Photo Gallery | 5 desk exercises to decrease postural pains
It has only been within the past decade that people are recognizing the health risks associated with sitting at a desk.
According to a Mid-South physiotherapy firm, in the past occupational hazards were limited to jobs that involved repetitive heavy exertion.
Now, it's no secret that sedentary occupations increase the risk of hypertension, cardiovascular disease, obesity, back pain and headaches.
Experts at Results Physiotherapy said sustained periods of sitting reduces circulation and blood flow to tissues. This coupled with the effects of sustained postures causes harmful effects on many tissues throughout the body.
Many of Results Physiotherapy's clients share that their main occupational hazard is spending hours in front of the computer. When there is repetitive use of certain muscles such as in prolonged periods at the computer, these muscles become overactive and tight.
These muscles can fatigue and once fatigue sets in they can begin to cause pain. Tight and overactive muscles also compress nerves and blood vessels causing a variety of postural pains, according to Results Physiotherapy's blog post.
In that post they share 5 simple exercises that can be done quickly without decreasing productivity in a video. These exercises reverse the postural stresses of sitting and are one quick step to becoming a healthy desk worker.
- Exercise 1 – Chin Tuck
- Exercise 2 – Scapula Retraction and Depression
- Exercise 3 – Wrist Flexor Stretch
- Exercise 4 – Wrist Extensor Stretch
- Exercise 5 – Lumbar Extension
This exercise program can be done in a two minute period, without taking significant time away from your work. A quick two minute program can help refresh the mind and improve overall productivity.
