Surviving and Thriving with Office Desk Related Pain
Not only can work be stressful, but it can be physically painful too! Many office workers are seated the majority of the day and this can have major implications on the body and general state of mind.
So what should you do to survive and thrive at the office?
There are some obvious recommendations, but unfortunately most people don’t think they have the time to put them into practice. Many will advise to get up and move around occasionally, especially if you’re seated for long periods of time. You can also make sure that you have other physical activities planned for the times you’re not at work: yoga, running, exercise classes, and more. You can also purchase a higher quality computer chair, or if you can stand at your desk, try an anti-fatigue mat.
What do many office drones find is the most effective method for their physical and emotional well-being?
Medical massage is hugely popular, and 92% agree that massage can be effective in reducing pain. Deep tissue massage is extremely relaxing and the physical benefits are long-lasting. Holistic Health explains that there is a big difference between deep tissue massage therapy and regular massages. Deep tissue massage is used to break down muscle “knots” that can cause pain, limited range of motion, and inflammation. An occasional massage leaves you feeling great, but regular medical massages can do so much more.
A study conducted in July 2013-July 2014 found that 33% of people who received massages had significant stress reduction. And according to the American Massage Therapy Association, the health benefits of therapeutic massage also include chronic pain relief, decreased anxiety, increased immune function, and it helps you to sleep better too!
Medical massage also helps to control blood pressure. In a recent study in the International Journal of Preventive Medicine, researchers found that using massage therapy could serve as an effective intervention in controlling blood pressure in pre-hypertensive women. The immediate results of lowered blood pressure lasted up to 72 hours after the therapeutic massage. Medical massage seems to be the all-encompassing answer needed for anyone working in a high-stress work environment or suffering from the muscle aches and pains from staying seated too long.
Of course, this is just one popular way to practice self-care after a long day at the office. How do you like to blow off steam? Let us know in the comments!
