Subject: Stretching for Wellness Program
Stretching- A mechanical method that introduces various forces that extend, expand,
lengthen, and elongate soft tissues.
Tendon- A fibrous, strong, connective tissue that connects muscle to bone.
Muscles- A tissue composed of fibers capable of contracting to effect bodily movement,
which moves a particular bone, part, or substance of the body.
Ligaments- A sheet or band of tough fibrous tissue connecting bone or cartilages or
supporting muscles or organs.
Flexibility-The joint’s ability to move freely through a full and normal range of motion.
Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs)- An injury that can affect the body's muscles,
joints, tendons, ligaments and nerves.
V.
Policy Statement
A. Procedure
1.
Stretching for Wellness Program Guidelines
a. The recommended stretches are considered voluntary and lead by the
supervisor for affected District employees.
b. If an employee is concerned about particular stretching techniques, consult
with your physician and do not attempt to stretch.
c. The stretches are not to replace any medical care or medical advice given to
you by your physician.
d. Know your limit; only stretch within your body’s physical limitations.
e. Any stretches that you would like to be considered shall be brought to the
Risk Management division for approval.
f.
Although employees are encouraged to stretch throughout the day on their
own, stretching sessions are scheduled during the department’s time, which
is determined by the manager or supervisor.
g. The location of the scheduled stretching session will be determined by the
manager or supervisor.
2. Contraindications
a. If the employee reports or has any of the following conditions do not stretch
and consult your physician before starting any type of stretching or exercises:
1) Lack of joint movement
2) Joint inflammation
3) Neuropathy
4) Bone Disease
5) Prolonged use of steroids
Effective Date: 7/28/14
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Policy Number: ADM-SOP-619
Subject: Stretching for Wellness Program
6) Untreated Hypertension
7) Nerve root damage or radiating pain
8) Pregnancy
3. Stretching Techniques
a. Stretch training will be provided to all supervisors and managers by a
licensed Physical Therapist.
b. Each division and department has unique job tasks and responsibilities that
require more or less frequent use of certain areas of their body of prolonged
sitting or standing, typing, climbing, stooping, bending, pulling, pushing,
and/or twisting.
c. Different stretching techniques are recommended for particular and
demanding physical functions.
4. Length of Stretches
a. The total duration of the stretching should only take 5- 10 minutes to
complete, depending on the stretches chosen by the division.
b. Any stretches that will exceed the allotted time shall be approved by the
manager or supervisor.
VI.
Recordkeeping
All records created or generated in the course of this procedure shall be legible and
stored in a way that they are readily retrievable in facilities or electronic
document/content management systems that provide a suitable environment to prevent
damage, deterioration, or loss. Records may be in the form of any type of media, such
as hard copy or electronic media. The OCSD Records Retention Schedule is the official
procedure governing the retention, retirement, and destruction of District records.
Document owners should use these schedules to determine the item and series that
best fit their records. Document owners are responsible for insuring that documents are
properly marked, indexed, and filed for their projects or area of responsibility.
VII.
Exceptions/Conditions/Provisions
The stretches are not to replace any medical care or medical advice given to you by your
physician. Please see Contraindications.
VIII.
References
MyOCSD Glossary
Safety-POL-203: Ergonomics
Safety-SOP-203.4 c) : Ergonomic Program Administration
Safety-SOP-203.5 c) : Office Ergonomic Worksite Evaluations
Safety-SOP-203.5 b) : Control of Existing Ergonomic Risk Factors
Policy Number: ADM-SOP-619
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Effective Date: 7/28/14
Subject: Stretching for Wellness Program
IX.
X.
Revision History
Version
Date
II
12/3/2013
III
By
Gina Tetsch
Gina Tetsch
Reason
Update – no longer voluntary
Update – voluntary wellness
program
Attachments
WorkSmart Stretches Ergo – Office
WorkSmart Stretches Ergo – Field and Industrial
Effective Date: 7/28/14
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Policy Number: ADM-SOP-619
Subject: Stretching for Wellness Program
WorkSmart Stretches Ergo – Office
Policy Number: ADM-SOP-619
Page 5 of 6
Effective Date: 7/28/14
Subject: Stretching for Wellness Program
WorkSmart Ergo – Stretches for Field and Industry
Effective Date: 7/28/14
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Policy Number: ADM-SOP-619