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Tidewater Physical Therapy shares tips for healthy handheld device usage

June 14, 2018

Tidewater Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Associates PA recognized Hand Therapy Week June 4-10. The week was established by The American Society of Hand Therapy to raise awareness of the hand therapy specialty among various audiences, including primary care providers, surgeons, referral sources and the public.

Hand therapy involves evaluating and treating injuries and conditions with the shoulder, arm, elbow, forearm, wrist and hand. Hand therapists are licensed or registered occupational therapists or physical therapists who specialize in treating individuals with conditions affecting these areas. Hand therapists carry the title of certified hand therapist.

The CHTs of Tidewater Physical Therapy would like to share ASHT’s guidelines for healthy handheld device usage to prevent upper extremity damage or injury.

Hand injuries such as carpal tunnel syndrome, tendonitis and other ailments occur often when there is evidence of heavy handheld device usage. These injuries are due to the physical requirements needed in order to use handheld devices properly, such as prolonged grips, repetitive motion on small buttons, and awkward wrist movements.

According to the society, many handheld electronics users spend hours on these devices every day, responding to emails and spooling through music lists and address books. These devices are immensely popular, and they are getting smaller with even more features which encourage heavy, extended use. More of the population could suffer hand ailments unless they learn to take preventive measures.

Tidewater Physical Therapy’s certified hand therapists Jennifer S. Hamilton, DPT, CHT; William Hamilton, Jr., DPT, CHT; and Craig L. Joachimowski, PT, OCS, CHT; advise using ASHT’s guidelines for improved use of handheld electronics in order to avoid injury.

  • If people have pain while using handheld electronics, they should stop. Pain is one of the ways the body lets people know they are overextending a particular muscle group. 
  • Use a neutral grip when holding the device. A neutral grip is when the wrist is straight, not bent in either direction. It will allow for wrist motion in a plane where more motion is available in the wrist.
  • Take a break every few minutes or switch to another activity. Overuse of repetitive motions, such as pressing buttons, can cause tendonitis of the elbow or lead to carpal tunnel syndrome (tendon or nerve irritation). 
  • If possible, people should place pillows in their laps and rest arms on pillows or use devices supported on a desk or tabletop. This will allow people to keep their heads in a more upright position and therefore decrease neck strain. The pillows or desk will help support the arms so they do not have to be held up in the air.
  • Sit in an appropriate chair. This is a chair that allows people to put their feet comfortably on the floor and also provides good back support.
  • Switch hands frequently and vary the use of fingers/digits This will allow the one hand or other fingers/digits to rest and reduce fatigue.
  • Frequently look away from the screen and focus on a distant object to help reduce eye fatigue.

With technology growing ever more popular, Tidewater Physical Therapy advises people to remember these tips the next time they pick up their phones, tablets or laptops.

For more information, go to www.tidewaterpt.com or call 410-822-3891.

 

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