RSI Awareness Day - part 2

As you probably gathered from my previous blog, I was very pleased to find the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy's web site the other day.

As well as statistics, to mark RSI Awareness Day they have also published Tips on how to avoid Repetitive Strain Injuries, which was a really exciting find, especially the first, second, sixth and last points in relation to wrist donut!

Here are the tips that they give to Office Workers:
 - A change can be as good as a rest - vary your tasks, stand up to take a phone call, move around every 20 minutes or so
 - Move your neck, arms and shoulders periodically while seated at your desk
 - Sit facing straight ahead, feet flat on the floor (or on a sturdy footrest) and with legs uncrossed
 - Make sure your eyes are level with the top of your VDU screen
 - Adjust the backrest of your chair so that you can lean back against it comfortably. Make sure your lower back is supported
 - Place your mouse within easy reach and support your forearms on the desk. Keep your wrists in a relaxed, neutral position. Drive the mouse from your shoulder, not your wrist
 - Don't wedge your phone between your ear and your shoulder. Use a lightweight headset if necessary
 - Use a copyholder if you work from documents
 - Consider investing in ergonomic equipment but check its suitability with a physiotherapist first. Correcting your posture and changing general work practices can be very beneficial.

The most important thing you can do to prevent work relevant musculoskeletal disorders is to maintain a good level of physical fitness. Aim to take 30 minutes of exercise outside work at least five days out of seven.

THE CHARTERED SOCIETY OF PHYSIOTHERAPY
www.csp.org.uk

It's so good to know that wrist donut fits with their advice, as well as the HSE's!