Inquiry into a lift table for my sewing machine?
 

I usually do not share personal info on public forums but I need some input on some adjustments I need to make so I can continue to sew (piecing and garment sewing). I have chronic thoracic shoulder pain in my back. This has been progressing from bad to worse for several years and I finally sought medical help. I was diagnosed with overuse of these muscles in the shoulder from spending time at the sewing machine. This is not just found with people that sew but anyone who sits in certain positions at desks etc. I will be doing PT twice a week for a month and then exercises from now on. My question is concerning any type of lift table for my domestic machine , I am going to try to sew standing up. My husband thinks this will help and we are looking for a table that can be extended up and down so I can sit or stand. Fortunately this pain is not so bad when I use the longarm unless I have to reach a lot during basting. I will be able to remedy that somewhat by rolling the quilt sandwich closer to me. Any help and recommendations concerning this is appreciated. Thanks.

Have you looked at the stand up desks?

Cari

http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/S79022508/
http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/S49084965/
Ikea has an adjustable sit stand desks that may work.

Being that you will be taking physio, talk to them about the importance of continuing to sew, and what would be advisable. Even better, if you could get an occupational therapist involved, as s/he would be able to help figure out how the ergonomics for your particular issues.

Some stand up sewing and quite like it ...... probably a bit awkward at first, but we can all learn new tricks!
That being said ... before you go to the expense of a different set up, I would really recommend working with the trained professionals and be sure that what you change to is better for your overall condition, and not run the risk of making matters worse.

Aphysical therapist is not trained in ergonomics, you should ask you doctor to recommend an Occupational Therapist.

Yes, as I mentioned ... an OT would be best.

However, while not fully trained in this regard,
a good physio would know what should be taken into consideration.

I sew on the Bekant sit/stand desk from Ikea that Mombygrace linked to. I love it, and find I have much less shoulder and back pain since I got it. If you get the power-adjustable version, I have found that it will sometimes not raise smoothly if I leave my machine sitting towards one end. It will go up an inch, then stop. Taking the machine off for an hour, or setting it in the middle of the table instead of more over one leg, fixes the problem.

An adjustable table like this is also great for cutting at the perfect height, and really anything else you do. I use mine at 5 or 6 different heights on a regular basis, just depending what I am working on. I like that I can adjust it half an inch if I want... sometimes the smallest change can make a huge difference.

Like others have said, try to see an OT as well as the PT. The occupational therapist will be best equipped to give you ergonomic advice.

good for you getting PT. Definitely check with an OT on your sewing set up. I have shoulder issues, have had surgery on one, and have to make sure that I'm not doing the same thing (sewing vs. LA vs cutting) for too long our my arm gets numbness in hand---all related to shoulder. I had my son cut down the sewing table so my elbows are at right angles. I can also put my travel machine on my cutting table and stand--it takes a bit to used to sewing that way, but I really do think it's easier. And my cutting table is an adjustable drafting table so it's high enough that my elbows are at the magic right angle. I'm trying to do a better job of using my drafting stool at the LA (knee issues) and bring the work to me instead of stretching. And one thing I would recommend if you don't have it yet is an electric Accuquilt Go! it has saved me lots of pain.

Check the Arrow website, they make an adjustable table with electric motor for adjustments and it goes high enough to stand and sew. I think it's called the Tasmanian or something like that. As I recall it's pricy, but might be what you're looking for since you can adjust it with the sewing machine on it so you could change position frequently and easily if needed. It's large enough to put a sewing machine at one end and use the other end for a good sized cutting mat and ironing surface.

Rob

Martelli makes an adjustable table, I'm not sure how high it goes but it is another option.