FEATURED ~ My OT tool Box


In working in a physical disability setting with exposure to ergonomic dilemmas on a daily basis, including finding my students and colleagues having ergo needs, I feel compelled to discuss this reference I have created. I would like to share it today with current and future clients (just like you!).

Who does NOT use smart, modern technology anyway that doesn't need this advice??

The reference I provide here is an ever evolving OT tool box for me to reference to my clients. 
Client needs evolve with time, personal preference as well as shifts in meaningful occupations.
These occupational needs occur as our society and environment evolve.

In the acute care setting(that is when someone comes into the hospital with an acute condition or surgical procedure), I am feeling this strong need to inform my clients in a preventive and wellness manner, ensuring I recommend to clients for the purpose of them having quality in access to meaningful occupations, as well as sustain that ability to continue to be able to participate. 

That is why I MUST MUST MUST share my newest developed category listed in my tool box, as there is a DILEMMA we are facing with occupations relating to accessibility to our modern technology.

Heard of the newest term "text neck" before? Is it self explanatory? In the new? 
How quickly is it emerging?
This condition is especially a problematic truth with our most frequent of affected populations: age 13-17. This age range are at greatest risk for poor ergonomic habits, entering use of smartphones daily at 92%; 24% of those individuals are on "constantly" throughout their day 
(as referenced by the Pew Research Center). 

There is also the traditional diagnoses of:

* cervical decompressions, (w/ or w/o s/p fusions, diskectomies, etc)
* micro spine fractures
* spinal stenosis
* nerve compressions
* spinal deformities/contractures
* carpal tunnel
* cubital tunnel
* accumulative trauma

OUCH!

The list goes on and on of prolonged exposure to poor ergonomic set up. These are no longer considered aging disabilities, they are a modern world problem that must be addressed.

It's time for OTs, such as myself, to be establishing education and understanding of the risks as well as setting up our smartphones, laptops, i-pads, kindles and similar, in the same as we expect for desktops and physical workstations.

I encourage you to check out the items below for ideas on low tech but also the tools I recommend to my clients who are recipients of surgery. Whether to prevent future injury, damage or pain as well as preventive measure, reaching out to our clients (even if they have yet to be affected) is important as they are at risk for being impacted by the consequences of an ineffective ergo modern tech set up.
A follow up piece will be established to provide details of the ergonomics required to maximize function, decrease risk for injury or insult in the future and to thrive in an environment with quickly paced, evolving technology

Until then, tip preview: eye level, joints at 90 degrees, stretch alarm breaks and SHARE SHARE SHARE because if you care about your body health in a techie world and of those individuals around you, spread the love to heal faster and continue to thrive.  

UPDATE: Get my free smart device ergo hack guide HERE


2 comments:

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