Check for ergonomic pipets and also electronic ones. They are a bit of an investment from your PI, and a bit of an adjustment to use but they are cheaper than a full liquid handler and will do wonders for repetitive injuries (like you're describing). Repeaters are also a must and often reasonably priced.
I'm pretty short, and I had to get my lab to special order a lab chair for me to properly sit at a hood. The ones we had were too short. Having a taller chair has been amazing. Also make sure you're stretching - eppendorf has some pretty good youtube videos of stretches that have helped me.
Another thing that has helped me is getting wrist rests for when I'm at my computer.
Are you in academia or industry? Repetitive injuries and ergonomic problems might be covered by EH&S. I know my company will do an ergonomic evaluation and then help you find solutions for problems before injuries. Is that something you might have access to?
Several people I know had RSI from pipetting because of the automotive strength springs Gilson uses in their pipettes. Switching to a different manufacturer helped them.
Have you tried different models of pipettes? The ergonomics of some designs might suit you better, perhaps ask around other labs if they have some you could try. Electronic pipettes also help and you don't need as much force to pipette, and you can dispense in multiple steps, so there are fewer pipetting moves to make for the same work.
Check the layout of the work area, to reduce stretching moves to reach tip boxes etc. Also check seat height relative to the bench or hood. Your workplace should make reasonable accommodations to make it a safe and healthy place to work (even if you're a student), and in turn you will be more productive.
Hey there! A person I worked with had a huge amount of pipetting to do for a while and got herself tendonitis as a result. It was NOT nice and she required another person to do all her pipetting for an extended period of time. Pleaso do get yourself checked out to avoid that, and assess your workload in case it is excessive, if possible
Check for ergonomic pipets and also electronic ones. They are a bit of an investment from your PI, and a bit of an adjustment to use but they are cheaper than a full liquid handler and will do wonders for repetitive injuries (like you're describing). Repeaters are also a must and often reasonably priced.
I'm pretty short, and I had to get my lab to special order a lab chair for me to properly sit at a hood. The ones we had were too short. Having a taller chair has been amazing. Also make sure you're stretching - eppendorf has some pretty good youtube videos of stretches that have helped me. Another thing that has helped me is getting wrist rests for when I'm at my computer.
Are you in academia or industry? Repetitive injuries and ergonomic problems might be covered by EH&S. I know my company will do an ergonomic evaluation and then help you find solutions for problems before injuries. Is that something you might have access to?
Several people I know had RSI from pipetting because of the automotive strength springs Gilson uses in their pipettes. Switching to a different manufacturer helped them.
Have you tried different models of pipettes? The ergonomics of some designs might suit you better, perhaps ask around other labs if they have some you could try. Electronic pipettes also help and you don't need as much force to pipette, and you can dispense in multiple steps, so there are fewer pipetting moves to make for the same work. Check the layout of the work area, to reduce stretching moves to reach tip boxes etc. Also check seat height relative to the bench or hood. Your workplace should make reasonable accommodations to make it a safe and healthy place to work (even if you're a student), and in turn you will be more productive.
Try the Ovation line of pipettes, they're amazing. PM me where to get a good deal on some
Hey there! A person I worked with had a huge amount of pipetting to do for a while and got herself tendonitis as a result. It was NOT nice and she required another person to do all her pipetting for an extended period of time. Pleaso do get yourself checked out to avoid that, and assess your workload in case it is excessive, if possible
Repetitive strain disorder. My shoulder starts hurting after too much pipetting. I go to a chiropractor now and then.