Regain Strength After Surgery with Physical Therapy
Physical therapy may be one of the first things your healthcare provider recommends if you’ve recently had surgery. Physical therapy can help restore your strength, flexibility, and mobility.
Here's What to Expect at Your Ergonomic Screening
Positioning your body with proper ergonomics is important in preventing musculoskeletal pain and discomfort, particularly for those with desk jobs or repetitive tasks. Chiropractors are uniquely equipped to assess how your environment and posture impact your body and can recommend adjustments to optimize your daily activities.
That’s why Dr. Pamela V. Ford at Serenity Chiropractic & Family Wellness Center in Carrollton, Texas, offers individual and company-wide ergonomic screenings. Dr. Ford designs these comprehensive evaluations to promote a work and home environment that helps protect your overall musculoskeletal health and well-being.
Here’s a detailed look at what you can expect during an ergonomic screening by Dr. Ford.
1. Initial assessment
An individual screening typically begins with a conversation about your lifestyle, work habits, and the discomfort or pain you’re experiencing.
Be prepared to discuss:
- The type of work you do (desk job, manual labor, etc.)
- The duration of time spent in certain positions (sitting, standing)
- Any existing pain or injuries
- Your exercise habits or physical activity levels
Dr. Ford uses this information to identify potential risk factors contributing to your discomfort.
For instance, even if ergonomically correct, sitting at a desk for hours on end strains the muscles, tendons, ligaments, and bony structures that support the head, neck, and shoulders.
Taking a quick break to stretch and move improves circulation and eases tension in the body.
2. Posture analysis
Your posture is one of the key components we evaluate during an ergonomic screening. Dr. Ford may observe you:
- Sitting at a desk
- Standing
- Performing everyday tasks or movements related to your job
- Using a phone or tablet
During this analysis, she looks for signs of poor alignment, such as rounded shoulders, forward head posture, or uneven weight distribution. If left unaddressed, improper posture can lead to chronic neck, back, and shoulder pain.
3. Workspace evaluation
Many companies welcome an ergonomic screening to help prevent future problems in the workforce.
If you request an ergonomic screening at your workplace (which could include a virtual consultation), Dr. Ford can evaluate:
- Desk and chair setup
- Computer monitor height and placement
- Keyboard and mouse positioning
- Use of tools or equipment
If the screening is done at Serenity Chiropractic & Family Wellness Center, our team can simulate your workspace setup to identify issues.
4. Movement patterns
Dr. Ford may assess your movement patterns during repetitive tasks, such as typing, lifting, reaching, chopping vegetables for food prep, or other typical home and work activities.
Assessing your movement helps pinpoint activities that might strain specific muscles or joints. This portion of the evaluation also helps Dr. Ford evaluate your flexibility and muscle strength and better understand your body mechanics.
5. Recommendations for adjustments
After the evaluation, Dr. Ford provides personalized recommendations to improve your ergonomics and reduce strain on your body.
These may include:
- Adjusting your chair height or monitor position
- Ergonomic tools, such as a lumbar support pillow, standing desk, or wrist rests
- Changes to your posture or movement patterns
- Taking regular breaks to stretch or move
Dr. Ford might prescribe specific stretches and exercises to strengthen weak muscles and relieve tension in overused areas. For example, neck stretches, back exercises, and wrist mobility drills could be part of your ergonomic improvement plan.
7. Follow-up care
Dr. Ford may suggest follow-up appointments to monitor your progress or make further adjustments depending on your situation. She may also offer spinal adjustments or manual therapy to address lingering discomfort caused by poor ergonomics.
Ergonomic screenings help prevent injuries, improve productivity, and enhance overall well-being. Schedule your evaluation today. Call Serenity Chiropractic & Family Wellness Center or request an appointment online.
You Might Also Enjoy...
8 Compelling Reasons to Give Yourself the Gift of Regular Chiropractic Care This Holiday Season
The holiday season brings joy, excitement, and, let’s face it, stress. It’s easy to let self-care slide, but taking time for your well-being can make all the difference. Chiropractic care offers benefits that can help you stay balanced.
How Long Does It Take for Whiplash to Heal?
Whiplash symptoms vary, ranging from mild discomfort to severe pain that can make getting through your daily routine challenging. Wondering how long you’ll be dealing with the pain and what you can do to heal faster? Keep reading.
Dealing with Pregnancy-Induced Sciatica? We Can Help!
If you’re pregnant and have back pain traveling to your hips and legs, it could be pregnancy-induced sciatica. Chiropractic care offers a gentle, noninvasive solution for managing this common complaint. Learn more about how and why it works.
Chronic Back Pain Management: 5 Benefits of Physical Therapy
Many treatments for chronic back pain, such as medications and spinal injections, offer temporary relief from symptoms. Physical therapy is a noninvasive, natural alternative that can reduce or eliminate your pain by tackling the underlying cause.
Mild Adolescent Scoliosis: Treatment Options and Outlook
Mild adolescent scoliosis requires close monitoring to help prevent progression and reduce complications. Read about the benefits of chiropractic care and physical therapy for adolescent scoliosis and what you can expect from treatments.