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What we’ll cover
  1. How do you use your ipad?
  2. How to prevent injuries from your ipad of tablet?

Prevent ipad injuries

Do you experience pain after using your ipad or tablet?  Do you get headaches or neck pain whilst using your device?  Your physiotherapist can not only reduce your pain but ensure you prevent and address the likelihood of getting pain. 

Prevent ipad injuries

With school just around the corner, a number of schools have moved to using a range of tablet devices.  You might even be about to read this article on and iPad or tablet device.

Whilst these devices are convenient and can be a great resource, when used excessively, it can cause pain from the result of poor posture and incorrect Tablet and Ipad use.  When hunched over a tablet device, your head is in a forward position placing excessive stress and strain on the upper back and neck.  Continuously looking downwards places excessive and extra strain through the upper shoulder and neck muscles, discs, joints and ligaments.  The average weight of the head ranges from 6 – 8 kg.  However, research shows that this weight increases exponentially the further forward your head is positioned.  In some studies, the weight of the head has been shown to be up two or three times more when slouched totally forward.

Not only have tablets been shown to place excessive strain through the upper back, but tablets have also been been shown to increase the likelihood of hand and wrist injuries.  Depending on table positioning, repetitive scrolling or holding the device excessively places strain through the ligaments around the wrist and base of the thumb.

How do you use your ipad?

Studies have identified four common positions for using a tablet.

  1. Placing your tablet flat on your lap.
  2. Holding your tablet.
  3. On a table either flat or with a shallow angle on the table.
  4. On a table with a steeper angle resulting in the tablet to be almost upright.

The best position for your tablet has been shown to be docked on a table with a steep angle.  Whilst not at eye level, this position allows the user to be as close as possible to a neutral neck position.

How to prevent injuries from your ipad of tablet?

Setting up your tablet correctly is a great way to reduce and prevent the likelihood of injury.

  1.  Use a good case or stand to increase the angle of the ipad and the desk.
  2. Where possible, an alternate wireless keyboard could be used when at home or using the tablet for a prolonged period of time.
  3. If holding your ipad, try holding your ipad with two hands.  Avoid holding your device and scrolling with one hand.  If this can’t be avoided, try alternating hands when typing or holding your device.
  4. Look away from your tablet every 15 – 20 minutes.

However, the good news is ipad and tablet users have have been shown to be more inclined to move and change position compared to laptop or desktop users.

Regular exercise is a great way to prevent injuries associated with postural stress or strain.  Clinical pilates and strength training have been proven to be the optimal way to prevent and manage postural injuries.  Malvern East Physiotherapy has a range of exercise programs for a range of age groups including Adolescent flexibility and core training through to Functional Fitness and Strength.

Three great postural exercises can be found here.

If you are experiencing pain associated with ipad or table use, book online or call us today on 9571 6888.


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Last week our team celebrated another great year. 

Whilst Melbourne’s weather had its own plans, we were still determined to keep with the theme of ‘Italian Summer’. We let our hair down to master the art of mixology 🍸🍹followed by an Italian feast. Friday morning Run Club with the team. Practicing what we preach!

Staying stronger, healthier and happier. This time last week, our team was nervously completing their final preparations for @melbmara . 

Congratulations to our physiotherapists and ME community who ran on the day.

Dilen and Michael completed their first marathons. Abbey and Lizzie smashed out their first half. Last Sunday, our team headed down to see our own Matt Warren win a premiership in the VAFA Premier Men’s Competition. Last week our team dedicated a full day to professional development and team building. At ME Physio we pride ourselves on collaboration to put you at the centre of everything we do. 

Our team covered the latest treatments for back pain, financial well-being and finished off the day with salsa dancing. 

Many thanks to our guests including James Schomburgk from @the2ndvisitphysio , Financial Planners Tony Vikram & Cameron Bishop and the @salsafoundation At ME Physio, our focus is on helping you get stronger so that you can keep doing the things you love.

For Tony and Joan, healthier and stronger is being able to navigate the iconic Coast to Coast Walk in the UK! We recently had the pleasure of hosting Elise Bujor from Women’s & Men’s Health Physiotherapy to discuss women’s health issues across the lifespan. 

Our team pride themselves on staying up to date to ensure you’re able to stay healthier, happier and stronger. Huge milestones over the past few weeks with both Tom and Jude from @delasallefc doing their first bit of running in their rehab. 

Tom is on the return from an ankle dislocation whilst Jude is putting in the hard work following a knee reconstruction. Last week our team enjoyed some friendly rivalry at the footy. 

With finals around the corner, some of our team can now safely make holidays plans for September. We recently had the pleasure of hosting the podiatry team from @sespodiatry. 

Our physiotherapists Michael and Abbey presented on rehabilitation following Achilles surgical repair and ankle surgery. Last weekend some of our team got together to complete the 10 km run @runmelbourne. There was no finish line picture as some were keen to run another 15 km!

Whilst running wasn’t for some - brunch was well received by everyone. Shoulder impingement can be incredibly frustrating and painful. 

Tony has been working closely with our physiotherapists Vernon and Dilen to get on top of his shoulder pain. His treatment plan has included hands-on physiotherapy and individualised exercises in our hydrotherapy and strength programs.

You Deserve to Feel Good.

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