Is your desk killing you and how your Oakville Physiotherapy Team can help
Many of us understand that desk jobs can have negative effects on a worker’s body. However, many don’t understand that these aches and pains shouldn’t be taken lightly. Our Oakville physiotherapists see an alarming number of phone and desk/computer related injuries. Neck and back pain are just the start of the negative side effects sitting a computer all day can have.
Our Oakville physiotherapy team says the human body was not designed to be inactive or to sit in the same place for long periods of time while looking at an electronic screen. This being said, if your desk is not properly set up to minimize the discomforts associated with sitting at a desk, you can put yourself at risk for developing short-term and long-term issues.
Your desk, computer, mouse, chair, and the high amount of time you spend at your desk can cause you to develop discomforts in your muscles, tendons, and joints. These injuries can result in pain, numbness, tingling, and overtime can cause your to develop debilitating muscles disorders. Get in for some preventative physiotherapy in Oakville today!
There is good news though! If you’re experiencing the negative symptoms associated with a desk-job there are solutions available:
1. Make an appointment with an Oakville physiotherapist
The first step to easing the pains you’re experiencing from desk related injuries is to book an appointment with a physiotherapist. They will have the proper treatments available to treat the discomforts you’re experiencing specifically. At our clinic we provide our patients with the treatments, diagnoses, and support needed to move forward successfully with recovery. In addition, at Glen Abbey Physiotherapy we provide our patients with a substantial amount of information regarding Oakville Physiotherapy Advice, preventative measures, and risk management to allow for a complete and long-lasting recovery.
2. Rearrange your desk setup — Physio approved set up
To ease the discomforts you’re experiencing it’s important that you rearrange your workspace in a way that is comfortable for your body. In regards to your mouse, it should be placed on the same level as the keyboard and sit directly beside you where you don’t have to reach for it. Your monitor should be in line with the top line of text on your screen. If you have to tilt your head down to see what’s on your screen you need to adjust the height so that it is inline with your vision. Finally, your desk should not be too low where you have to crunch over to work and you should invest in a chair that works for your body.
3. Take breaks
No matter the amount of treatment you receive for desk related injuries, how you arrange your desks, or the stretches you do – if you don’t take adequate amounts of breaks your body is going to suffer. It is critical that you get up and move at least once an hour.
If you find it hard to set a break schedule for yourself, try setting an alarm on the hour to remind you that it’s time to get up a move for a few minutes!
4. Incorporate stretching into your desk-work
There are many stretches you can do right from your chair that can ease the pains you’re experiencing. Stretching at your desk will not only help you relieve the pain, but also reduce the risk for more serious injuries from developing and help ward of weight gain. Try stretching every hour before you get up for your hourly break to loosen up your strained muscles, get your circulation going, and increase your energy levels.
For more information on physiotherapy, chiropractic, massage therapy, and orthotics please visit www.physiotherapyoakville.com