Tips for Relieving Strain at Your Desk

1.    Consider eliminating some of the repetitiveness of your work. Can you rotate jobs with your fellow workers? Combined with better workplace design, this can allow you to engage different muscle groups than just your typing muscles. Cut back your computer time if possible. This may mean reducing your recreational computer usage.

2.    Don’t overlook stretching. Take breaks to move and stretch every hour or so. Stretch your forearms by bending your wrists forward and backward and by circling your wrists. Stretch your neck forward and from side to side. Circle your shoulders forward, up toward your ears and back.

3.    Take mini-breaks several times an hour. Stop, let your arms hang to your side and take several full breaths.

4.    Keep your arms and hands warm. Cold muscles and tendons are more at risk for overuse injuries.

5.    And, finally, imagine breathing into your arms, neck and shoulders as you work. Rigidity is not the goal. Instead, focus on staying flexible and relaxed, even as you work.

Resource: Repetitive Strain Injury: A Computer User’s Guide. Pascarelli, Emil M.D., John Wiley and Sons, 1994.

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*** Massage should not be considered as a replacement for professional medical treatment: a physician should be consulted in all matters relating to health and especially in relation to any symptoms that may require diagnosis or medical attention. In some cases, a primary physician’s approval/prescription is required before any bodywork is administered. Care should be taken during pregnancy, particularly in the use of essential oils and pressure points. Essential oils should not be ingested, and should be used for babies and children only on professional advice.

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