Shoulder pain…does it go with the trade

[Gareth.Lewis]

I went to the doctor once with elbowitis and he told me the only thing that will cure it is to stop doing what causes it.

😮

Not very helpful but helped me realise there was nothing for it than grinning and bearing it, or paying for physiotherapy or an op of some sorts.

[Harry Cleary]

Try adjusting the height of your work bench and your posture when working. I know there are recommended heights for benchs…will try and do a search. But I’d be fairly sure that this is where your pain is coming from.

I’ve recently been suffering chronic pain from my fingers to my elbow. I’m told it is RSI repetitive strain injury….bought myself a few yokes on amazon for the desk…a gel wrist support and a special mouse and changed the computer setup and my posture so that my arm rests completely on the table. Has helped a hell of a lot.

[Bob Clarkson]

As it’s not always possible to work at the exact height you need to, you will be putting different strains on your joints. For instance, if you reaching up and pressing hard with the squeegee and the same time you can make a shoulder ache after a fairly short while. In the past I’ve managed to get mine to hurt when writing fascias, purely because I’ve not bothered moving the ladder to where it really should have been.

It’s not really something that should give long term pain though, once in a while if you’ve over done it maybe. It would be worth getting it checked out if it’s bad.

[Harry Cleary]

Also, as regards posture related pains, remember the saying
‘There are only 2 things required in life….a good bed and good shoes, because if you are not in one you are in the other!’ 😀

[Bob Clarkson]

The whole posture thing tends to get very compromised in our job, you pretty much have to bend to where you have to be.

It’s awkward for me to do some jobs as I’m 6’4", I don’t fit in little spaces too well 🙁 Also pretty much all benches are too low, so mine are all lifted. It has advantages with some sign jobs, but certainly not with others.

Totally agree with the bed and shoes Harry, also a bit of general exercise keeps everything moving. Unless it’s pouring with rain, I either run or cycle the 3 miles it is from home to work. Running 6 miles a days may sound a bit drastic, but it’s easy if you do it day in day out.

[Harry Cleary]

quote Bob Clarkson:

The whole posture thing tends to get very compromised in our job, you pretty much have to bend to where you have to be.

Very true Bob.
Brush signwriting in different climes can be very tough on the joints…because you are invariably standing in one position for a long time and on different surfaces. I always try to have wood under my feet…even bringing a board on site with me to stand on. Makes a huge difference over the course of a day. In the workshop I will sometimes add an offcut of polystyrene too.
Regular motion breaks help too…swing the arms etc.

[Jill Marie Welsh]

I have to get cortisone shots for the tendonitis in my shoulder
(I blame squeegeeing and vinyling)
And I have horrible tendonitis in my right thumb
(I blame traditional signwriting)
I’d suggest finding a good massage therapist.
I recently had a massage and it helped considerably.
There are also special routine exercises you can try….ask your Dr about those.
It’s like a constant toothache in my shoulder, I can’t even lay on that side at night.
This has been going on about 10 years now so I can’t simply blame it on my age.
😀
Love…..Jill

[Bob Clarkson]

I used to sit hunched for hours when I was younger, painting on a van door, or along the bottom of a window. I’m a lot more aware of things now-days, and I’ll move about, bend and stretch numerous times during the day. I’ll get aches in my hand is I do masses of vinyl work, but that’s only because I don’t do it all the time now, even in my forearms sometimes.

[Nicola McIntosh]

quote Jill Marie Welsh:

This has been going on about 10 years now so I can’t simply blame it on my age.

ouch…ive been getting steroid injections for ripped tendons in my shoulder and they are not working, so I have to see a specialist in glasgow, I hope my injury doesnt last as long as your jill 😮

nik

[Neil Davey]

My wrists and hands suffer. Not all the time just occasionally after using a squeegee a lot.
I also get pains in my shoulder and neck if I’m working on trucks as your always overstretching, as Bob says to save moving the step ladder.

When I used to sign write all day long I’d get a burning in my shoulder blade.
I think it was because my arms would be in the same position holding a mahl stick and paint for too long.
I also suffered with the tendons behind my knee from over stretching while stood on steps for long periods sign writing.

Fair to say I sound like a wreck.

I think if you can exercise it helps, I play squash once a week and also hit the gym, running and biking. Also, we have great countryside here in Wales, Brecon Beacons and The Black Mountains so I go trekking and do a few challenge walks a year, all to try and stay as fit and as supple as I can.

[David Rogers]

quote Claire:

Hi guys,
Happy new year!
I need a cure if anyone can help….is shoulder pain part of a signmakers life
maybe its just me or do all signmakers have a problem with shoulder pain?
After squeegeeing for too long my shoulder just gives up and for the rest of the day im just sore.
Perhaps someone has found the best way of treating this???
I cant afford a rolls roller!!!
Thanks
Claire?

Seriously, just get a superwide squeegee. For may years I’ve have a 650mm one for firming down my application tape – saves HOURS.

Obviously, not so good for actual application.

Perhaps it’s your overall posture or you are pressing too firmly. Vinyl doesn’t normally need to be rubbed down with much force – just even pressure.

[Claire]

Hi Guys,
Thanks for your comments. Looks like there is alot of pains associated with the love of signmaking.
I have a good bed and wear caterpillar desert boots!
My mam gave me advice on sleeping with 2 pillows and this has improved my sleeping…Thank God
In regard to bench height my husband who also suffers this shoulder pain is 6 ft and I’m 5ft nothing… this may not be fixed as easily.
I will ease off on the squeegee pressure as I think this makes it worse alright.
I have given up on pulling off the protective film off dibond as this is a real killer.
Cheers
Claire

[Kevin Flowers]

Hi
adjusted my benches at xmas, castors & at the same time lowering them 100mm what a difference it makes. Lot less back aches

Kev

[Hugh Potter]

quote Neil Davey:

My wrists and hands suffer. Not all the time just occasionally after using a squeegee a lot.
I also get pains in my shoulder and neck if I’m working on trucks as your always overstretching, as Bob says to save moving the step ladder.

When I used to sign write all day long I’d get a burning in my shoulder blade.

me too, long durations of squeegee work makes my fingers ache / cramp, especially when using a heat gun and spending time on recesses!

I forget what it was that i used to do but i know the burning shoulder you talk of, sometimes get it when having to screw thing in by hand while the arm is raised above my head!

[Cheryl Smith]

quote Harry Cleary:

‘There are only 2 things required in life….a good bed and good shoes, because if you are not in one you are in the other!’ 😀

Great quote Harry…
its true about the shoulder pain.
The thing id recommend is getting to the gym and making strong all the muscles around and supporting the shoulder muscle, …while you are at it, the muscles round your back and core and legs ….and the occasional massage………….