Daily Stretching Routine For The Desk Worker
Daily Stretching Routine For The Desk Worker
Do you work in an office? Do you sit at a desk for most of the day? Are you relatively sedentary while at work? Does your back or neck ache throughout the day or at the end of the day? If you answered “yes” to any of those questions, this article is for you. I outline a daily stretching routine that you can easily implement at work.
Prolonged sitting really takes a toll on the body. Your joints are not meant to be in one static position for extended periods of time. Joints need movement in order to get circulation and important nutrients. This is part of the reason why many desk workers are always dealing with aches and pains.
I see so many patients every day for preventable conditions. Many of the musculoskeletal injuries and conditions that I treat are somehow related to posture. There are so many simple things you can do while at work to help prevent common aches and pains. The daily stretching routine outlined is this video is meant to provide desk workers just like you, with some strategies to minimize aches and pains.
If you haven’t already read my previous article on the importance of standing desks, I encourage you to check it out because it compliments this stretching routine well.
Manual Therapy
Manual therapy is a broad term that encompasses an array of different treatments. Myofascial release, joint mobilizations, massage techniques, instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization, cupping, and trigger point release, are all forms of manual therapy. Sitting at a desk all days causes certain muscles to tighten up so much that sometimes even a regimented stretching routine isn’t enough. Manual therapy can be highly effective at treating common musculoskeletal dysfunction. If you’ve been dealing with aches and pains related to prolonged sitting, do yourself a favor and go see your local physical therapist before those aches and pains get worse. Much of what I do in the clinic consists of hands on treatments that help people feel better and move better. To schedule an appointment with me, please visit the clinic page. If you are not in Washington State and are looking for a physical therapist in your home town, here are two excellent resources.
Movement Providers and MoveForwardPT
Lastly, if you know someone who may benefit from a stretching routine for their workplace, please share this article with them. The more people we can help, the better!
Do your body a favor and invest in a height adjustable work station for you office!