RSI Awareness
Special Promotion on Ergonomic Mice – see below
In recognition of RSI, we have pleasure in offering our customers these limited time deals on Contour products:
>> Contour Unimouse – Wireless [30% OFF]
>> Contour RollerMouse Range [15% OFF]
Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI) is the term given to pain caused by repetitive movement or overuse of muscles tendons and nerves and can become quite debilitating. With the prolific use of mobile devices and touch screens, plus the cumulative effect of working with computers for long hours over long careers, many more people are experiencing these symptoms. Action should be taken at the first sign of pain in the fingers, hand, wrist, elbows, shoulders or neck to prevent escalation and further discomfort.
Take time to analyse your workstation set-up and run through a quick self-assessment – it’s easy to discover that everyday items have been displaced causing you to over-reach or work in awkward positions.
- Is the chair set at an appropriate height so that (when typing) your forearms are parallel to the floor with your hands hovering just above the keyboard.
- There should be no upward, or downward angle of the arms; keep wrists straight.
- Keep your elbows close to your body – your arms should not be extended away from you as this places strain on the musculoskeletal system.
- Bring the devices that you are using into your ‘easy reach zone’ to avoid stretching
- Sit straight onto computer screens wherever possible to avoid torso/neck twist.
- Check the screen height – your neck should be in a neutral position, looking straight ahead, not angles upward or downward.
- If using a laptop for longer than 20 minutes at a time, engage use of a laptop stand and separate keyboard and mouse to establish an open and upright posture.
One common RSI pain is often referred to as Tennis, or Golfers Elbow leading to excruciating pain when trying to grip and/or lift objects. Typing and using a conventional mouse can become impossible. At the earliest onset of such symptoms, consideration should be given to alternative working patterns along with different devices. Break up lengthy typing sessions with other tasks and activity breaks
Alternative devices – It could also be as simple as changing the shape of your mouse. placing your hands in a more vertical posture, as if in a handshake position, could possibly help to relieve some pain, as this is a more natural, relaxed position that reduces forearm twist
The device should also support the inner palm of your hand – be sized to fit, just like gloves – thus avoiding the need to grip or pinch the mouse when engaging with it.
Trackball mice
can be an advantage as there is no need to grip the device as it doesn’t ‘move’ around the desktop; this also encourages the user to remain in contact with the backrest of their chair for added support. Technological advances on the latest mice designs offer DPI controls allowing the user to reduce the amount of arm movement required to direct the cursor around the screen.
Take a look at the Contour UniMouse and Evoluent 4.
Keyboard
if you are managing inflammation which is exacerbated by typing tasks the obvious first call is to look for shortcuts and task management. But you could also compare keyboards; did you realise that some have much lighter touch keys than others thereby reducing the continuous impact on finger, and other joints. Test some alternatives – remember, a keyboard is a primary tool for professional administrators and so it’s worth investing in a quality product. Think of it as buying yourself a gold pen!
Consider if your arm is stretching away from you when using the mouse. Can it be brought in closer or is the size of your keyboard preventing that? Shortboards have been popular for some time – the numeric pad is absent allowing the mouse to be brought closer to hand.
If your job demands the use of the numeric pad and you simply can’t work without it, consider the central pointing device – RollerMouse range by Contour Design. This works well with any keyboard (full-size, or shortboard) and not only negates the need for grip and drive, but also allows the mouse tasks to be easily shared across all fingers and both hands making it ideal for those suffering from Carpal Tunnel or arthritic symptoms.
Do you have a painful neck?
Despite the theory that offices can be paperless many administrators still need to transfer data to, or from their computer or device. As we have already discussed setting up the computer and accessories, let’s consider document placement to negate repetitive neck twist. The optimum position (for most) is directly in front of you, angled between the monitor screen and the keyboard –in plain sight without the need to turn.
Hopefully these tips will help you identify some common contributing factors to discomfort associated with repetitive strain, but if you would like professional advice, please do get in touch.
In recognition of RSI awareness
T&C: Offer valid from Monday 25/02/19 to Friday 01/03 inclusive. Use codes at checkout or on purchase orders. Delivery charges may apply. Discount code can not be used outside specified dates.