Workplace ergonomics in mobile podiatry and foot care
Ergonomics - more than just a word
In your daily work, you are dedicated to ensuring that your patients live with healthy feet. But for you to be able to continue this, it is imperative that you adapt your workplace to your physical needs. Without consideration of your personal well-being, the treatments, which last on average 45 minutes, cannot be carried out without causing long-term health problems. Fortunately, there is the subject of ergonomics: it is the science of optimal adaptation between people and technology in view of their working conditions. Making adjustments is not as diffi cult as it seems. No matter what your budget looks like there are plenty of ergonomic solutions.
In this section, we present simple but effective exercises that you can easily integrate into your daily routine. The rule here is: ‘It's better to do something regularly and for a short time than rarely and for a long time.’ Use the short breaks between appointments to actively loosen and strengthen your muscles. Even climbing stairs between two customers can be seen as an important training session – think of it as a little workout in your day-to-day work that others have to do in the gym. Then you'll stay mobile, healthy and fit for your job!
More motion as compensation
Practice screw
Cross your arms over your chest and put your left hand on your right shoulder. Move your shoulders with small, quick right-left rotations while your hips stay still. This exercise mobilises the shoulder muscles and releases tension.
Übung Äpfel pflücken
Stellen Sie sich vor, unter einem Apfelbaum zu sitzen. Strecken Sie abwechselnd Ihre Arme nach oben, um die imaginären Früchte zu pflücken. Diese Bewegung stärkt die Muskulatur in den Armen und Schultern und fördert die Durchblutung.
Practice Palm
Like a palm tree in the wind, you gently sway from side to side. With you, let your hand slide down the side of your body in a relaxed manner. Your head effortlessly follows the motion, while your ear tilts towards your shoulder. This exercise can be repeated as often as you like and provides a soothing relaxation.
Practice: stretching the lateral neck muscles
You reach up with your right hand to your left ear and slowly turn your head to the right. You stretch your left shoulder and hand down as far as possible. Now repeat the exercise on the opposite side.
Practice: strengthening the chest muscles
Bring both palms together in front of your chest and press them against each other in a vibrant way, without lifting your shoulders. Try to hold the tension for five seconds.
Practice gold medal
Imagine you have just been named ‘Mobile Podiatrist of the Year’ and are wearing a heavy gold medal that is pulling you forward. Now slowly straighten up, vertebra by vertebra. Then place your hands on your lower back and lean back, relaxed. Alternatively, use a chair, put your hands on the back of your neck and bend forward and then backward.