Happy Blogiversary!
Two years ago today I started writing this blog as my solution to sanity during the first pandemic shut down. I was only home for about a week and a half when I realized I need to use my brain! I also needed a way to connect with my clients from home and promote pain relief and well-being.
Years ago, I had a client who puzzled me. (You've probably heard this story before.) She insisted that she never sat at work, she was always walking and moving. This is not the story her back and hips told me. Her muscles were those of a person with a desk job. Then, as the treatment progressed, the truth came out. She was a quilter! She never sat at work but, at home, she sat at a sewing machine for hours. This client was partially responsible for the change I made to my intake forms that asks about hobbies and recreation.
When massaging my clients, I only have to ask them what they do for a living, and I pretty much know where the pain is. It makes me seem magical (who am I to disagree!) Between lectures from our health care professionals, health and safety departments and person experience, we know the potential our job has to cause injury and repetitive strain. We can be very well-behaved when it comes to our work - lifting with our legs, using proper ergonomics, using proper gear, taking breaks, etc.
We are not so aware in our recreation and hobby activities. When we are doing the things we enjoy the most, we go longer and harder. The endorphins we get from what we love blocks out any concept of pain and discomfort until it's too late.
On this beautiful spring day, my friend and yoga instructor , Kim and I are going to a Fiber and Fabric Festival. This inspired me to write about how our hobbies contribute to repetitive strain and stiffness. Kim has actually created a you tube video on yoga for knitters!
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| Having a parrot hanging off your knitting needle is not good ergonomics |
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| Neither is sewing costumes with a parrot on your wrist! Yes, those are all bins of yarn on the left! |
Years ago, I had a client who puzzled me. (You've probably heard this story before.) She insisted that she never sat at work, she was always walking and moving. This is not the story her back and hips told me. Her muscles were those of a person with a desk job. Then, as the treatment progressed, the truth came out. She was a quilter! She never sat at work but, at home, she sat at a sewing machine for hours. This client was partially responsible for the change I made to my intake forms that asks about hobbies and recreation.
Many hobbies required us to be looking down and use our fine motor skills. Eye strain and neck tension lead to headaches. Using tools leads to hand cramping and tendinitis in hands, elbows and shoulders. Most hobbies take place in a sitting position. There are some proactive things you can do to reduce these.
Location! Location! Location!
Good light reduces eye strain and the amount we bend closer for a better look
Comfortable seating - If you are at a table or desk use a good office chair
Arm support - Knitting, crocheting or reading in your favorite cozy chair? Put pillows under your elbow to bring your hands higher. This way your head isn't bending down and causing neck strain and your arms are supported in holding the weight - hard cover books and large afghans get heavy!
Good Tools
Many hobbies have tools specially designed to reduce strain- square knitting needles, crochet hooks, scissors and jewelry tools with comfort grips.
Using a music stand or a standing clipboard to hold patterns at a better level or angle reduces neck strain.
My Ott light has long bar light with no glare, a clip to hold patterns at eye level and a magnifier.
Embrace Technology
I love to read, but have a terrible tendency to not put a book down until it's done. True fact: when The Deathly Hollows came out, I read until 6am!! The shoulder, neck, back and hip strain from marathon reading sessions took longer to recover from, the older I got! Now the vast majority of my reading is done on audio books. There are thousands of books you can download onto your phone, computer or tablet from your library for free.
Use a photocopier or your computer and printer to enlarge patterns and make them easier to read at a comfortable distance.
R & R
I know, I know, our hobbies are supposed to BE our R & R. As much as you are enjoying yourself and in the zone - get up and move around. Go for a walk, do some stretches, put something in the crockpot for dinner. Drink some water while you are at it! Occasionally I will spend a blissful "me day" in my craft room. I have many hobbies, so on those days I try to switch it up. Work on one for a while then switch to another. Or work for a while, then putter with organizing - let's be honest, craft rooms always need more organizing!
So, enjoy your hobbies responsibly on this beautiful Sunday in Spring. It's time to go to the Fibre Fair!
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