Many of us spend a large portion of our day in front of a screen, either on our phones, tablets, computers, or on a combination of different devices. For some, they can complement our busy lives, but for others, using devices such as computers, scanners, telephones, and tablets are a necessary part of work and everyday life. While they are crucial for us to complete tasks, run essential programs, communicate, and even wind down after a long day, the physical consequences of being in a sedentary sitting position while looking down at a screen can cause a variety of physical discomforts, including headaches and neck pain, which can lead to musculoskeletal disorders if they are not properly treated.
Many of us have felt the effects of long-term deskwork or device use; sore neck, tight shoulders, and more often than not, headaches that seem to come out of nowhere. All of these symptoms can be explained by the routines of office workers; sitting for long periods of time, repeating small movements such as typing, moving a mouse, or clicking a button, and the use of devices or equipment that we need to look down at. Not only are headaches and neck pain a common byproduct of office work, but conditions such as TMJ dysfunction, chronic neck strains and sprains, shoulder pathologies, hand and wrist issues, and lower back pain are also common concerns, especially for those who spend long hours sitting or working in an office environment. But how do we address these before they get worse? Let us explore how Registered Massage Therapy (RMT) can help release, stretch, and soothe the tight muscles that are affected by device use on a daily basis.
Why We Ache
Before we dive into the benefits of how regular RMT treatments can help with the damaging effects of daily device use, let's learn about the effects of prolonged device use on the neck and shoulders. To look at our devices, most of us tilt our heads down to avoid the strain of continuously holding the devices up to our faces. While this can prevent arm pain, our neck and shoulders take on the responsibility of keeping our head at an angle. According to research, our heads weigh similarly to the weight of a bowling ball, which means that every time we look down at our devices, we put that approximate weight on our neck and shoulders. If we are looking down at our devices for approximately eight hours a day, our neck and shoulders take on the responsibility of carrying a bowling ball-weighted-sphere for that amount of time each and every day. The overuse of these large muscle groups tends to strain the backs of our necks and pulls up to cause headaches. In addition, scalp and jaw muscle tension can impact the muscular system surrounding the head, neck, and shoulders, which can impact the frequency and severity of headaches and neck pain. Device use can also cause the overuse and strain of the muscles in and around our eyes, which can contribute to the tension in the head and neck.
How RMT Helps
The effects of desk work and daily prolonged device use can impact quite a few key areas of the body. However, regular Registered Massage Therapy treatments can decrease the likelihood of aches and pains turning into longer-term strains and injuries. An RMT can use a variety of manual therapy techniques to help relieve symptoms on a short-term basis. For example, myofascial techniques can target the sore and tender tissues surrounding painful muscles, also known as trigger points, and gently release them through a process of applying various levels of pressure. To access deeper points of discomfort and soreness, an RMT can use deep tissue massage techniques. This type of treatment uses slow, deep strokes across the skin to release deeper points of pain, which can originate from injuries, imbalances, or chronic conditions, including those linked to deskwork and device use. By assessing your lifestyle, posture, routines, and specific needs, your RMT can give you a customized experience to relieve your aches and pains. Attending RMT treatments regularly can help you avoid a build-up of tension in the head and neck, which can decrease the likelihood of chronic conditions developing.
Education & Prevention
Not only can RMTs provide you with manual therapy, they can also educate you on how to further prevent strains and injuries by giving you suggestions for longer-term relief. RMTs are experts on the human body, and can often suggest ways to decrease your pain and increase your health and wellness while still engaging in deskwork and device use.
1. Stretching and Strengthening - One of the best ways to reduce the risk of strains or longer-term conditions is to stretch and strengthen the muscles that are being overused. An RMT can assess your current physical status and give you suggestions on how to stretch throughout the day to release and relieve aches and pains.
2. Office Work Ergonomics - Our RMTs can give you suggestions on how to optimize your workstation. This can help you ease discomfort and avoid long-term ailments by adjusting key elements in your working environment, including your monitor, mouse, chair, and keyboard.
3. Proper Posture - Posture can affect every aspect of our daily lives, including the way we hold ourselves while we work. While improper posture can slowly damage our bodies by fatiguing different muscle and joint groups in the body, proper posture can protect our bodies from injuries.
At Evolve Therapeutic, you can schedule a massage with one of our RMTs, who can help alleviate your symptoms through a combination of myofascial, trigger point, sports and swedish massage. Our treatments aim to alleviate discomfort, improve mobility, and enhance overall well-being. In conjunction with massage, our experts can also provide guidance on your posture, workstation ergonomics, stretching techniques, and exercise strategies to support your long-term health and comfort. Book an appointment at Evolve Therapeutic in Richmond, BC, today, and find out how Registered Massage Therapy can help you!
