Work-Related Injuries

Ergonomics can be roughly translated to the laws of work. This is based on making the person doing the work as efficient as possible, managing the risk for work related disorders, while still maintaining or improving productivity or workload. When this balance is not correct, the individual may be placed at risk of injury. With the demands placed on the individual at the work place, many suffer from overuse injuries due to sustained postures. We are able to assess and give recommendations regarding the individual, the task and the equipment. We ensure that the individual is not placed at risk of injury in order to complete the task at hand. Educating the individuals on the correct ergonomics and their roles is vital to make a change. Even the best set up is ineffective if the user is not educated. Interventions include a complex holistic program.

What is TechNeck?

In our technological era, we spend a lot of time on our phones, computers or tablets. According to eMarketer the average time spent using mobile devices in 2021 is 3:54hrs a day. Furthermore the Guardian reported on average, we pick up our phones 58 times per day. Tech Neck is a term that describes the posture formed by leaning the head forward for prolonged periods. This can result in headache, neck, upper back or shoulder pains. Tilting the head forward, especially for a long period of time, leads to a few changes at the neck level such as increased pressure on the neck structures (as illustrated in the images) and increased muscle load of the associated muscles. Physiotherapy treatment is built around a maintenance or management plan in order to equip you with tools to manage your Tech Neck.

Work-Related Repetitive Strain Injuries

Work-Related Repetitive Strain Injuries is the term used for any work-related injuries to muscles, nerves, joints or other soft tissue structures. Injuries are usually sustained due to repetitive tasks executed over time, without appropriate risk management. Repetitive strain injuries in the field of research usually refers to the upper limb and neck area, however desk workers most often complain about upper limb and neck injuries as well as lower back pain. An assessment of the injury can determine the diagnosis, and further management includes the treatment of the soft tissue in question, as well at the complex factors related to the work task. Physiotherapists can assist with work-related injuries. At IR Physio, we have a special interest in helping the individual with management.

Manual Jobs/Lifting Jobs/Manual Material Handling

When it comes to moving objects at work, the highest risk factor is related to lower back pain. Most blue collar jobs entail some lifting, although most occupations require lifting at some point, even physiotherapists can be seen as manual handlers. Addressing the risks and educating the individual on methods to manage the risk can decrease the incidence of injuries and decrease time off work.

Work-Related Injuries

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