Is regular computer use a part of your job? If so, how comfortable are you at work? Is your workstation ergonomically appropriate? Most occupations out there today involve some degree of interaction with a computer. The more time you spend in front of a computer, the more important it is that your ergonomic set up fits you appropriately. What does this look like? A good ergonomic set up should include the following:

• monitor positioned approximately arms length away & at eye level,
• upper arms aligned with the trunk for keying / mousing tasks,
• elbows bent at 90 degrees, forearms parallel to the floor,
• keying surface & mousing surface should correspond to elbow height allowing wrists to be in a neutral position for these tasks,
• If sitting: hips and knees should be level, feet flat on the floor.

If you feel musculoskeletal stress or strain related to your work, check to see how closely your setup corresponds to that mentioned above. Sometimes we have what we need to be set up appropriately but the way in which we interact with our workstations needs to be improved.

Melissa Belcher

Melissa Belcher graduated in 2001 from Husson College with her masters in Physical Therapy. She has over 12 years of experience in the outpatient orthopedic setting combined with a strong manual therapy background. She also has additional experience and training having completed the APTA CAPP-PB series, with the pregnant and postpartum population, which holds a special interest for her. Her treatment plans hold a strong orthopedic focus and include modalities such as Pilates based training, therapeutic exercise integration, Kinesiotaping, and soft tissue work. She has completed additional advanced training in therapeutic taping techniques (completing the Kinseotaping 1-3 series), manual therapy techniques, orthopedic conditions classes and therapeutic exercise including Pilates based rehabilitation.