and tear on your joints and muscles to protect your health in the long term.
How physical therapy can improve ergonomics
Our physical therapists offer a comprehensive approach to improving the ergonomics of your habits and work styles by assessing your individual needs and developing tailored interventions. An ergonomic evaluation includes the following steps:
- Assessing your work environment, such as machines you operate or the chair you use at a desk
- Identifying how your environment and duties affect your bones, joints, muscles, and soft tissue
- Identifying how the way you perform your duties affects your bones, joints, muscles, and soft tissue
- Developing solutions to correct issues in your workplace environment and the way you perform your duties
Additionally, therapists can develop customized exercise and stretching plans to enhance strength and flexibility, fostering a more resilient musculoskeletal system no matter your risk factors and work environment.
Find more comfortable working conditions today
By addressing both environmental and physical elements, physical therapy plays a key role in promoting ergonomic health and ensuring individuals can work comfortably and efficiently over the long term.
Get started with a personalized ergonomic plan to protect your long-term health and wellbeing by calling our nearest clinic location or requesting an appointment online today.
