Back when I first began this profession, we were losing people left and right to over use syndrome. Now they call it repetitive motion injuries (I think). So the interpreter coordinators at California State University Northridge talked to therapists and doctors about what advice we interpreters might take to avoid making things worse.
Over the next few weeks I will share exercises and pain scales and all the stuff we learned back then. Some of it may be common knowledge now, but it was cutting edge when I joined the profession. And sometimes it is nice to look back and see how far we have come (or not.)
Today's tidbit: If you feel any discomfort, even if it goes away when you stop interpreting, DO NOT SHAKE OUT YOUR WRISTS. This can cause additional damage to any irritated tendons. Warm your hands up well, but do not shake them.
Next time: A scale on which to grade your pain.
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Showing posts with label injury. Show all posts
Showing posts with label injury. Show all posts
Thursday
Avoiding Repetitive Motion Injury
While I beat this dead horse, I thought I would bring up one more idea.
Ways to protect your back.
Many years ago, I turned to look at the visual aid in my class and heard a very distinct pop. It was a vertebrae in my back deciding to change position. needless to say, it was painful and still bothers me on occassion to this day.
How can you avoid such an injury? Don't sit with your back to the visual aid.
It seems obvious, until you try to figure out the logistics for yourself. Some situations leave little room for negotiation. I find a chair that swivels can save me a lot of heart ache. Lacking one of those, I position myself as best I can close to a forty five degee angle. I can turn a partial turn toward the client I am interpreting for, and a partial turn toward the visual aid I need to reference. Easier on my back and not that hard for most to read me.
Then there is a nifty toy that was making the rounds of the internet a few years ago: The Interpreter Mirror. It is a double mirror system so the interpeter can see the visual aid in correct symmetry. Not every room has the space for even that much additional equiment, but it sure is worth looking into.
Especially if you want to save your back.
Ways to protect your back.
Many years ago, I turned to look at the visual aid in my class and heard a very distinct pop. It was a vertebrae in my back deciding to change position. needless to say, it was painful and still bothers me on occassion to this day.
How can you avoid such an injury? Don't sit with your back to the visual aid.
It seems obvious, until you try to figure out the logistics for yourself. Some situations leave little room for negotiation. I find a chair that swivels can save me a lot of heart ache. Lacking one of those, I position myself as best I can close to a forty five degee angle. I can turn a partial turn toward the client I am interpreting for, and a partial turn toward the visual aid I need to reference. Easier on my back and not that hard for most to read me.
Then there is a nifty toy that was making the rounds of the internet a few years ago: The Interpreter Mirror. It is a double mirror system so the interpeter can see the visual aid in correct symmetry. Not every room has the space for even that much additional equiment, but it sure is worth looking into.
Especially if you want to save your back.
Tuesday
Avoiding Repetitive Motion Injury
I promised citations at the end of yesterday's post, so I guess I should keep my promise.
I am afraid some of the observations are my own, after hand trouble, back troubl and shoulder trouble, but here are some links if you would like to learn some more:
"Sign Language Can Cause Repetitive Motion Injury"
"Overuse Syndrome among Sign Language interpreters."
"Interpreter's wrist. Repetitive stress injury and carpal tunnel syndrome in sign language interpreters."
AVLIC’s Position On The Prevention of Repetitive Strain Injuries
Injuries and accidents at work - Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome
Hopefully this gets you started - or convinces you to take it easy! You are the only you the profession has... and we need every one of you.
I am afraid some of the observations are my own, after hand trouble, back troubl and shoulder trouble, but here are some links if you would like to learn some more:
"Sign Language Can Cause Repetitive Motion Injury"
"Overuse Syndrome among Sign Language interpreters."
"Interpreter's wrist. Repetitive stress injury and carpal tunnel syndrome in sign language interpreters."
AVLIC’s Position On The Prevention of Repetitive Strain Injuries
Injuries and accidents at work - Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome
Hopefully this gets you started - or convinces you to take it easy! You are the only you the profession has... and we need every one of you.
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