Nearly everyone operates with more muscle tension than necessary, whether due to stress, injury, or simply out of habit. This increased muscle tension can lead to discomfort in the back, neck, and shoulders, putting absenteeism on the horizon. Unfortunately, many individuals are unaware of their elevated muscle tension levels, and what you’re not conscious of, you can’t change.
That’s where myofeedback comes in. When conducting a workplace assessment or creating an ergonomic profile, I always incorporate myofeedback. Myofeedback is a rapid learning method that allows you to:
1. Scientifically Measure Muscle Tension:
- Determine and quantify muscle tension.
2. Reduce Muscle Tension:
- Learn techniques to decrease tension.
3. Cultivate Relaxation at Work:
- Develop the skill of working in a relaxed manner.
What is Myofeedback? Myofeedback is a form of biofeedback and employs a specialized device that provides immediate feedback on muscle tension in various parts of the body with each movement. This helps employees gain swift insights into their tension levels during work tasks. Additionally, the results of the measurements offer ergonomic insights; for example, tense shoulders often indicate that the desk is set too high. See this wiki for more info.
Benefits of Myofeedback:
- Raises immediate awareness of areas of tension.
- Speeds up the process of learning to work in a relaxed manner.
- Motivates individuals to change habits.
- Provides scientific evidence for the causes of discomfort.
- Can be used preventively and effectively for RSI-related issues.
Most Surprising Revelations During a Myofeedback Session: The outcomes of myofeedback often come as a revelation to many people. The most significant finding:
Muscle tension in the forearm when resting on the mouse is much higher than expected and perceived. This tension is a major contributor to RSI (Repetitive Strain Injury). The mouse’s exact placement plays a crucial role in this!
Essential tool to improve ergonomics:
With myofeedback, you can make the most of the tips you receive during a workplace assessment or when creating an ergonomic workplace setup. Myofeedback helps maintain focus on relevant posture and behavior, enhancing the preventive impact.
Ready to Take the First Step?
If you’re ready to experience the benefits of myofeedback, don’t hesitate to book an appointment. You can also rent a myofeedback device for sustained behavioral change. Many employees find this option valuable because the device provides immediate warnings when muscle tension becomes excessive. It allows you to break the cycle and permanently alter your behavior.
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