Avoid crafter injury

PASSION  drives crafters, & artists alike. Often we are so engrossed in completing our work that forgo our health, our posture and then suffer from Repetitive Stress Injury (CARPAL TUNNEL SYNDROME) ! (besides minor cuts & bruises). 

Carpal Tunnel syndrome exercises

• An artist I know used to lug tons of fabric & tins of paints and ended with a slipped disc 
• Another crafter was cutting leather pieces with a scissors until his arm had to be put on a sling
• Those who crochet often complain of pain in the shoulder blade and stiff fingers
• and the list continues..

We all know that prevention is better than cure, I strongly suggest that u strengthen your body with some simple steps/movements, especially  those areas most commonly used in your art/craft.

WISH we had a program like this in Malaysia for ardent crafts to get healthy, stay healthy for more productive crafting! 

Ergo-wise Exercises for Crafters
If you love to craft like me, but find the strain of sitting, repetitive movements, and small ranges of motion can take a toll on your body, then come learn some fabulous moves to make your body as happy and productive as it can be. You don't need any gear to learn how to strengthen your core, enhance your posture and stretch those tight spots. Plus, since exercise has a positive effect on the brain, these moves could even make you more creative! This is just one of the many DIY Craft a New Body classes I offer, so stay tuned! 

BUT until then, you can do these recommended exercises yourself :

  

GOOD POSTURE 
While sitting, sit on your sitz bones, sit as tall as you can, draw in your navel, relax your neck, and keep your shoulders down and back. Yeah, I know that's a lot to remember, while counting stitches or powering your sewing machine. But the better your posture the better you'll feel long term. Pilates and ballet exercises can help you develop more postural awareness. Standing while crafting, if it works for your craft, or try using an exercise ball as your chair.  http://takeitoutsidefitness.blogspot.com/2011/09/stretches-for-crafters-desk-workers-and.htm

HAND, NECK, SHOULDER STRETCHES

HAND STRETCHES - for those who do crochet and other intensive hand work

  

YOGA FOR CRAFTERS

by Stephanie Friedman, a craft-making, photo-taking, book-loving Hatha yoga teacher. Try these -

SHOULDER STRETCH  

HAND EXERCISES 

STRESS RELIEF 

CRAFTING A NEW BODY

Why not combine crafting & fitness into one enjoyable experience?

ERGONOMICS
Part of the reason for the pain is that we r using the wrong tool, not sitting properly or worktable is too tall or too low, there's improper lighting, etc...

CREATIVE COMFORT  is a line of braces, padding , 'ergoBeads' that help u prevent & alleviate pain when crafting / painting. We saw it at Isetan, Lot 10 a few months ago (2012).  Check it out!