The following work related activities are just a few examples where RSI is very common and where you may be at risk:
prolonged time in front of a computer screen, straining your neck forward and your head back (occipital extension)
frequent extended reaching activities of more than 30 in./60 cm.
bending forward activities over a task, such as a dental worker, therapist, surgeon, chef, etc.
activities which include frequent sitting and standing
prolonged standing such as a cashier, barber, hair stylist., etc.
heavy lifting and bending on a variety of activities such as construction, warehouse, janitorial work
If these resemble your common activities, you are at risk, or already exeperiencing chronic symptoms - low back pain, neck and shoulder pain, myofascial pain, chronic headaches, carpel tunnel syndrome, fatigue, fibromyalgia, etc. Are you receiving treatment? .....taking pain medication? .....losing productivity?...... frequently absent from work?
Your best defense is to develop mobility and strength where you are at risk. Include the PostureJac in your daily activities. Stop for frequent stretching and activation. Initially you may need to keep the PostureJac handy as your guide. Once these learned and interalized you instinctively return to the neutral position because it feels normal again.
Support and correction from the PostureJac can reduce pain, absenteeism and extend your career. It may not be possible to wear it all the time, but keep it handy for frequent stretches according to need.
Myofascial pain is a common problem associated with repetitive strain injury. Contraction knots or trigger points in the shoulder can be relieved with the MyoPresser accessories that come with the PostureJac. Go to the Myofascial Pain and Trigger Points page for more details.
As a janitor, my job involves heavy lifting. I was living with constant pain in my lower back and down into my legs. I received immediate relief so I wore it constantly 7 days a week for about 8 months. It was comforting to pull down on the handles occasionally to stretch and use the MyoPressers to massage my sore shoulders. I still use if for exercise and my back is definitely stronger because I do. Fred Bain, Ontario
"That PostureJac is amazing. I use it morning, noon and night. Without a doubt it is a dream machine. It took me off pain pills in 3 days after suffering for 2 weeks on pills that didn't help." Alan DeLong, The Computer Guy, New York
"As a general contractor, my work activities put a lot of stress on my back from bending, lifting, and operating in awkward postions. The PostureJac really helps with frequent aches and pains in my lower and mid back region. The stretching and restoration of alignment is critical to allow me to function. I would wear it all the time at work if it didn't interfere with my tool belt" Steve Hayhoe, South Carolina
