Motion is Lotion: Staying Healthy While Working Remote

Guest: Corey M. Kunzer, P.T., D.P.T., SCS, (@KunzerCorey) and Edward R. Laskowski, M.D. (@DrEdSportsMed)

Host: Darryl S. Chutka, M.D. (@ChutkaMD)

Over the past decade more individuals have begun working remotely; the numbers have increased dramatically this past year with the COVID-19 pandemic. While there are some advantages to working remotely, there are also some potential problems associated with it. Those working from home often develop a variety of musculoskeletal problems including low back and neck pain, as well as shoulder and extremity discomfort. Drs. Edward Laskowski, a physician and Corey Kunzer, a physical therapist, both in the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at the Mayo Clinic will discuss some of the musculoskeletal problems associated with working remotely.

Specific topics discussed:

• Frequency of musculoskeletal problems associated with working from home
• Differences between working at home vs. the traditional office
• Issues to consider when selecting a desk and chair
• Recommended positions of the monitor, keyboard and mouse
• Benefits of a standing workstation or working while walking on a treadmill

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