6 LIVING WELL After hours at your desk staring at your computer all day, you likely feel the aches and pains of the digital age as you leave work. Whether it’s a stiff neck, tight shoulders or lower back discomfort, these issues can significantly impact our daily lives. Fortunately, physical therapy offers effective solutions to ease and prevent these common desk-related pains. How physical therapy can help Physical therapy can reduce the pain of desk work in several ways. ● Posture guidance: Your physical therapist can suggest simple changes — such as adjusting your chair height, modifying your desk setup or incorporating ergonomic tools like lumbar supports — to make a substantial difference in your posture and reduce strain on your body. ● Targeted exercises: Physical therapists provide targeted exercises and stretches designed to counteract the effects of prolonged sitting. By using these daily, you can enhance muscle endurance and reduce the likelihood of developing chronic pain. ● Hands-on techniques: Physical therapists also employ hands-on techniques such as soft tissue and joint work and manual therapy to relieve muscle tension and promote relaxation. These therapeutic interventions alleviate existing pain and help prevent future discomfort by addressing underlying muscular imbalances and tightness. Adjust your monitor or place your laptop on a stand (or stacked books) at eye level. Try an ergonomic keyboard and a vertical mouse. They keep your hands in a natural position for more comfort and less strain. Do some of your tasks while standing. Consider a desk that can be raised or lowered for standing or sitting. Use an adjustable chair with back and arm support. Use a document holder that raises reading materials to eye level. Use a headset phone to reduce neck and shoulder strain. Get up and move around every 20 to 30 minutes. Office Hacks Physical Therapy for the Digital Age Find freedom from pain If you find yourself struggling with desk-related pain, consider consulting a physical therapist to discover personalized strategies for a pain-free workday. Find our location closest to you! SCAN ME
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