Preventing repetitive strain injuries in cosmetology

On Behalf of | Jul 21, 2021 | Workers' Compensation |

Making your living as a Florida cosmetologist may be hard on your body. You may spend the majority of the day on your feet, and you may, too, find yourself performing the same sorts of tasks over and over again. Doing so has the potential to cause repetitive strain injuries, which, in some instances, are quite serious.

According to HealthDay, you face an especially high risk of suffering a work-related repetitive strain injury if you make your living as a hairdresser. Repetitive strain injuries common among those in your line of work include tendonitis and carpal tunnel syndrome. Tendinitis has the potential to impact your ability to hold items or perform simple tasks, and it may, too, lead to serious, regular pain. Carpal tunnel syndrome may lead to irreversible nerve damage, and in severe cases, patients may need to undergo surgery. You may be able to reduce your risk of a repetitive strain injury by taking the following steps.

Practice proper ergonomics

Make sure you are using appropriate and comfortable tools to cut hair. You may also want to invest in certain tools and scissor types that allow you more mobility throughout your hands and elbows.

Take regular breaks

Taking periodic breaks during the day should also help reduce your repetitive strain injury risk. Try not to work too many hours back-to-back. When long shifts are not avoidable, take breaks and move and stretch your body whenever possible.

Tingling or numbness in your fingertips may indicate carpal tunnel syndrome or another type of repetitive strain injury. If you experience these symptoms, consider meeting with your doctor to help prevent the problem from worsening.

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