local ergonomics consultants?

[locke61dv.livejournal.com]

Does anyone know of local ergonomics consultants, or something similar? I'm seeking advice on how to configure my workspace to better ward off RSI, etc.

Comments

[jadelennox]

I am not an ergonomics consultant. However, as somebody who fails to ward off RSI, I can tell you that Emil Pascarelli and Deborah quilter's Repetitive Strain Injury: a Computer User's Guide has wonderful advice. I don't know anything about his newer book, but I suspect it is equally good.

I've also learned a lot over the years, and am happy to give you the benefit of my hard-won knowledge. Like I said, I'm not an ergonomics consultant, but the basics are pretty simple. (Right angles, lots of breaks, stop when it hurts.)

[locke61dv.livejournal.com]

I appreciate this. I've ordered these two books and will be looking at them soon.

[hrafn.livejournal.com]

I 2nd the book suggested above; another one I found useful was It's Not Carpal Tunnel Syndrome! (http://www.amazon.com/Carpal-Syndrome-Therapy-Computer-Professionals/dp/0965510999/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1268427107&sr=8-1). I did a lot of reading online in addition, and what I got from all of that was: exercise to keep your upper body fit, take breaks/don't stay in the same position for prolonged periods, and figure out what angles and such work best for you, because 90 degrees is -awful- for some people. I've also seen a couple of places on the web that give lengthy instructions for weight lifting exercises that can help resolve problems caused by spending long hours seated at a desk.

If you have the opportunity to try out different types of keyboards and pointing devices, or even switch from time to time, that might also help. I've found that I need to switch between a regular mouse and a drawing pad, because using either one for too long can be bad.

Not a consultant, either, but. . .

[shana-lyons.livejournal.com]

I'm not an ergonomics consultant either, but I do have a suggestion. Seriously consider switching to the Evoluent 3 Mouse.

http://www.evoluent.com/

I was having wrist pain about two years ago and my father, who's an orthopedic surgeon who did a lot of carpal tunnel surgeries, suggested it. It's AMAZING. It places your mousing hand into a vertical neutral handshake position. 99% of the pain and nighttime numbness I was having went away. I wish I had known about it earlier. At a minimum, it's delayed having real RSI problems for years.

[joifulgurl.livejournal.com]

i'm not an ergonomics consultant, either - i'm an occupational therapy student, and we learn a lot about ergonomics. what jadelennox said is right - make sure you're all right angles (ankles are at 90, knees are at 90, hips are at 90, desk should be at a height so your elbows are at 90, etc), and take lots of breaks. stretching may help, too, to avoid RSI.

you could try to find an occupational or physical therapist to do the job, although OTs tend to have more insight into the upper extremities. :) best of luck to you!

[locke61dv.livejournal.com]

In fact, I just got referred to an OT, so we'll see how that goes. I'd initially planned for a consultant to analyze my current home-office, but the right angle rule is a clear one. (So... time to find a new desk.) Thank you.

[acechorizo.livejournal.com]

I can recommend this person: Elaine Lacroix, http://www.handergo.com

Her advice was excellent; after working with her I made significant improvement regarding my hands/wrists/forearms. This after years of not getting anywhere with therapy and standard advice.