Mouse use varies depending on the individual. If you do a lot of mouse work it is worth considering teaching your brain to become proficient with both upper limbs to help share load. A significant number of overuse injuries associated with office work involve the right upper limb. As most of us are right handed, and the unwritten convention of using the mouse on the right side (beside number pad), it is a logical consequence of repetitive mouse use over long periods of time contributing to overloading the right upper limb. Upper limb occupational overuse injuries can and often include various soft tissues (muscle, tendon, nerve) and medical investigations (xray, ultrasound, MRI, nerve conduction studies) do not always establish a conclusive diagnosis.
When learning to be become proficient with any task on the non-dominant side there is usually a frustrating learning curve. Ironically the mouse usually sits closer to the body midline on the left side as most keyboards have the numberpad on the right side. When considering using the mouse on the left side it is important to change the click buttons in the “control panel” so the index finger uses the inside click button.
Most people wait till they develop an overuse injury to consider using the mouse intermittently with both upper limbs. It is considered good ergonomic practise for anyone that uses the mouse significantly to consider sharing repetitive loads with both upper limbs by becoming proficient with mouse use intermittently with both upper limbs. This will help reduce the risk of an upper limb occupational overuse injury.
