Ergonomics and Physiotherapy, Mississauga

What is Ergonomics?

Ergonomics is a term widely used in clinical settings and used for comfortability designed for a person.  Ergonomics means that an object is designed specifically for comfort in any type of working environment. This way the task or job at hand can be completed with efficiency.  There are many different objects that are ergonomically friendly for example; keyboards, mice, pens, desks, chairs, knives etc. Each serves their own purpose to get a job done.  Not only are objects in a workplace specifically designed to minimise risk and harm but the actual workplace itself can be modified. It implies that all employees stay safe and are not at risk for muscular skeletal disorders.  With the assistance of ergonomic objects, it is also imperative that you have the correct posture while in the workplace even if while sitting.

Ergonomically Friendly Workplace 

How can you make your workplace ergonomically friendly?  Practicing good posture is very important in a workplace. Especially if you are in a position for prolonged periods of time. For example sitting for 8 hours at a desk!  If you find yourself sitting for a very long time you should get up and begin stretching your back and legs.  It is important to take rest breaks throughout the day where you are stretching. This is to prevent your muscles and tendons from becoming strained or tense.  Here are some stretches that can be easily completed without taking too much of your time;

– Planks

– Bird Dogs

– Glute Bridges

– Quad Stretches

– Hamstring/Calf Stretches, and

– Ankle rolls. 

Ergonomic Chairs

Having the right chair can really assist with posture control. Most ergonomic chairs are equipped with adjustable head rests, arm rests, heights, lumbar support, seat width & depth, and swivels.  Proper seated posture while working is important.

Keep these points in mind;

– keep an arms length away from the computer screen,

– sit up straight with your spine neutral and your shoulders relaxed,

– make sure your arms are parallel from the floor, and finally

– sit with your feet planted on the ground. 

There are many other office items that can be purchased that assist with workplace comfortability and ergonomicity such as desks, mousepads, mice, pens, computers and leg rests.

Proper Lifting

Are you lifting objects properly?  If you are not in the correct posture while lifting objects or heavy objects it will eventually result in Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSD’s).  These types of injuries are the result of a constant repetitive action with no rest. Also with improper posture causing even further strain on the body.  MSD’s normally affect joint, tendons and muscles. 

Preventing MSD’s involves being physically fit outside of the workplace, taking regular breaks especially during repetitious activities and most importantly proper posture.  The most common repetitive strain injuries in the workplace are to the rotator cuff, lower back, arms & hands as well as other strains or sprains in other location of the body.  

So, what is the correct posture to lift and lower objects? 

Bending forward and simply picking up the heavy object followed by a rotation of the trunk can cause an injury.  Before lifting any object PLAN AHEAD!

– Know what you are lifting and lowering

– Find out the weight of the object

– Check for any hazards in or around the lifting and lowering area of the object, and

– Check the path that you will be walking in by removing and clearing any tripping hazards or wet surfaces. 

If there is proper ergonomic equipment in the workplace such as, forklifts, carts, dollies, or hand hoisting machines that will assist you in lifting or lowering a heavy object use them. However make sure you get the right training to use machines properly. Finally wear the proper protective equipment if needed.  According to NIOSH the height at which it is dangerous to lift objects is >135 cm for Females and >145 cm for Males.  If you suffer injury at work because of a poor posture, check out this article.

Good Ergonomics: Step by Step Lifting Techniques

Now that you have scanned the area and are going to begin lifting, try following the steps given below: 

1. Get close to the object.

2. Use a wide stance or place a foot forward in a lunge position for balance.

3. Keep the back straight, and the neck in a neutral position, activate your glutes and use your legs and hips to lower your body almost like you are squatting.

4. Move the object close to you.

5. Firmly grasp the object.

6. Prepare the lift by tightening your core, looking forward and make sure your body is straight.

7. Control the object by holding the load close to the body and lift with your legs and breathe out as the object is being lifted.       

Role of Physiotherapy in Ergonomic assessment

An assessment by a registered physiotherapist includes a thorough postural examination. Your physiotherapist will be able to identify your unique postural compensations and can help guide you on the road to improved body positional awareness. They can help you in providing proper exercise programme of stretching and strengthening based on the muscle groups involved in postural dysfunction.  

Ergonomics Assessment at Curezone Physiotherapy:

Are you interested in learning how to be in the right posture while you do various routine day-to-day activities? (For example: learning about how to improve posture when sitting or walking). Or are you interested in knowing how to correct bad posture if you suspect a bad posture has resulted in any pain (Example: Poor posture and neck pain or knees bending while walking with a bad posture)?

At Curezone Physiotherapy, our expert therapists teach how to get the best posture while engaging in various activities. They use state-of-the-art tools and equipment to gain an improved posture. For certain conditions, they may also introduce orthotic tools to keep good posture including posture medic braces. If you are looking for the best Mississauga Physiotherapist or Oakville Physiotherapist, or wondering who to see about fixing bad posture, look no further! We aim to be YOUR best physio in Mississauga and Oakville areas, and are here and ready to teach you the best postures.

We welcome you to call us or click below to book an appointment at one of your Curezone Physiotherapy clinics in Mississauga or Oakville to get answers to all of your questions from why improve posture to how do I get a better posture.

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