خدمات ریه و بازتوانی ریه

Corrective movement services

Undoubtedly, many factors that influence the increase or decrease in work quality and employee productivity have been identified for years. The higher the professional standards in the workplace and the greater the safety and comfort provided for employees, the higher the productivity and motivation to work. However, the emergence and prevalence of various diseases among office workers, or so-called desk-bound employees, have made the impact of administrative and monotonous work on physical health more evident than ever. Extensive research has shown that most computer users develop work-related musculoskeletal disorders over time. Among office employees, the back, neck, lower back, hands, and shoulders are the most commonly affected areas by musculoskeletal disorders. Therefore, we have prepared this plan to minimize these issues and pains.

What is the Correct Work Procedure?

Ergonomics, or human factors engineering, is derived from two Greek words: ergo, meaning work, and nomos, meaning law or rule. In literal terms, it means the law and rule of work. Ergonomics is the scientific study of humans in relation to their work environment and the scientific adaptation of work and the workplace to human physical and psychological characteristics. It involves applying existing scientific knowledge about humans to solve design problems that aim to tailor the work environment to users.

Benefits of Ergonomics:

  • Reduction of fatigue and tension
  • Increased safety
  • Enhanced efficiency and productivity
  • Increased user acceptance and job satisfaction
  • Reduction of human errors and rework (improving quality)
  • Decrease in physical injuries
  • Improved quality of life
  • Reduction in lost workdays
  • Lower job turnover
  • Better communication

It is no surprise that many working individuals reach retirement with a series of musculoskeletal problems and end up spending a large portion of their pension on treating ailments they themselves have developed. Excess fat around the waist and abdomen, increased risk of diabetes and hypertension—these are the achievements of hardworking employees who never receive any reward for them!

To stay healthy, you also need to correct your posture during daily activities. Failing to adjust postures and body positions throughout the day can lead to injuries and pain that disrupt your daily life.

Status of Musculoskeletal Disorders Worldwide

  • According to NIOSH classification, musculoskeletal disorders rank second among occupational health problems and work-related complications.
  • National statistics from Finland indicate that musculoskeletal diseases account for 31% of all occupational diseases.
  • According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 46% of occupational illnesses are related to the musculoskeletal system.
  • The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that back pain accounts for 37% of occupational risk factors, ranking first among work-related diseases and hazards. WHO designated the first decade of the third millennium as the “Decade for Combating Musculoskeletal Disorders” (referred to as the silent epidemic).

Status of Musculoskeletal Disorders in Iran

Based on a national study of diseases and risk factors in Iran, musculoskeletal disorders rank second among work-related illnesses, following cardiovascular diseases.

Musculoskeletal Disorders

The symptoms of musculoskeletal disorders include pain, numbness, burning and tingling sensations, muscle cramps, joint inflammation and stiffness, reduced range of motion, common cumulative trauma disorders, and injuries caused by repetitive movements.

Anyone who remains in a fixed physical position for an extended period throughout the day can benefit from corrective and therapeutic exercises to address workplace injuries.

Various topics are discussed in the methods for correcting and treating work-related injuries, including:

  • Corrective and therapeutic methods for workplace injuries
  • Proper posture at work
  • Proper daily life posture
  • Choosing appropriate bags and shoes
  • Common postural disorders among office workers and specific exercises for them
  • Workplace-specific exercises
  • Techniques for eliminating a double chin

Definition of Corrective Movements

Corrective movements and sports injury science analyze and examine injuries resulting from various physical activities. These injuries involve soft tissue damage, including nerve, muscle, ligament, meniscus, and bone injuries. Corrective movements are a subfield of sports science aimed at preventing and addressing certain physical and neuromuscular abnormalities, such as SCI, through exercise.

A corrective movement and sports injury specialist is directly involved in community health, capable of identifying and diagnosing postural abnormalities, and providing methods to correct these injuries. This specialist also designs and plans corrective exercises tailored to different individuals. Additionally, they play a crucial role in offering consultation services related to corrective sports movements for students, employees, and sports clubs.

Screening and Evaluation

One of the most important elements of corrective movements is conducting proper screening and evaluation.

First, it is essential to understand that bodily abnormalities are categorized into two main types:

Type One: Structural problems where the individual’s bones and joints have undergone changes or where they were born with developmental deficiencies in the bones and joints or acquired them due to disease.

Type Two: Functional or postural issues, meaning the individual did not previously have these problems or the severity was less pronounced, but poor habits and lifestyle choices have worsened the condition.

Next, when do we need corrective movements?

Several factors can contribute to bodily abnormalities, including:

  • Repetitive movements and incorrect movement patterns in activities such as sitting, standing, and walking
  • Lack of adequate physical activity and proper exercise
  • Aging, which accelerates muscle and skeletal deterioration
  • Poor dietary habits that cause sudden weight fluctuations
  • Underlying conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and multiple sclerosis (MS)
  • Incorrect training programs and improper exercise movements
  • Muscular imbalances (e.g., stronger chest muscles compared to back muscles)
  • Improper pressures during training or daily life that can harm the spine, discs, joints, and ligaments

Assessment of an Individual’s Postural Condition in Standing Position – Front View

In this view, the specialist evaluates facial symmetry to check for issues such as torticollis.
The alignment of the shoulders is examined to determine if the individual has shoulder asymmetry.
The pelvic position is assessed to identify any height discrepancies.
The alignment of the knees is observed to determine whether the individual has knock knees or bow legs.
The position of the patella is analyzed to ensure it is moving correctly along its natural path without deviation.
Finally, the specialist examines the condition of the ankles and toes, checking for any rotation in the ankle or deviation in the toes.

Assessment of an Individual’s Postural Condition in Standing Position – Rear View

In this view, the specialist assesses head symmetry to identify potential issues such as torticollis.
The alignment of the shoulders is checked for asymmetry and compared with the findings from the front view.
The spine is examined to determine whether it is in a natural position or if there is scoliosis.
The pelvic position is assessed for any height discrepancies.
The alignment of the knees is observed to determine whether the individual has knock knees or bow legs.
The femur position is analyzed for any internal or external rotation.
The condition of the heel is checked to identify any rotations.

Assessment of an Individual’s Postural Condition in Standing Position – Right and Left Side Views

Is the neck and head positioned forward beyond the natural alignment?
How are the shoulders positioned? Are they rounded or protruding forward?
Has the curvature of the upper back increased, resulting in a kyphotic posture (commonly referred to as a hunchback)?
How is the curvature of the lower back? Does the individual have lordosis, a flat back, or another spinal condition?
Are the knees in a normal position, or do they exhibit hyperextension (genu recurvatum)?

At this stage, we understand why a corrective exercise specialist examines an individual’s posture from multiple perspectives. Following this assessment, the specialist must also evaluate the person’s gait. This additional analysis provides further insight into the function of the ankle, knee, pelvis, and spine during movement.

Next Step: Functional Testing and Medical Examination

With the physician’s examination and diagnosis, functional and specialized tests are conducted to assess the condition of the musculoskeletal system, movement patterns, and joint functionality.

Based on the gathered information, along with any available medical records or previous checkups, the specialist prescribes a treatment program or, as referred to in this field, an exercise prescription.

The physician analyzes the patient’s movement patterns, identifies overactive, underactive, and compensatory muscle groups, and, upon completing the evaluation, designs a training program aimed at optimizing movement capabilities, ensuring correct execution of exercises, and reducing soft tissue tension resulting from mechanical stress.

A specialist utilizing modern assessment and programming techniques helps individuals move more efficiently, recover faster, and return to their workout routines or professional activities sooner. This method ensures a comprehensive rehabilitative and educational session, offering a personalized program that continuously improves the individual’s condition. Corrective exercise is an exceptional complement for anyone involved in rehabilitation, fitness, or health-related fields.

Can My Ankle Position Affect My Spine?

Our body functions as an interconnected system, composed of muscular, joint, and neural chains. When an issue arises in the ankle, it alters force distribution across the foot and impacts the forces exerted from the ground to the foot. This directly affects the knee, which in turn influences the pelvis, the lumbar spine, and eventually the cervical spine and head. It’s all interconnected!

For example, a person with ankle pronation and flat feet is at risk of developing knock knees. As this condition progresses, the femur-pelvic angle increases, altering pelvic positioning. This pelvic misalignment subsequently changes the force dynamics in the lower back, leading to chronic back pain!

Our Mission and Objectives

Given the significance of enhancing workplace safety, employee comfort, productivity, and work quality, and considering the long-term effects of musculoskeletal disorders on employees after retirement, early detection and treatment of these conditions are of great importance.

For this reason, Iran Zamin Rehabilitation Clinic has implemented a postural assessment and screening program for employees.

For over 13 years, Iran Zamin Cardiac Rehabilitation Clinic has been offering specialized healthcare services in cardiology, pulmonology, sports medicine, physical medicine and rehabilitation, internal medicine, physiotherapy, nutrition counseling, psychological counseling, and technical orthopedics. Utilizing state-of-the-art equipment and a highly experienced medical team, the clinic has made significant strides in the diagnosis and treatment of musculoskeletal disorders.

Methodology

Due to the high prevalence of musculoskeletal abnormalities (such as forward head posture, rounded shoulders, kyphosis, lumbar lordosis, knock knees, bow legs, and flat feet) among office workers and other professionals, early detection and prevention of secondary complications are essential.

To address this issue, a comprehensive musculoskeletal assessment program for employees has been developed.

Steps of Implementation

  1. Postural Analysis using a Posture Analyzer device
  2. Physical Examination by medical specialists and relevant experts
  3. Foot Scanning & Custom Insole Production (if deemed necessary by the physician)
  4. Treatment Program & Corrective Exercise Plan designed by specialists using innovative techniques