Our September speaker certainly came at the right moment: with our sweltering summer finally giving way to Fall, we’re all keen to get back to our sewing rooms! For hours, no doubt, which could mean injuries if we don’t pay attention to how we’re sitting, standing, ironing and so on.
Deanna McMullen, registered Clinical Physiotherapist and co-owner of Aveeva Physiotherapy and Wellness Studio in North Vancouver, demonstrated how to sit at your machine, keeping arms and legs at a 90 degree angle, and one’s back well supported. Which makes the right chair at the right height very important to avoid common injuries, such as carpal tunnel issues, shoulder tendinitis, neck pain, tennis elbow, sciatic nerve pain and headaches (I bet we all relate!). Using an item to raise your non-pedal foot (telephone directory, anyone?) is also recommended, and be sure the pedal is close to you so that you’re not extending that leg, which can put pressure on the sciatic nerve. It’s all about that 90 degrees!
If you weren’t there, you missed an impromptu demonstration of the “ironing board dance”… move along with the iron instead of leaning over and possibly pulling something in your back!
Deanna also had us practising stretches that might alleviate some of these aches and pains, or avoid them altogether by taking breaks every 30 minutes or so and doing a few before things start hurting. Her complete presentation can be read here, and look out for an email with the link to an illustrated instruction guide to the stretches. If necessary, consult your doctor or physiotherapist about problems you may be experiencing.
Seymour Quilters Guild 