Anyone who has spent more than a few days in Japan will have noticed the unique way in which Japanese women carry their handbags. You know, the "bent arm" routine.

Osaka General Hospital has recently treated a number of women who've suffered injuries as a result of this awkward method of bag carrying. So it's not just a strain on their elbows; it's a strain on the health service too.

A publicity campaign is being planned to show people more conventional ways of carrying a bag, in the hope of reducing the number of cases of RHSI (Repetitve Handbag Strain Injury).

More commonly known as 'Handbag Elbow', symptoms include a painful and tender elbow, sometimes with a small knobble.

Handbag Elbow Techniques:
1. THE STANDARD SAUNTER

Here we see the most common bag-carrying
method. The Elbow Angle is about 45 degrees
and presents no hazard to pedestrians walking
in the opposite direction.


2. THE WIDE-ANGLE EXTENSION

The arm is open at an angle of about 20 degrees.
This is usually the mark of a confident, high-earning
shopper.


3. THE DOUBLE WHAMMY

Usually adopted by more experienced bag-carriers.
It requires high-level concentration as well as
excellent hand-eye coordination.


4. THE BAG-BROLLY COMBO

This one is a real treat for bag-watchers. It's
as rare as a four-leaf clover and usually adopted
by those who want arms of the same size.



The normal arm of a lady.



One shopping trip too many?

This entry was posted on Friday, December 22, 2006 at 3:23 pm. You can skip to the end and leave a response.