Office workers generally have physically safe jobs. For instance, office workers are not typically required to lift heavy objects or operate large machinery. They are not required to move fast or apply significant physical force. In fact, office workers are at relatively low levels of risk for any sort of on-the-job injury. But there are other medical issues that can come from an office job. Let’s discuss this in detail:
Chronic Medical Problems for Office Workers
Office workers can be under a lot of stress and at risk of a variety of chronic medical problems. In an office setting, people are typically sedentary. Small, repetitive movements for long periods of time, such as typing, are typical. Typing and prolonged computer usage can often lead to the development of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. This can cause pain, numbness, and cramps in the hands and wrists.
Besides carpal tunnel, there are other issues. Because office workers are sitting in the same position for hours, their posture often suffers. Extended sitting with bad posture can cause various neck, shoulder, and back problems. This may include forward head position, Tension Headaches, Thoracic Outlet Syndrome, Elbow Tendonitis, and anterior pelvic tilt. All those can result in soreness, stiffness, and misalignment.
Relief of Chronic Pain Stemming from Office Jobs
Fortunately, there is a way to relieve the symptoms and help prevent a majority of office-related chronic pain via massage therapy.
Deep tissue massage treatment helps loosen muscles and joints to relieve tension. This can be instrumental in preventing medical problems from occurring and also helps reduce the chances of pinching a nerve in the hand, which causes carpal tunnel. Massage also encourages good posture in the back and neck. Deep tissue massage is a great way to relieve symptoms and can even completely correct some of the common pain associated with sedentary office work.
Self care should be another aspect of your healing and will consist of self myofascial release and stretching as proactive and preventative methods.
Using RAD Tools for Self-Myofascial Release
Are you looking for tools for at-home solutions to self-myofascial release your muscles, such as foam rollers, massage balls or massage sticks?
I like the products from RAD! Click the button below to see their selection. (Disclosure)
Self-Care with Stretches for Office Health Problems
If you suffer from any of those common office health problems, then don’t forget also to check out my blog about Office Stretches for the Deskbound and some of the stretches I describe on the Got Text Neck? Massage Can Help blog.
Some Tips for Stretching
- Stretch frequently, flexing tight joints and shaking out tense limbs.
- Stretch to a place where you feel pull but not pain. Don’t bounce.
- Hold the stretch for 3-5 breaths to increase circulation and 5-10 breaths to lengthen a muscle.
- Breathe easily while holding the stretch. Slow, full breaths can get more oxygen to your muscles and help prevent straining.
- If you feel a sharp pain when stretching, back off to a comfort zone.
- If you have a recent injury or surgery, consult your primary health practitioner before continuing a stretching routine.
How to Get Help
If you work in an office, look out for these symptoms and schedule an appointment with me, a certified massage therapist to help relieve pain. Also, try a great natural essential oils-infused product called Deep Blue Rub that can help soothe muscles and joints (you can find it here). I also offer a TMJ Treatment or Hand & Arm Massage as add-ons to your regular massage if these areas are of particular interest to you.
Contact us for more information about the benefits of deep tissue massage, or Book your bodywork session today. If you haven’t yet, make sure to use the $99 special I have for new clients for their first 60 min session.
I’m looking forward to seeing you at my clinic 🙂
Love and Light,
Liraz
Liraz Bergman-Turner is a Licensed Massage Therapist, Reiki Master & Reflexologist. She is the owner of Heavenly Embrace Wellness, a massage and energy healing practice in Boulder, CO.
Liraz is the best massage therapist I have worked with. She combines expert knowledge of anatomy with her sensitive intuition. She takes time to talk with you to learn your specific needs and follows up on future visits. She adapts her approach based on your preferences. She has alleviated pain in several areas for me, and suggested exercises and stretches I can do at home to maintain the improvements. Her office setting and personality are serene and relaxing. I always leave feeling significantly better physically and spiritually. I highly recommend Liraz and Heavenly Embrace Wellness.
***Disclaimer***
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. The information on this site is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please confirm any information obtained from or through this web site with other sources, and review all information regarding any medical condition or treatment with your physician. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment because of something you have read on this website.
