Switching input devices is useful, but not a solution - no matter what someone uses, they can strain particular muscles doing it. It's not only "workstation ergonomics," either, as it is not just limited to the workstation! Workstation ergonomics are important, of course, but she won't be able to correct postural imbalances there without correcting them in all the other areas of her life.
The point of a new input device should be to lessen pain and rest the particular muscles that are most damaged. There are plenty of good suggestions here. But I think it's VERY important for her to start dealing with this as a long-term whole-body problem NOW. This is true for *anybody* with pain at the computer, especially if it's early enough to go away after some rest. It's not worth it to not deal with it.
As a starting point, I definitely recommend the book "It's Not Carpal Tunnel Syndrome! RSI Theory & Therapy for Computer Professionals," by Suparna Damany and Jack Bellis. I also recommend joining the Sorehand mailing list: http://www.ucsf.edu/sorehand/
She should try lots of different things to find out what helps her - and the same for any other staff members with a problem. I hope this message has been helpful - seven years lurking on Slashdot and this is the only post I've ever felt the need to comment about.;)
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Switching input devices is useful, but not a solution - no matter what someone uses, they can strain particular muscles doing it. It's not only "workstation ergonomics," either, as it is not just limited to the workstation! Workstation ergonomics are important, of course, but she won't be able to correct postural imbalances there without correcting them in all the other areas of her life.
;)
The point of a new input device should be to lessen pain and rest the particular muscles that are most damaged. There are plenty of good suggestions here. But I think it's VERY important for her to start dealing with this as a long-term whole-body problem NOW. This is true for *anybody* with pain at the computer, especially if it's early enough to go away after some rest. It's not worth it to not deal with it.
As a starting point, I definitely recommend the book "It's Not Carpal Tunnel Syndrome! RSI Theory & Therapy for Computer Professionals," by Suparna Damany and Jack Bellis. I also recommend joining the Sorehand mailing list: http://www.ucsf.edu/sorehand/
She should try lots of different things to find out what helps her - and the same for any other staff members with a problem. I hope this message has been helpful - seven years lurking on Slashdot and this is the only post I've ever felt the need to comment about.