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Stretching for sonographers
Author(s) -
Allwood Richard,
Basham Graeme,
Gregory Peter
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
sonography
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 2054-6750
pISSN - 2202-8323
DOI - 10.1002/sono.12155
Subject(s) - medicine , sonographer , physical therapy , protocol (science) , musculoskeletal injury , sitting , human factors and ergonomics , task (project management) , neck pain , physical medicine and rehabilitation , poison control , medical emergency , surgery , ultrasonography , pathology , alternative medicine , management , economics
For more than 30 years, surveys of sonographers, including cardiac, vascular and general sonographers, have consistently reported a high prevalence of work‐related discomfort and injury. In this study, we developed a task‐specific stretching protocol that can be easily understood and performed in the working environment. A variety of studies were reviewed, as well as visual ergonomic analysis by a physiotherapist to identify areas of the body that were at the greatest risk of injury. A specific stretching programme was developed focusing on these areas. Studies have indicated that 80–95% of sonographers experience work‐related pain during their professional careers. Sonographers reported moderate to severe pain and discomfort mostly from the hip to neck region. Stretching protocols have been suggested to be a useful tool at reducing risk of musculoskeletal injury, pain and repetitive strain injury. Education to prevent work‐related injuries or pain in sonographers needs to improve. Promoting awareness of correct stretching techniques and sitting positions can have immediate effects on the well‐being of individual sonographers. To help reduce the risk of injury and promote awareness, we have developed a task‐specific, regular static stretching protocol to be followed on a daily basis.