1. Preventing Repetitive Motion Disorders

2. What are the symptoms of Repetitive Motion Disorders? Early symptoms include: Fatigue in hands, wrists or arms Pain in the back or neck Weakness in grip strength Stiffness in hands, fingers or joints SERIOUS symptoms include: Pain, tingling, or burning sensation in hands or fingers Numbness in hands, fingers, arms or legs Swelling of hands, fingers or other body parts Pain “radiating” from back to arms or legs Symptoms can occur at any time. Symptoms may “go away”, then reappear.

3. How Can We Fight Repetitive Motion Disorders? Prevention Early Intervention

4. How can Repetitive Motion Disorders be PREVENTED? Exercise during your breaks and lunch hour. * Located within the same folder as this program, there are 3 useful pages on stretches: stressed_out, desk_stretches, and copy_machine. DON’T bend your wrist while working Try to keep them from being bent up or down or to one side. Keep your wrists RELAXED (neutral) while working. Avoid repetitive motion whenever possible. Avoid holding or squeezing. Rotate job duties to “break up” repetitive motion into shorter time periods. Work in an ergonomic office environment. Adjust your desk, chair, keyboard and monitor for comfort and proper positions. Some exercises you can do at your desk: Wrist Rotation – rotate wrists in circles. Hand Stretch – clench and unclench your fists. Eye Focus – Look at objects far away. See next page for workstation layout suggestion.

6. Worksite modifications can prevent Repetitive Motion Disorders: Redesigned tool grips prevent improper wrist positions. Proper use of tools to prevent improper positions. Wrist pad in front of keyboard keeps wrists in neutral. A good adjustable chair is very important in helping your arms and wrists to be in the proper position.

7. What happens if someone gets a Repetitive Motion Disorder? EARLY INTERVENTION is the best way to help someone with a Repetitive Motion disorder. All employees should report all symptoms to their supervisor immediately. Supervisors should be on the lookout for symptoms of Repetitive Motion Disorders. If Repetitive Motion symptoms are present, notify a supervisor. Don’t wait to see if it gets worse…early intervention is by far the best! A doctor can effectively treat cumulative trauma if you see them right away. The doctor may prescribe: Anti-inflammatory medications Physical therapy Wrist-brace or other items Working closely with your employer can have positive effects for all involved.

8. Need More Information? Contact: Thom Danenhower, RS MMIA 443-0907 x 131 tdanenhower@mmia.net Kari Payne, LPN MMIA 443-0907 x 112 kpayne@mmia.net