Ergonomic Assessments

The occupational therapist will evaluate how your injury is impacting your work abilities and potential. By gathering the relevant information related to your current level of work-related skills, we can tailor a rehabilitation plan that fits your unique needs with the ultimate goal of getting you back to work faster. We focus on how you can do your job comfortably and effectively by adapting your worksite environment to meet your current level of functioning. We will also coordinate your rehabilitation services, making sure you are progressing to the strength and endurance that will allow you to perform your essential job demands. Work at a computer desk all day? Many of us are unaware that poor body mechanics can lead to re-injury and/or aid in the discomfort of a pre-existing one. When we sit for long periods of time in slouched positions, we increase the tension and strain in our body. For clients who work all day at a desk, an occupational therapist conducting an ergonomic assessment will analyze your desk and computer monitor height to ensure a good posture/seating system has been set up for you. You will be taught the importance of proper body mechanics (e.g., proper wrist alignment, keeping the back straight) and joint protection techniques (e.g., avoid holding joints in one position for long periods of time) that can be utilized to meet your unique needs.

The reason why focusing on ergonomics is so important deals simply with the evidence that poor ergonomics slows recovery. Exposure to ergonomic risk factors (e.g., awkward postures, forceful exertions, highly repetitive tasks) can slow your recovery down because they put stress on your body that normally would not be there. Although some factors are easy to identified, others are not as observable. This is where occupational therapists come in. We are trained to assess your workplace environment and identify all the factors involved. This information is used to help formulate your ‘Return To Work’ plan that will contain advice from assistive equipment to adaptive strategies in order to prevent further injury, strain, and fatigue.

Anyone who spends long periods of time at their desk! Whether you are an accountant, student, receptionist, lawyer, computer technician, or maybe someone who is having a hard time completing their regular work routine due to an injury. Whatever your job may be, occupational therapy services can help.