Provide support for body and limbs

Next up is the need to provide weight bearing support for our body and limbs.

Seated

Ever try to seat on a backless bleacher? No matter how thrilling the game may be, your back and hips cry out.

Inadequate and improper seated support creates problems. People sit on their legs on the chair. They cross their legs for extended times. Compression of the soft tissues occurs with a decrease in blood flow and circulation. Proper seated support is critical.

Go to the Chair section in the Solution Center for details regarding how to provide comfortable and effective seating.

(Even well supported seated postures become uncomfortable quite quickly. How long do you sit in one position before your body gives you a signal to move?)

Limbs

How much do your arms weigh? If you are holding them up through-out the day at your keyboard or workbench, they may feel like a lot by the end of day. Proper support for your limbs removes the strain of weight bearing and also unloads the neck, shoulders and back.

You will find information about specific ways to support your arms in the Solution Center.

(Hold your arms half way out in front of you. How long can you do it before you experience discomfort and fatigue?)

Standing

Unsupported standing for extended periods is not desired. Joint compression occurs, actually decreasing the amount of joint space and not allowing adequate joint lubrication. Fluid tends to pool in the lower extremities.

The bottom line  . . . it is tiring!

You will find information about specific ways to support standing in the Solution Center.

(In fact as individuals we try very hard to eliminate sustained unsupported standing. Look at people standing in a line. What do you see them do to obtain relief?)