Here at Collins Place Physio, we see a lot of office workers unnecessarily suffering from hand, wrist or shoulder pain. The culprit? Often, it’s a poorly designed or over-used mouse. An ergonomic mouse is the answer, and an essential purchase for anyone who regularly works with computers!
To help make your purchase decision easier, CPP Physiotherapist and ergonomics guru Jane Lau has shared her insights into seven great alternative mouse options. Say hello ergonomic mouse, goodbye RSI!
EZ Vertical Mouse
Eliminating forearm twisting, this vertical mouse is worth a try if you suffer from wrist / neck / shoulder / forearm issues.
Why use it? The placement of the thumb scoop allows the user to achieve a relaxed handshake position grip as there is no predetermined thumb position. It’s easy to adapt to, and available in both right and left hand options. However, it is generally a better fit for smaller hands.
Evoluent Mouse
Anyone with wrist / neck / shoulder / forearm issues could benefit from trying the Evoluent upright mouse.
Why use it? The hand maintains a comfortable upright neutral position. An extra wide lip along the bottom edge prevents the last finger from rubbing on the desk. It is also easy to adapt to, with left and right hand versions. This ergonomic mouse is bigger than a standard mouse, so it tends to be a good fit for larger hands.
Penguin Mouse
The Penguin is an ergonomic mouse that resembles – you guessed it – a penguin, and is a vertical option that may ease and prevent wrist, shoulder and forearm troubles.
Why use it? As a vertical, ambidextrous mouse, the Penguin allows you to regularly switch hands throughout the day and share the workload. This helps prevent muscle strain and pain.
Oyster Mouse
This adjustable mouse has different settings that can help address wrist and forearm issues.
Why use it? The Oyster is an adjustable, ambidextrous ergonomic mouse that tailors to individual requirements thanks to five different angled settings. It can be used wired or wireless and comes in standard and large sizing for a perfect fit.
Handshake Mouse
A little like a computer game control in appearance, the Handshake Mouse can help ease and prevent neck / shoulder / forearm / wrist issues, particularly carpal tunnel syndrome and repetitive stress injury (RSI).
Why use it? This mouse places your hand and forearm in a more ergonomic Handshake / neutral position. One big benefit is that it comes in two sizes so is suitable for everyone. However, the position is quite foreign for many and may take some getting used to.
Contour Roller Mouse
This two-handed mouse eliminates strain from gripping and unnecessary movements, and is suitable for those with neck/ shoulder / forearm / wrist / hand issues.
Why use it? Everything is close to the body, so you don’t need to reach for your mouse. It’s quite unique, so allow some time to adapt to this ergonomic mouse.
HandShoe Mouse
This sleek mouse is contoured to fit the hand like a glove, and can help with neck / shoulder / wrist / hand issues.
Why use it? The HandShoe reduces gripping, pinching and hovering of the fingers above the buttons, which are potential causes of RSI and carpal tunnel. However, the hand is not entirely neutral in position.
Adds Jane, “anyone with any hand / wrist / forearm / shoulder issues should be trialling some form of ergonomic mouse. There really isn’t a one size fits all approach, and it still comes down to personal preference and trialling the product. But the above options are a good place to start your ergonomic mouse hunt.”
Collins Place Physio stocks a selection of ergonomic equipment. Please have a chat with our team about which mouse would best suit you, or to organise a trial!
