JUPITER POSTURAL DISORDERS/ERGONOMICS
Poor posture on the job is an issue that employees have been addressing for decades because it can lead to a variety of health problems and an increase in workplace absences. Poor posture in simple everyday tasks can also lead to these long-term effects. Unfortunately, everything we do in our daily lives is performed in front of us, often with forward bending, leading to tightness in the muscles in the front of our bodies and weakness in the back of our bodies. Poor posture exacerbates this. Poor posture may also lead to bulging or herniated discs, radiculopathy (pain, numbness, and/or tingling that extends into the arms or legs), headaches, shoulder and hip pain as well as degenerative changes in the spine. Physiocare Physical Therapy provides help with postural correction and ergonomics at home and in the workplace. Ergonomics is the art of fitting work tools to specific workers in order to avoid injury and chronic physical conditions, such as carpal tunnel syndrome or neck or back pain.
WHAT IS AN ERGONOMICS SPECIALIST?
At Physiocare, our physical therapists are also ergonomics specialists who can provide physical therapy for conditions caused by maintaining poor posture for prolonged periods. Such conditions include sprains, strains, tendonitis, back and neck pain, rotator cuff tears, trigger finger, and tennis elbow. In order to help patients avoid future injuries, our experts also evaluate a workplace and/or home environment and make recommendations to correct posture when performing prolonged tasks. This can include adjustments in tools and equipment used at work or at home.
In sessions with an ergonomics specialist from Physiocare, both the work environment and the individual are evaluated. Ergonomics specialists may observe patients in their environment or listen to the ways a patient describes performing tasks at home or work and make evaluations regarding posture and methods for performing the work. The equipment used and how the work is done is also assessed, in addition to the general capacity of a patient to do the work without risk of injury. Following the evaluations, subtle changes may be recommended as far as body movement and work equipment, which should reduce the risk of injury and give relief to chronic pain. These needed workplace changes often don’t get the approval of employers without the input of an ergonomics specialist.
Physical therapy treatments also help with the many conditions caused by poor posture. Pain will first be addresses and then range of motion will be restored. Physical therapy will then progress to strengthening of the muscles that allow us to maintain good posture.
Physiocare Physical Therapy is a direct access facility. You can schedule an appointment for physical therapy with one of our ergonomics specialists without a referral from a doctor. Patients are often referred by doctors, however; ergonomics evaluations are requested by many employers, as well as individuals who want to be more comfortable while performing their work tasks.