Avoiding Repetitive Motion Injuries

Truthfully, I don't know there is a way to avoid them - and I am not even sure they still go by that label. But you all know the injuries of which I speak:

The sore shoulders, hands, wrists and necks.
The stiff muscles after a long day.
The pain expereinced doing normal day-to-day tasks.

I've been on disability a few times due to injury onthe job. And a few times the injuries came off the job but I can promise you were directly related.

But that isn't the point of this post. The point is to try an davoid injury for as long as possible.

Since this will be another of those continuing series, I will start small:

Learn to schedule in break time!

Many interpreters I know, especially those who are just starting out and trying desperately to make al iving or develop a clientele, will work many hours back to back allowing just enough time between assignments to drive across town.

This is begging for an injury.

First of all, interpreting uses a lot of small motor movements - much in the same way computer operators do. Fingerspelling is not much different from typing if you think about it. Add to it that many interpreting assignments require us to sign in a small space, or sit in uncomfortable chairs and ergonmonics are not on our side. Finally, consider the vibrations that run from the steering wheel through our hands and arms as we drive across town - not exactly as comforting as a massage.

So difficult as it is to take the time off, your bosy will feel the better for it. Schedule yourself a good half hour off between driving and the assignment or the assignment and driving. Schedule walking breaks if you sit a lot.

And speaking of schedules I have to jet - so citations next time.

Be safe!