As a follow up to this story we have asked award-winning massage therapist Paola Bassanese to provide a series of tips to help you avoid getting iPhone neck and iPad shoulder. We have published them on Macworld here.
Tablets, such as the iPad and Kindle, are rapidly gaining popularity. However, Tony Kochhar, also known as the 'UK's leading shoulder doctor' says that these devices have caused a rise in shoulder injuries.
Kochhar says that he has been treating up to 20 patients a week for shoulder problems caused by using iPads, also known as 'iPad Shoulder': "Holding the tablet lower down means users have to gaze downwards more sharply. This is increasing the pressure on their joints".
These problems are not exclusive to tablet users, but also smartphone owners too, according to Kochhar. This is due to mobiles being held between the ear and shoulder, and from frequent texting and browsing.
Doctor Kochhar suggests that iPad and iPhone users should try not to hunch over the device – the ideal screen position is level with your face. He also recommends that users take regular brakes from using their devices, and do some gentle neck and shoulder stretches during these breaks.
Kochhar reminds users to switch the iPad between the right and left arm, and also to look out for tell-tale signs of 'iPad Shoulder', which include aches all over one side of the back of the shoulder blade, or pain down the upper arm.
Read: How to stop iPhone neck and iPad shoulder by Paula Bassanese, see her website www.energya.co.uk for more information.
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Comments received
Aryugaetu said on Mon, 19 Mar 2012
He's crazy and obviously doesn't own a smartphone or iPad. Even if the device were mounted in front of you, it quickly becomes difficult to keep your arm raised as you tap on the screen (according to Steve Jobs, that is why you'll never see a touch screen on a iMac). If it's not mounted/resting in any way, then both arms quickly tire trying to operate it at eye level. As a doctor, a learned professional, he should be giving researched solutions, not merely complaining (as if he doesn't like the added income).
stephenreilly said on Tue, 20 Mar 2012
On a related note, I read that when Tom Cruise was filming the virtual interface scenes in Minority Report he needed frequent rests as, despite being fit, his arm muscles would seize up.
Saying that he fairly throws those windows around like he's wrestling on an XBox Connect. A genuine projected interface would probably only require small gestures or eye movement gestures.
frere said on Tue, 20 Mar 2012
Tony Kochhar, also known as the 'UK's leading shoulder doctor' says that these devices have caused a rise in people coming and giving me money. I'll use the money to buy a new iPad, said the doctor outside his bank.
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