The computer is a vital tool in many different occupations. However, long periods of working at a computer can increase the chance of developing an injury. Muscle and joint pain, overuse injuries of the upper limbs and eyestrain can result from inappropriate computer use. The risks can be reduced or eliminated with proper workspace design, improved posture and good working habits.

Posture-related injuries Back and neck pain, headaches, and shoulder and arm pain are common computer-related injuries. Such muscle and joint problems can be caused or made worse by poor workstation design, bad posture and sitting for extended periods of time. Although sitting requires less muscular effort, it still causes fatigue and requires parts of the body to be held steady for long periods of time. This reduces circulation to the muscles, bones, tendons and ligaments and can result in stiffness and pain. If a workstation is not set up properly, these steady positions can put even greater stress on muscles and joints.

Prevention tips - muscle and joint injuries Suggestions to reduce the risk of muscle and joint problems include:

Overuse injuries of the upper limbs
Muscles and tendons can become irritated and inflamed by repetitive movements and awkward postures. This is known as 'overuse injury' and these typically occur in the elbow, wrist or hand of computer users. Symptoms of overuse injuries in the upper limbs include pain, swelling, and stiffness of the joints, weakness and numbness.

Laptop computer dangers
The growing use of laptop computers has increased the rate of pains, strains and injuries among computer users. Laptops were designed to allow computer access for limited periods of time when a person couldn't reach a desktop computer.

The increased use of laptops as a replacement for a desktop computer has resulted in higher computer-related injury rates. The problem is that the monitor and keyboard of a laptop are very close together.

To position the monitor at the right height for the back and neck causes the arms and shoulders to be lifted too high. To position the keyboard at the best height for the arms and shoulders, the user must hunch the shoulders and neck to see the monitor. Carrying laptops around can also cause excessive strain on muscles and joints.

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) usually begins with occasional hand and wrist numbness. Most people ignore CTS when it is in its early stages. Over time, the numbness persists and turns into pain and hand weakness.

People at risk for CTS include computer operators and anyone who performs a repetitive hand motion frequently. Early detecti on and treatment is important, s ince different people have different pain thresholds

Remedial Massage
You need a form of massage specifically designed for the work place Adding remedial massage to your weekly routine can improve your performance. As the work and stressful hours pile up, so do the aches and pains. These little aches and pains can turn into a serious injury. Regular remedial massage will help alleviate pain.

You can benefit from half an hour of work on a specific area that you feel needs attention or longer for more general and maintenance work.

Remedial Massage techniques, when used regularly, can increase the blood flow that is needed for recovery. Also, it will improve the range of motion and strength of injured muscles and accelerate their healing process. With a full recovery you will be able to allow your body to adapt to a higher level of stress.

Remedial Massage can:
· Enhance body awareness
· Identify problem areas before they develop into injuries
· Remove trigger points formed as a result of injury
· Relax and stretch muscles
· Improve range of motion
· Restore suppleness and elasticity
· Relieve pain and stress
· Free muscle adhesions and soften scar tissue caused by injury or overuse
· Improve circulation
· Flush out toxins that cause muscle stiffness and soreness
· Relax the body and mine
· Speed recovery and healing from exertion

Remedial Massage techniques may be tailored each session as you have different needs at different times.

To increase your circulation and flexibility, and leave your muscles resilient and ready to go.

Will increase your circulation to speed the removal of fatigue toxins, relieve your muscle spasms and prevent soreness.

Fine-tuning: For regular Fine-tuning you need a massage that will search out the areas of biomechanical stress in your muscles and relieve them, before they become problems, enabling you to work harder and more consistently.

Injury Rehabilitation: For Injury Rehabilitation you need a massage that will speed your healing, increase your range of motion and reduce scar tissue to allow the muscle to expand/contract normally.

Biofeedback: The use of computerized Biofeedback allows real-time measurement and a visual/audio representation of the stress felt by the muscles as they steadily contract with computer-based work. Sensors can be placed on the clients' neck, arms and upper back region. They register the amount of muscle activity and this is displayed on the screen. Then using a combination of myofascial release, deep tissue massage, and postural re-alignment, the muscles are relaxed. This is represented by a fall in muscle tension on the display. This visual connection between overstressed muscles and the display helps clients to visualize the muscles relaxing, so reducing tension and pain.

Total Contrast can help with all of the above by accurately assessing the client's postural tendencies and work related requirements. Then using a unique mixture of corrective strengthening exercises, remedial massage techniques, and specific stretching programs to correct the imbalances and reduce the pain.