Are you finding that you’re shuffling in your work chair more than you used to? Feeling sore and needing to stretch your back and legs? It may be time to start listening to your body and take a look at your posture.
Why do I have pain?
A common muscular imbalance caused by office work (sitting at a desk) is excessively tight chest muscles and weak back muscles. This is caused by having the arms outstretched for long periods of time, and in return this causes the chest muscles to shorten and back muscles to stretch and weaken. When this happens, our shoulders fall forward much more than normal, which can lead to headaches, neck and shoulder pain.
Sitting in an office chair for prolonged periods of time can even cause lower back pain or worsen an existing back problem. The main reason behind this is that sitting, in an office chair, is a static posture that increases stress in the back.
Remedial massage and Posture improvement
Remedial Massage Therapists treat these imbalances by working on both the weak and tight muscles using a range of techniques such as soft tissue massage, trigger pointing, stretching and providing exercises. These techniques allow the muscles to reset, and draw them back to a healthier, stable position.
Addressing muscular imbalances through Remedial Massage may help an individual to be more comfortable, providing an increase in muscular stability, an increased awareness of their habitual movement patterns and improve posture. Overall, this can improve your quality of life and allow you to keep working at your desk ache free.
Pro Remedial SA Eloise Cocks, Massage Therapist