G'day readers,
Dr Nicholas Giovas (Osteopath) here from Matrix Health & Performance in East Ivanhoe. Today, I'm following up on a previous blog post, "Osteopathy for Office Workers: Tackling Postural Problems and Repetitive Strain Injuries in Ivanhoe," where we explored how osteopathy can help manage the physical challenges of office work.
In this article, I'd like to expand on the practical strategies that office workers can use to reduce discomfort and improve overall health.
1. Regular Movement Breaks
Our bodies are not designed to stay in one position for prolonged periods. It's important to break up long sitting spells with short movement breaks. Aim to stand up, stretch, or walk around every 30 minutes. A simple walk around your home or office can refresh your mind, reduce muscle stiffness, and promote better circulation. If you're working in Ivanhoe or nearby areas, why not take a stroll along the Yarra River during your lunch break?
2. Neck and Shoulder Stretches
Neck and shoulder tension is a common complaint among office workers (something that we treat in the clinic every day). Often, this is the result from poor posture and stress. By incorporating some simple stretches into your daily routine, you can alleviate tension and improve flexibility. For instance, gently tilting your head towards each shoulder can help stretch the neck muscles. Remember, these stretches should never cause pain; always be gentle with your body. If you're unsure about which stretches are suitable for you, consult with an osteopath.
3. The 20-20-20 Rule for Eye Health
Staring at a computer screen for hours can lead to eye strain, which can cause headaches and visual disturbances. An effective strategy to reduce eye strain is the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break and look at something 20 feet away. This simple practice can help reduce fatigue and keep your eyes healthy.
4. Correct Sitting Posture
Maintaining a correct sitting posture can have a profound impact on reducing the physical strain of office work. Ensure your back is well supported, your feet are flat on the floor, and your screen is at eye level. Investing in an ergonomic chair and desk can also make a significant difference. It's also essential to adjust your workspace to fit you, rather than adjusting your body to fit the workspace.
5. Core Strengthening Exercises
A strong core can help improve your posture, reducing the risk of back and neck pain. Exercises like planks or bridges can be done at home with no equipment needed. Remember to engage your core muscles throughout the day, even when sitting.
Bonus Tip
We know that being mindful of your posture can be really difficult for most people. A trick that we've found to be highly effective is using silent alarms on mobile phones every 20-30 minutes. We can use this as a cue to check in on our posture and our stress levels and address either or both of these issues if they're present. A short break and a few mindful breaths can really help in this case.
At Matrix Health & Performance, we understand the unique challenges faced by office workers. We're committed to not just providing osteopathic treatment in Ivanhoe and surrounding areas, but also to equipping you with the knowledge and strategies you need to take control of your health. If you have any questions or want to learn more, or you need more personalised advice, or help with a specific injury, please reach out and one of our Osteopaths can work out how we can be help you.
Please let us know how these interventions work for you,
Dr Nicholas Giovas (Osteopath)
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