As a Physiotherapist, I’ve seen first hand how poor ergonomics can lead to discomfort, pain, and long-term health issues. Whether you work in an office, or even remotely, the way your body interacts with your environment plays a crucial role in your physical well-being. One of the best ways to optimise your workspace and prevent musculoskeletal problems is by undergoing an Ergonomic Assessment.
But what exactly is an Ergonomic Assessment, and what can you expect from the process? In this blog, I’ll walk you through what an Ergonomic Assessment from Bend + Mend Physiotherapy entails and how it can benefit you.
What is an Ergonomic Assessment?
An Ergonomic Assessment (sometimes known as Workplace or Desk Assessment) is a thorough evaluation of your workstation setup, posture, and overall body mechanics. The goal is to ensure that your environment is tailored to suit your body’s natural movements and posture, thereby minimising the risk of strain, injury, and discomfort. For example, sitting at a desk that isn’t properly adjusted can lead to back, neck, or shoulder pain, while repetitive motions can cause overuse injuries like carpal tunnel syndrome.
At Bend + Mend, we conduct these assessments, providing expert advice and practical solutions for making your workspace safer and more efficient.
What Happens During an Ergonomic Assessment?
1. Initial Consultation and Discussion
The first step in the assessment process is a discussion of your current symptoms, work habits, and any specific issues you may be experiencing. This could include pain, stiffness, fatigue, or discomfort that has developed over time. I’ll ask about your typical workday, your daily tasks, and any physical discomforts you’re facing. The goal is to understand the specific areas of concern and how they might be related to your work environment.
2. Workspace Evaluation
Next, I’ll take a close look at your workspace setup. Whether it’s your desk, chair, computer setup, or tools you use, we’ll examine how everything fits together. Key things I look for include:
- Chair setup: Is your chair height adjustable? Does it provide proper lumbar support for your lower back?
- Desk height: Is your desk at a level that allows your arms to rest comfortably at a 90-degree angle when typing?
- Monitor positioning: Is your monitor at eye level? Are you straining your neck or eyes to see the screen?
- Keyboard and mouse placement: Are your keyboard and mouse positioned to allow for relaxed wrists and forearms?
This evaluation is essential in identifying whether your workstation is contributing to any physical discomfort.
3. Posture Analysis
One of the most important parts of the assessment is analyzing your posture while working. Poor posture, whether from slouching, leaning forward, or craning your neck, can lead to pain and long-term musculoskeletal damage. I’ll assess your sitting and standing posture (if using a standing desk) to spot any areas that may need adjustment. Simple changes, such as adjusting your chair or changing how you sit at your desk, can make a big difference in how you feel.
4. Personalised Recommendations
Based on the findings of the assessment, I will provide personalized recommendations that may include:
- Adjustments to your workstation: This could involve changing your chair height, adjusting the angle of your monitor, or suggesting a standing desk if appropriate.
- Ergonomic tools: Depending on your needs, I may recommend ergonomic accessories, such as a keyboard tray, wrist supports, or a more supportive chair.
- Postural adjustments: I’ll guide you through exercises to improve posture and body awareness, which can reduce strain on your muscles and joints.
- Movement suggestions: For those with repetitive movements, I may suggest techniques for altering or breaking up these motions, as well as stretches or exercises to keep your body mobile.
5. Follow-Up and Reassessment
An ergonomic assessment isn’t just a one-time event. Once adjustments are made, it’s important to follow up and see how your body is responding. I may schedule a follow-up appointment to reassess your posture, workstation setup, and any ongoing symptoms. Over time, small tweaks to your environment and behaviour can lead to significant improvements in your comfort and overall health.
The Benefits of an Ergonomic Assessment
- Reduced Pain and Discomfort: One of the most immediate benefits you’ll notice is a reduction in pain, especially in areas like the neck, shoulders, back, and wrists. By making simple adjustments to your workspace, you can often eliminate the sources of discomfort.
- Improved Productivity: A comfortable, well-designed workstation can improve focus and efficiency. You won’t be distracted by aches and pains, which means you can perform your work tasks with greater ease.
- Prevention of Long-Term Injury: Musculoskeletal problems that arise from poor ergonomics can lead to chronic conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome, tendonitis, or back problems. An ergonomic assessment helps prevent these long-term injuries by addressing the root causes early on.
- Better Overall Well-Being: Feeling comfortable in your workspace can have a significant impact on your overall health and quality of life. Fewer aches and pains, better posture, and more movement mean you’ll feel better at the end of each workday.
Conclusion
An ergonomic assessment is an investment in your health and well-being. By identifying areas of concern in your workspace, posture, and body mechanics, we at Bend + Mend can help you create a more comfortable and productive environment. Whether you’re experiencing pain or simply want to prevent future issues, an ergonomic assessment is a proactive step toward improving your quality of life and work performance.
We offer a range of both in-person and telehealth assessments for indiviuals and groups. If you’re interested in scheduling an ergonomic assessment, feel free to reach out. Together, we can optimise your workspace and ensure you’re set up for success—both now and in the long term!
