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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