Writing Tips

To Reduce Force

Use the lightest grip possible while writing.
Use ergonomically designed or wide-barrel pens.
Use a rubberized grip or increase traction by wrapping a rubber-band around the pen barrel.
Use a felt-tip pen, gel pen or roller ball so that the tip glides easily over the paper.
Do not plant your wrist or forearm on the desk. Glide over the surface of the desk using your shoulder to initiate the movement of writing.

Keep the wrists neutral.
Position the elbow so that it is open at more than a right (90 degree) angle.
Keep the shoulders relaxed.
Keep the hand relaxed and avoid forceful bending or hyperextension of the
finger joints or thumb when holding the pen.
Position the paper you are writing on about 2 inches above elbow level while sitting with your shoulders relaxed.
Use a sloped desk to reduce the need to bend the neck or round the shoulders forward.
Place the paper in a position that is easily accessible.
Use a micro-desk writing platform above the keyboard.
Get in close to the work surface.
Don’t reach around objects placed on the desk while writing.
Don’t hold a pen while typing.
Use a headset if you need to type and speak on the phone at the same time.
To Reduce Contact Stress
Consider one of the new ergonomically designed pens.
Use the lightest hold possible while still maintaining control of the pen.
Don’t lean on the wrist or the forearm, especially on the sharp edge of a desk.
Use a round, not a triangularly-shaped, rubberized grip.