Work-related Musculoskeletal Disorders in Sonography and the Alexander Technique

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.

Evidence for the effectiveness of Alexander Technique lessons in medical and health-related conditions: a systematic review

“…The programme consisted of educational lectures ⁄ group discussions with nurses, physiotherapists and psychologists, auto-hypnosis and relaxation, personal exercise training and AT sessions. Finally, in the occupational setting, a study of group AT instruction for medical sonographers (N = 96) delivered with the aim of reducing work-related musculoskeletal disorders revealed that 86% found that AT was relevant to the practice of ultrasound and 83% thought that they would be able to apply what they had learnt to their work (37,38).…”

Work-related musculoskeletal disorders in ultrasound: Can you reduce risk?

“…This was also highlighted by Gibbs and Young. 20 One factor that respondents suggested aggravated symptoms of WRMSD in a study of 2963 ultrasound practitioners, was transducer pressure. 1 Ideally, the transducer should be held using a light grip with minimal or no pressure applied.…”

“…14,37 The use of the Alexander technique has also been investigated for sonographers, to help improve body awareness and posture. 8,20 Dynamic exercises can be used to warm up muscles, prior to beginning a scanning list, in the same way that a warm up is used prior to any form of exercise. Research evidence suggests possible benefits from stretching between patients.…”

“…The ultrasound monitor needs to be adjustable and at a level to ensure that there is no neck extension. Ideally, the neck should be flexed slightly to approximately [15][16][17][18][19][20] . 13 When observing people in practice, it is common to see practitioners tilt their head to visualise the image particularly when looking at fine structures, e.g.…”

Work Related Musculoskeletal Disorder amongst Sonologists In Nigeria.

“…In this study, only 9(22%) had prescribed medication but no official report was made to the management of the respective institutions, others were on self-medication. Treatment for WRMSD often has a poor outcome because the affected person goes back to the same environment that initially produced the injury [15].…”