Sitting and stretching behind the desk

The majority of people in today’s workplace spend much of their time sitting in front of computers.

by Jacklien Salas — 

The majority of people in today’s workplace spend much of their time sitting in front of computers. Some might sit facing forward with good posture, but most of us do not. Many will twist their bodies to the side in unnatural positions. This contortion can result in fatigued muscles that can ache well past five o’clock.

While many people have come to accept the pain as part of the job or dismiss it as a symptom of getting older, the truth is that it does not have to be this way. A therapeutic massage therapist with an in-depth knowledge of anatomy can quite successfully eradicate fatigue and ease hypertonicity in the arms, neck and back.

If we take care of our bodies, they will be able to work harder for us. Stretching is an excellent option that can be done on the job to help alleviate many of the aches and pains that come from sitting in front of a computer day in and day out. Here are four stretches to do at your desk to help relieve the tension (in between receiving therapies).

• Stand with your hands on a desk, wrists facing forward and fingers facing the edge of the desk. You should feel a stretch in your forearms. An advanced version is to place a mild bend at the elbow.

• While sitting, roll your shoulder blades together. Pull your shoulders up to your ears, then push them back behind you again. Your head should tilt back when your shoulders are up, then tilt forward as you roll your shoulders back in one fluid movement.

• While standing, arch your back, stretching it behind you and pushing into the achiness.

• Remain standing and clasp your hands together behind your back, fingers laced facing down. This will pull your shoulders down and back; now move your clasped hands from one side to the other while leaning your head to the same side as your hands, feeling the stretch in your neck and shoulders.

Jacklien Salas practices therapeutic massage at the Center for True Harmony in Mesa, Ariz. She has years of experience with extensive knowledge of the body and a variety of techniques. 480-539-6646.

Reprinted from AzNetNews, Volume 29, Number 1, Feb/Mar 2010.