Shifty Shoulders: Desk and Office Tips
Shoulders are made up of several joints, tendons and muscles, making it a complex region of the body. Be it awkward posture or repetitive strain, shoulder issues have been plaguing people since the dawn of time. Here are some helpful tips to help you work on those shifty shoulders in the workplace. Develop better posture - this is easier said than done, but you can start by optimising your work-space and sitting correctly.
Bring that mouse closer, lift that monitor and don't sit on your foot (you know who you are). Change things up - in an office setting I suggest people drink green tea through the day, then their constant bathroom visits force them to get away from their desk. Alternatively, go have a chat to Barry, he's a top bloke and has just got back from a trip to Tasmania.
Breath - with every breath, each rib separately lifts the entire rib cage up and away from the hips therefore lengthening the spine. Not only will this help to clear your head, it will also take quite a bit of pressure away from the spine and disks, ultimately strengthening the torso. Yoga for flexibility and mobility, Pilates for strength and stability.
These are just a few tips to get you started... #shiftyshoulders #shouldertips #shouldermobility Tags: achesandpains mobility shoulderpain shoulders shouldertips Comments
The best posture is the next one. Changing position often beats holding a perfect one.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the correct desk posture?
Broadly: screen at about eye level, elbows near a right angle, feet supported, and the lower back in contact with the chair. But no single position is right for hours on end. Changing position regularly matters more than any one arrangement.
How often should I get up from my desk?
Something in the range of every 30 to 45 minutes is a reasonable target. It does not need to be long. Standing up, walking to fill a glass of water and moving your arms through their full range is enough to break the pattern.
Are standing desks better?
They are useful because they let you change position, not because standing is inherently better. Standing still for eight hours brings its own problems. The benefit is in alternating.
Will a better chair fix my shoulder pain?
It can help, but it is rarely the whole answer. If your shoulder pain comes from restriction built up over years, a new chair does not undo that. Get assessed before spending significantly, so you know what you are actually buying.
I work from home. Does that make it worse?
It can, mainly because home setups are often improvised and because the incidental movement of an office, such as walking to meetings, disappears. Deliberately building movement into the day matters more at home than in an office.