Ergonomics + Biomechanics =

Ergo-Mechanics!

Knowing or optimizing Ergonomics is simply NOT ENOUGH to successfully eradicate WRMSDs in diagnostic ultrasound. By definition, ergonomics is the science of fitting the job to the worker, something IMPOSSIBLE to do in this industry as there are numerous specialities.

About Sonographer's Shoulder

If external factors like equipment were enough to fix the problem, we wouldn’t be in a worsening situation with all the new tech and toys available on the market today in ultrasound.

Understanding the Biomechanics of the body, what it’s composed of, and why we’re not able to avoid injury is ESSENTIAL to providing the education and empowerment to both employers and employees who need a clear understanding of what is going on with the Sonographer’s Shoulder so they can take the necessary steps to protect their bodies and bottom lines because NO ONE wants to deal with the TRAUMA or the EXPENSE of a Sonographer’s Injury or Soft Tissue Disorder.

What is Sonographer's Shoulder?

Sonographer’s Shoulder is a term that involves the stabilizers of the shoulder girdle to include the SITS muscle group as the highest implicated dynamic stabilizers affected in the accelerated degenerative changes of the muscles, tendons, and nerves that can cause pain in the wrist, neck, forearm, back, and spine. This occurs secondary to prolonged static & dynamic postures maintained by the DMS, specifically when the workload exceeds the workforce in the clinical setting without adequate time/opportunity for soft tissue recovery.

Some compensatory anatomy involved is latissimus dorsi, trapezius, deltoid, which aid in dynamic stabilization and the labrum and scapula which are negatively affected static stabilizers whose main function is congruity, but bear the load of the dynamic stabilizers when they fail. This leads to weakness, instability, and the eventual trauma of the SS.

Symptoms of SS begin with the introduction of disruptive physiology like knots, adhesions, and scar tissue that in excess impede the soft tissue’s natural healing abilities. The repetitive and contractive biomechanical influences of diagnostic image acquisition aid in the production and stagnation of toxic muscle metabolic waste within the muscle fibers resulting in inflammatory processes secondary to biomechanical & biochemical injury.

Course Testimonials

What are our trained and certified students saying about the Ergo-Mechanics course for Preventing Work-Related Musculoskeletal Injuries & Disorders in Diagnostic Ultrasound?

Loved Joanna and how she presented everything! I will be making cognitive efforts to ensure my sonographer shoulder is taken care of. Love the way Joanna incorporated all different aspects of Sonographer’s Shoulder.

Kelsey M.

I enjoyed Joanna’s course and I learned so much about ergonomics. Very informative for sonographers to learn how to take care of their body when scanning and avoid musculoskeletal injuries.

Rachael S.

I want to thank you for such an awesome presentation. Learned so much, so so informative. Truly the best class, I have attended. I will do my best do keep up with my STR. Going to miss seeing you every week!! Loved all of your positivity! The content was amazing, can't say enough. Thanks to everyone who made this course possible.

Crystal L.

I highly recommend this course. Very informative. Joanna is amazing and gave me all the information and tips needed to be safe and empowered in the Ultrasound field! 🙂

Marcia C.

I love the Ultrasafe Ultrasound course, it was very informative and you learn so much how to prevent injury in the ultrasound field & as well STR which is a series of stretching techniques. Our instructor Joanna was amazing, she made the class so fun to learn and at the same time very easy to understand the concepts. As a future student going to clinicals this fall, I feel more confident having that knowledge which is going to help me so much. I sooo recommend it to all the future & current students going to the field & the ones who are already sonographers!!! <3

Genesis V.

"Solid information to improve your work life, starting now. Really enjoyed and learned from the class."

Debbie L.

"Love their Ergonomics Class for sonographers! Joanna Hall has gone above and beyond on creating a great space for Sonographers to learn how to best protect their health in the long run and she speaks from experience. I’m about 2 classes in and I’m already so impressed by how much vetted research has been used to create this content and also how generous Joanna has been to share where to look for this info. It’s so true, we have to not just respond to injuries but carefully anticipate what lies ahead while remembering that we all have different levels of health to combat a potential injury. Learning self-care is not easy and doesn’t happen overnight, so when we can share what works with one another, it can be vital in helping others master their own unique tools! Thank you Joanna Hall & your team for being so open and candid because it will help a ton of current and future Sonographers to build longevity and thrive🙏🏼💕"