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The Sonographer’s Guide to Reducing Work-Related Injury: Stretching

Day in and day out, sonographers are using their minds and bodies to help others. Unfortunately, according to the SDMS, 90% of clinical sonographers display symptoms of Work Related Musculoskeletal Disorders (WRMSDs), costing employers over $120 billion in direct and indirect costs.

Some of the most common injuries that sonographers suffer from include frozen shoulder, neck and back strain, tennis elbow, carpal or cubital tunnel, and workload management issues.

As the demand for sonographers continues to increase, proper ergonomics and daily stretches must become an integral part of your day to avoid work-related injury.

In today’s post, we’ll go over in-chair stretches that sonographers can easily implement into their daily routine to provide a better quality of life and help reduce the risk of injury.

In-Chair Stretches for Sonographers

Regular stretching throughout your workday is a great way for sonographers to reduce the risk of serious injury. Adding simple exercises such as thumb touches or wrist extensor stretches can help avoid wrist pain. In addition to adding simple wrist exercises to your day, many stretches can be done in-chair to help improve posture, reduce pain, and promote mobility.

Shoulder Roll

Breathe in and lift shoulders up towards the ears and perform circular movements. Repeat 10 times.

Overhead Arm Reach

While keeping your back and neck straight, extend your arms overhead with elbows straight while interlocking your fingers. Repeat 10 times accompanied by deep breathing.

Chin Tucks

As you look forward, move your head back so your chin is tucked down. Nothing beneath your head should move. Hold for 5 seconds. Repeat up to 10 times.

Hyoid Smile

Gently draw the top of your throat back and up, so you feel as if it is “smiling” from ear to ear, helping to align the head with the spine and breathe better.

Hip Stretch

Sitting in your chair, cross your right ankle above your left knee and gently press, feeling the stretch through your hip. Hold for 20 to 30 seconds. Repeat on the other side.

Seated Upper Trapezius Stretch

Place your left hand on the right side of your head and gently pull your head to the left. Hold the position for 30 to 60 seconds. Use gentle pressure to increase the stretch. Repeat 2 times and then switch sides.

Making Your Job Easier with EcoVue

As a manufacturer of ultrasound gel, we understand the important role that sonographers play in diagnosing patients, which is why we are committed to helping make your job easier. EcoVue Ultrasound Gel not only has a 99% natural formulation that is great for patients and helps extend the life of equipment, but we’ve also recently announced our transition to a softer 250ml ultrasound gel bottle, which may help reduce sonographer wrist fatigue.