When we are talking about ergonomics and reducing the chance of injury, oftentimes, we are talking about very MINOR adjustments and really paying attention to the "little things."
What's something we use all day, every day, that can have a drastic impact on our musculoskeletal health? Instruments! We use them all throughout the day, and they can either make or break us.
For today's post, I'd like to talk about mirrors and some tips to protect your non-dominant arm.
Many clinicians are still using very small diameter, heavy mirror handles which can cause damage in the long run (see image below).
We demand so much from our mirror hand! It retracts, stabilizes, provides indirect vision, not to mention grabbing the air/water syringe and suction. Often, it is holding a very static, fixed position when working, increasing our risk of developing an injury.
The more pressure we are using when retracting, combined with the force needed to hold onto the mirror (pinch force) increases pressure and fatigue, leading to injuries such as tendinitis and carpal tunnel syndrome.
Adjusting to a light and wide mirror handle (see above image) drastically reduces the force needed to hold onto it and perform the duties needed such as retraction and stabilization.
You will definitely be able to feel the difference when you make the change!
Getting a proper mirror is the first step, but what about how you use it?
In my brand-new course, "All About Patient Positioning," I demonstrate a great technique, the "mirror slam," that will literally save your non-dominant arm. The course is now on sale for $74 when you use the code FREEDOM2023. You will learn the mirror slam, how to exactly position your patient, and more.
Due to how often the mirror hand is forced to hold such a stationary position while under stress puts it at risk, and making this very small change can drastically reduce your pain, fatigue, and risk of future injury.
In addition, being mindful of using as light of a grip as possible will further reduce pain and fatigue (no more death grip)!
Thin is NOT in!