Office Ergonomics: Other Treatment For Injuries Related To The Workstation

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Other Treatment for Injuries Related to the Workstation

Other treatments to relieve pain, prevent further injury, and return to normal activities include:

• Physical therapy, to relieve pain and maintain or improve strength and flexibility.
• Orthotic devices, such as wrist splints or a neck (cervical) collar, which may be worn at home to relieve stress and provide temporary support.
  • Wrist splints should not be worn while you work because they can increase strain on your tendons.
  • A cervical collar is not to be used on a continuous basis at the workplace. Follow your doctor's instructions for wearing the collar and, if you find it to be uncomfortable, talk to your doctor. Cervical collars are not usually used for long periods of time.
• Complementary therapies are health care practices that may be used along with standard medical treatment. They include:
  • Acupuncture, which is used to relieve pain and treat certain health conditions. It is done by sticking thin needles through the skin at certain points of the body to reduce pain.
  • Massage, which involves applying pressure to the soft tissues of the body, such as the muscles, to reduce tension and pain, improve circulation, and encourage relaxation.
  • Yoga, which is a program of exercises to help improve flexibility and breathing, decrease stress, and maintain health. The basic components of yoga are proper breathing and posture.
  • Manipulation therapies, such as chiropractic or osteopathic treatments. Manipulative treatments usually involve a trained practitioner performing twisting, pulling, or pushing movements to realign joints and bones.

Surgery usually is not needed for injuries related to workstation design.

Last updated:	June 13, 2007
Author:	Shannon Erstad, MBA/MPH
Reviewed By:	William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine, David A. Fleckenstein, MPT - Physical Therapy
Editors:	Kathleen M. Ariss, MS, Pat Truman, MATC