The goal of an ergonomics program is to study work and home activities and then design jobs, tools, equipment, facilities, and the environment to Prevent Injuries, Ensure Comfort, and Improve Effectiveness.

Everything wears out eventually. Our clothing, automobiles, televisions, computers, sports and recreational equipment, and anything else that is used and not maintained will break down. Our bodies are no different! Everyday activities at work, home, or during recreation can cause wear and tear on muscles, joints, tendons, and nerves. We may recognize it as "fatigue."

How many of us feel fatigue at the end of a work day? This is normal and with sufficient rest and nutrition will go away. But do you ever feel fatigue at the beginning of a work day? This may be a warning! Fatigue that is ignored can become a much more serious problem. Over a period of weeks, months, or years it may become a serious back problem or cause you to lose the function of your hands or feet.

Do accidents or a single incident cause these injuries too? They can, but most cumulative trauma injuries are caused by our lifestyles. The way we work, play, sleep, eat, handle stress, and exercise all play a role.

In your physical therapy program we will discuss those factors that are contributing to your injury and encourage you to make necessary changes to your home or work environment.

Understanding cumulative trauma and ergonomics is easy and, best of all, will help us reduce our own fatigue and keep us healthy.