Save your back and squat : ergonomics for physiotherapy students in manual therapy

The aim of this thesis was to invite physiotherapy students into having a greater awareness of correct ergonomics in manual therapy. This thesis goes through detailed analysis of correct posture positioning, leverage, body positioning, angling, device use and other advantageous tools to provide both students and working professionals of physiotherapy in better ergonomics of manual therapy. The objective of this thesis was to provide new physiotherapist students a simple form of guidance of ergonomics in regard to manual therapy in the working environment. By providing the knowledge of ergonomical advantages and alternative positions/tools, this thesis aims to prolong any possible work-related musculoskeletal injuries obtained from lack of or incorrect ergonomics in the working environment in regard to manual therapy. This thesis evaluates use of manual therapy and ways the load on the musculoskeletal system can be reduced through ergonomics. It was a practice-based thesis where in structions and recommendations for physiotherapist students are provided to improve the efficiency of their work and reduce work-related injuries with the use of ergonomics. The theoretical background was obtained from books and published papers from online databases. The theoretical background of this thesis was used to create an online guide/power- point to help students in preventing possible problems caused by improper ergonomics. It will be available for students to read and have a thought about their own ergonomics during the first few clinical practices