Vivien Gibbs Vivien.Gibbs@uwe.ac.uk
Academic Specialist - CHSS
Work-related musculoskeletal disorders in sonography and the Alexander technique
Gibbs, Vivien; Young, Pat
Authors
Pat Young
Abstract
Work-related musculoskeletal disorder (WRMSD) is a problem affecting growing numbers of sonographers. The condition often leads to considerable pain for the individuals concerned and inconvenience for departments struggling to cope with increasing workloads. Employers and equipment manufacturers are making efforts, to address the problem, but the number of cases of WRMSD continues to increase. This study looks at a different approach to tackling the problem, introducing student sonographers to a technique often used in other professions to overcome stress and damage to the body caused by repetitive movements. The 'Alexander technique' (AT) is a method of increasing an individual's awareness of their body and mind when performing an activity. In a profession such as sonography, where the practitioner is concentrating for long periods of time on interpreting images on a television monitor, the position and movement of the body is usually ignored. By working with a skilled teacher, individuals can be shown how to work more effectively, leading to a possible reduction in stress to the body. Initial results indicate that AT has potential to be of benefit to sonographers in preventing or reducing the incidence of WRMSD; further work is planned. © British Medical Ultrasound Society 2008.
Citation
Gibbs, V., & Young, P. (2009). Work-related musculoskeletal disorders in sonography and the Alexander technique. Ultrasound, 16(4), 213-219. https://doi.org/10.1179/174313408X361199
Journal Article Type | Article |
---|---|
Publication Date | Mar 31, 2009 |
Journal | Ultrasound |
Print ISSN | 1742-271X |
Electronic ISSN | 1743-1344 |
Publisher | SAGE Publications |
Peer Reviewed | Peer Reviewed |
Volume | 16 |
Issue | 4 |
Pages | 213-219 |
DOI | https://doi.org/10.1179/174313408X361199 |
Keywords | sonography, musculoskeletal disorders, alexander technique |
Public URL | https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/1007751 |
Publisher URL | http://dx.doi.org/10.1179/174313408X361199 |
You might also like
Allied health professionals: Careers in academia and leadership
(2023)
Digital Artefact
AHP leadership in academia: Opportunities, challenges and current positioning
(2020)
Journal Article
Academic Leadership in Higher Education - Initial research findings
(2019)
Presentation / Conference
Independent reporting sonographers: Could other countries follow the UK's lead?
(2017)
Journal Article