The key principles of workstation ergonomics involve creating a comfortable and efficient work environment that promotes proper posture and reduces the risk of musculoskeletal disorders. These principles include adjusting the height of the chair and desk to ensure that the individual's feet are flat on the floor and their knees are at a 90-degree angle. The chair should provide adequate lumbar support and allow for adjustments in seat depth and backrest angle. The monitor should be positioned at eye level, about an arm's length away, and the keyboard and mouse should be placed at a height that allows for relaxed shoulders and a neutral wrist position. Additionally, it is important to take regular breaks and incorporate stretching exercises to prevent prolonged static postures.
To maintain proper posture while working, an individual can adjust their chair in several ways. First, they should ensure that their feet are flat on the floor or on a footrest if needed. The chair height should be adjusted so that the knees are at a 90-degree angle and the thighs are parallel to the floor. The backrest should provide adequate lumbar support, and the individual should sit with their back against the backrest. The chair should also allow for adjustments in seat depth, allowing the individual to sit with their back against the backrest while leaving a small gap between the back of their knees and the seat. Armrests, if available, should be adjusted so that the individual's shoulders are relaxed and their elbows are at a 90-degree angle.
Andrew is back talking about a colleague's recent case. This is a new grad, only practicing for 5 weeks or so, but kudos to his differential diagnosis skills and applying the Wells Criteria for Pulmonary Embolism. If you're not familiar with it, its something you should keep in the back of your mind, especially with post op patients, those who have been recently immobilized, or with history of Cancer or PE. Untold Physio Stories is sponsored byThe Eclectic Approach Network - Check out Dr. E's all new private, non tracking and ad free network for rehab pros! It's free to join, has chat, feed, and all the features of other social networks without the creeping tracking.Check out EDGE Mobility System's Best Sellers - Something for every PT, OT, DC, MT, ATC or Fitness Minded Individual https://edgemobilitysystem.comCurv Health - Start your own Virtual Clinic Side Hustle for FREE! Create your profile in 3 minutes, set your rates, and Curv will handle the rest! From scheduling to payments, messaging, charting, and a full exercise library that allow for patient/clinician tracking, it's never been easier! Click to join Dr. E's new Virtual Clinic Collective to help promote best online practices. Keeping it Eclectic... This article was originally posted on Modern Manual Therapy Blog
Posted by on 2023-07-26
Collagen Supplementation for Joint Pain and Arthritis: Does it Really Work?By Dr. Sean M.Wells, DPT, PT, OCS, ATC/L, CSCS, NSCA-CPT, CNPT, Cert-DNRecently I was presenting at the annual conference of Athletic Trainers' Association of Florida (ATAF) and I was overwhelmed by one consistent question: why didn't you talk about collagen supplementation? My talk was specifically on orthopedics for older adults and naturally I focused on osteoarthritis (OA) and how important exercise and diet are for that condition. I did touch on some supplementation, but I left off collagen because my last examination of this supplement, using one of my favorite websites Examine.com, yielded mediocre results. However the participants at the sports medicine conference piqued my interest and convinced me that perhaps I had missed something -- almost every single one of these participants had some form of joint pain or stiffness and felt significantly better after taking collagen daily. So, back to the literature, and asking some of my clients, I went!What is Collagen?Collagen is a protein found in the body that provides structure and support to various tissues, including joints, bones, tendons, and ligaments. It may play a role in maintaining joint health and may have potential benefits for individuals with joint pain. A few small-scale studies have shown positive results in reducing joint pain and improving joint function when individuals with osteoarthritis took collagen supplements. These studies often used specific collagen formulations, such as collagen peptides or hydrolyzed collagen, which are broken down into smaller peptides for better absorption by the body. However, it's important to note that the findings of these studies are not yet conclusive, and more robust research is necessary.The ResearchIt's worth mentioning that joint pain can have various causes, and collagen supplementation may not be effective for everyone. Factors like age, underlying health conditions, overall diet, and lifestyle habits can also influence joint health. For instance, a meta-analysis on collagen supplementation for OA showed improvements in the WOMAC, a functional score for knee arthritis, but it didn't yield significant results for knee pain. Meanwhile, another review article looking at collagen supplementation for joint pain, muscle protein synthesis, and body composition found that collagen did significantly reduce joint pain (it had effect on the other metrics). Here's a nice table listed in the article:The joint pain included in the review included knee pain and Achilles tendinopathy, all predominately in an athletic population. Another glaring observation is several of these studies included physical therapy and exercise prescriptions with the supplementation (Yay! Nutrition and Physical Therapy), which can also alter the results and effects of collagen as well. It's important to see the doses varied in the studies from 5, 10, to 40 grams per day; moreover, the collagen can come in varying form from peptides, hydrolyzed proteins, to denatured collagen. Having such variability in the type of collagen also likely explains the variability in responses and data.DosingSo, roughly how much and what type of collagen should a client take? Well, many studies have used dosages ranging from 8 to 12 grams of collagen peptides or hydrolyzed collagen per day for joint-related benefits. Research suggests that type II collagen supplementation may help reduce joint pain and improve joint function in individuals with arthritis, particularly osteoarthritis. It is believed to work by helping to restore and support cartilage health, potentially reducing inflammation and promoting joint mobility. It's important to note that collagen supplements are available in various forms, such as powders, capsules, and liquids, and their concentration of collagen can vary. Therefore, it's crucial to follow the manufacturer's instructions and consult with a healthcare professional to determine the appropriate dosage for your specific needs.It's also worth mentioning that collagen supplements are often combined with other ingredients, such as vitamins, minerals, or herbal extracts, which may influence their effectiveness. If you decide to try collagen supplementation for joint pain, it's a good idea to choose a reputable brand and look for products that have been tested for quality and safety. I suggest using Labdoor.com to help you or your client find a high-quality collagen supplement, if and when appropriate.SummaryIn the end, perhaps the participants at the ATAF conference were right -- there is something to say about collagen and joint pain. Not every study is exact and more research needs to be done on what dose, what age, what condition, and what exercises should be done with the collagen -- but that's why we practice physical therapy! Love to hear your thoughts and maybe some of your clients' responses to collagen. If you like what you see here then know there is more in our 3 board-approved continuing education courses on Nutrition specific for Physical Therapists. Enroll today in our new bundled course offering and save 20%, a value of $60! Earn CEUs in most states for PTs! Want to learn in person? Attend a #manualtherapyparty! Check out our course calendar below! Learn more online - new online discussion group included! Want an approach that enhances your existing evaluation and treatment? No commercial model gives you THE answer. You need an approach that blends the modern with the old school. NEW - Online Discussion Group Live cases webinars lecture Live Q&A over 600 videos - hundreds of techniques and more! Check out MMT Insiders Keeping it Eclectic... This article was originally posted on Modern Manual Therapy Blog
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Posted by on 2023-07-24
In this episode, Erson goes over a tough case of constant and flared up cervical pain with radiating complaints. What do you think of his solution? Have you ever had a similar case that responded to sustained holds better than repeated loading or traditional techniques? Untold Physio Stories is sponsored byThe Eclectic Approach Network - Check out Dr. E's all new private, non tracking and ad free network for rehab pros! It's free to join, has chat, feed, and all the features of other social networks without the creeping tracking.Check out EDGE Mobility System's Best Sellers - Something for every PT, OT, DC, MT, ATC or Fitness Minded Individual https://edgemobilitysystem.comCurv Health - Start your own Virtual Clinic Side Hustle for FREE! Create your profile in 3 minutes, set your rates, and Curv will handle the rest! From scheduling to payments, messaging, charting, and a full exercise library that allow for patient/clinician tracking, it's never been easier! Click to join Dr. E's new Virtual Clinic Collective to help promote best online practices. Keeping it Eclectic... This article was originally posted on Modern Manual Therapy Blog
Posted by on 2023-07-17
Erson tells a story of getting back to rock climbing after a 20 year break. After a finger injury that wasn't healing, he got some totally unexpected great advice from another climber. What do you think of the solution and has anything similar ever happened to you? Untold Physio Stories is sponsored byThe Eclectic Approach Network - Check out Dr. E's all new private, non tracking and ad free network for rehab pros! It's free to join, has chat, feed, and all the features of other social networks without the creeping tracking.Check out EDGE Mobility System's Best Sellers - Something for every PT, OT, DC, MT, ATC or Fitness Minded Individual https://edgemobilitysystem.comCurv Health - Start your own Virtual Clinic Side Hustle for FREE! Create your profile in 3 minutes, set your rates, and Curv will handle the rest! From scheduling to payments, messaging, charting, and a full exercise library that allow for patient/clinician tracking, it's never been easier! Click to join Dr. E's new Virtual Clinic Collective to help promote best online practices. Keeping it Eclectic... This article was originally posted on Modern Manual Therapy Blog
Posted by on 2023-07-06
Poor workstation ergonomics can lead to a variety of health risks. Prolonged sitting in an improper posture can cause musculoskeletal disorders such as back pain, neck pain, and repetitive strain injuries. It can also lead to poor circulation, increased risk of obesity, and decreased productivity. Inadequate support for the wrists and hands can result in carpal tunnel syndrome and other repetitive strain injuries. Poorly positioned monitors can cause eye strain and headaches. Overall, poor workstation ergonomics can have a negative impact on both physical and mental health.
The height of a desk or workstation can be adjusted to promote better ergonomics by ensuring that it is at the correct height for the individual. The desk should be at a height that allows the individual's elbows to be at a 90-degree angle when their hands are resting on the keyboard or mouse. If the desk is too high, a footrest can be used to support the feet and maintain proper posture. If the desk is too low, risers or adjustable desk platforms can be used to raise the height. It is important to find a height that allows for comfortable and relaxed shoulders, a neutral wrist position, and proper alignment of the spine.
When setting up a dual monitor workstation in an ergonomic manner, there are a few tips to keep in mind. First, the monitors should be positioned at eye level, about an arm's length away. They should be placed directly in front of the individual, with the center of the screen aligned with their line of sight. The monitors should be tilted slightly upward to reduce glare and minimize strain on the neck. If the monitors are different sizes, the larger one should be placed directly in front of the individual, with the smaller one positioned to the side. It is also important to arrange the desk space in a way that allows for easy access to both monitors and minimizes reaching or twisting movements.
To prevent strain and discomfort while using a keyboard and mouse, it is recommended to position them in a way that promotes a neutral wrist position. The keyboard should be placed directly in front of the individual, with the keys centered in front of their body. The wrists should be in a straight, neutral position, with the forearms parallel to the floor. The mouse should be placed next to the keyboard, at the same height, and within easy reach. It is important to avoid resting the wrists on hard surfaces while typing or using the mouse, as this can lead to discomfort and strain. Using a wrist rest or a padded surface can help provide support and reduce the risk of injury.
Regular breaks and stretches are essential for improving ergonomics and reducing the risk of musculoskeletal disorders. Individuals should aim to take short breaks every 30 minutes to an hour to stand up, stretch, and move around. During these breaks, it is important to stretch the neck, shoulders, back, and wrists to relieve tension and promote blood circulation. Simple stretches such as neck rolls, shoulder shrugs, and wrist flexion and extension exercises can be performed. Additionally, incorporating regular physical activity into the daily routine, such as walking or stretching exercises, can help improve overall health and reduce the negative effects of prolonged sitting.
Taping techniques can be beneficial in the management of shoulder impingement syndrome, particularly in cases where conservative treatment approaches are being utilized. Indications for using taping techniques may include individuals experiencing pain and limited range of motion in the shoulder joint, as well as those with a history of repetitive overhead activities or trauma to the shoulder. Taping can help provide support and stability to the shoulder, reducing excessive movement and stress on the affected structures. Additionally, taping techniques can help improve posture and alignment, which can further alleviate symptoms associated with shoulder impingement syndrome. By promoting proper shoulder mechanics and reducing strain on the affected area, taping techniques can be a valuable adjunct to the overall management of this condition.
Hydrotherapy, also known as aquatic therapy, has been shown to have positive effects on cardiovascular fitness and endurance in individuals with heart disease. This form of therapy involves exercises and movements performed in water, which provides a low-impact environment that reduces stress on the joints and muscles. The buoyancy of water also helps to support the body, making it easier for individuals with heart disease to engage in physical activity without putting excessive strain on their cardiovascular system. Additionally, hydrotherapy can improve circulation, increase lung capacity, and enhance overall cardiovascular function. The resistance provided by the water also helps to strengthen the muscles, including the heart, leading to improved endurance and fitness levels. Overall, hydrotherapy can be a beneficial and safe exercise option for individuals with heart disease to improve their cardiovascular fitness and endurance.
The McKenzie Method, a widely used approach for the assessment and treatment of musculoskeletal conditions, classifies and treats cervical radiculopathy through a systematic evaluation and targeted interventions. The method employs a comprehensive assessment process that involves identifying the specific movement and postural patterns that aggravate or alleviate the patient's symptoms. By utilizing a range of specialized tests and techniques, the McKenzie Method aims to determine the underlying mechanical dysfunction causing the cervical radiculopathy. Once the classification is established, treatment is tailored to address the specific mechanical problem identified. This may involve a combination of exercises, manual therapy, and patient education to promote self-management and prevent recurrence of symptoms. The McKenzie Method emphasizes active patient involvement and empowers individuals to take control of their own recovery process.
The McKenzie Method, a widely used approach for assessing and treating back pain, distinguishes between mechanical and non-mechanical back pain through a comprehensive evaluation process. This method focuses on identifying specific movement patterns and responses to various exercises and positions. By analyzing the patient's symptoms, range of motion, and response to repeated movements, the McKenzie Method aims to determine whether the pain is primarily caused by mechanical factors, such as joint dysfunction or muscle imbalances, or non-mechanical factors, such as inflammation or nerve irritation. This differentiation is crucial as it guides the selection of appropriate exercises and interventions tailored to address the underlying cause of the back pain.
Ultrasound therapy plays a significant role in the management of plantar fasciitis. This non-invasive treatment modality utilizes high-frequency sound waves to target and alleviate the symptoms associated with this condition. By delivering ultrasound waves to the affected area, it promotes tissue healing, reduces inflammation, and increases blood flow. The therapy also helps to break down scar tissue and adhesions, which can contribute to the development and persistence of plantar fasciitis. Additionally, ultrasound therapy can enhance the effectiveness of other treatment interventions such as stretching exercises, orthotics, and physical therapy. Overall, ultrasound therapy serves as a valuable adjunct in the comprehensive management of plantar fasciitis, providing patients with a safe and effective means of reducing pain and improving function.
Acupuncture has been suggested as a potential treatment for chemotherapy-induced neuropathy due to its various benefits. Firstly, acupuncture has been found to alleviate pain and improve sensory function in patients with neuropathy. The insertion of needles at specific acupuncture points stimulates the release of endorphins, which are natural pain-relieving substances. Additionally, acupuncture has been shown to enhance blood circulation and promote nerve regeneration, which can help repair damaged nerves caused by chemotherapy. Moreover, acupuncture has a calming effect on the nervous system, reducing stress and anxiety commonly associated with neuropathy. This holistic approach to treatment can improve the overall well-being of patients and enhance their quality of life. Overall, the utilization of acupuncture in the treatment of chemotherapy-induced neuropathy holds promise in providing relief from pain, improving nerve function, and promoting overall well-being.
Mindfulness-based techniques have been found to offer several benefits in the treatment of chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). Firstly, these techniques help individuals with CFS to develop a greater awareness and acceptance of their symptoms, allowing them to better manage their condition. By practicing mindfulness, individuals can learn to observe their thoughts, emotions, and bodily sensations without judgment, reducing the negative impact of stress and anxiety on their symptoms. Additionally, mindfulness-based techniques can improve sleep quality, which is often disrupted in individuals with CFS. Mindfulness meditation has been shown to promote relaxation and reduce insomnia, leading to better overall sleep patterns. Furthermore, these techniques can enhance cognitive functioning, such as attention and memory, which are commonly affected in individuals with CFS. By training the mind to focus on the present moment, individuals can improve their ability to concentrate and process information. Overall, incorporating mindfulness-based techniques into the treatment of CFS can provide individuals with valuable tools to manage their symptoms, improve their quality of life, and promote overall well-being.