Shoulder impingement and computer use
By Chris Melton on Feb 18, 2008 in shoulder education, shoulder exercises, shoulder flexibility, shoulder stretching
Recently, a man contacted me about purchasing a Rotater. This was not a new thing - the Rotater has become extremely popular among physical therapists, athletic trainers, athletes (especially golf professionals) and breast cancer survivors.
What did surprise me was that this man claimed to have developed a shoulder impingement due to his extensive use of a mouse while working at his computer. I had never heard of such a thing, but after a little research, I am convinced that this is a condition can affect anyone who spends a considerable amount of time using their computer.
Here are some resources that will help you if you use the computer extensively:
1. Injury Prevention
Lauren, a personal trainer has written a broad article entitled “Injury Prevention: The Ultimate Checklist” that is a common-sense approach to avoiding injuries. But her post “Pain at the Desk? Ditch the Bench” explains what your body goes through everyday as you sit at your desk. I’m feeling that rounded-shoulder, stressed-out feeling right now.
2. Listen to the ergonomic experts
They are experts for a reason � they study repetitive motion and the resulting injuries. Cornell University has released an article cataloging ways for you to avoid mouse related injuries - “10 tips for Mouse Use”.
3. Tools to help
Check out the Mouse Arm, a device that you can attach to your office chair to put yourself in a more ergonomically-correct position.
4. Are you at risk?
Ergocise.com says:
“People who practice poor posture at the computer (sitting with rounded shoulders pinches the tendons that run through the shoulder region), swimmers, window washers, waiters, painters or anyone else who performs activities involving reaching over the head are also susceptible to Shoulder Impingement Syndrome.”
Ergocise.com is a free program that you can access via the internet and designed especially for computer users. Take a look at their program. What do you have to lose except a little pain in the neck..and back and shoulder. You get the point.
(photo used courtesy of David Niblack)
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