By Evan Midford, Website & Social Media Coordinator
If you’re like most office workers, you spend hours at a desk every day, sometimes without moving for stretches at a time. Over time, that sedentary routine can take a serious toll on your body, even if you don’t feel it right away.
The Hidden Strain of Office Life
Sitting might seem harmless, but poor posture and long sedentary periods can lead to:
- Chronic neck and shoulder tension
- Low back pain
- Tight hips and hamstrings
- Wrist and forearm issues (like carpal tunnel)
The worst part? Many of these issues build slowly over time, until one day that “little ache” becomes a daily struggle.
How Physiotherapy Can Help
Physiotherapists specialize in movement, and sitting all day is not the kind of movement our bodies were designed for. Here’s what physiotherapy can do for you:
Posture Assessment and Improvement
A physiotherapist can assess your posture and identify which muscles are affected or which joints are limited from prolonged sitting. From there, they’ll guide you through exercises to improve.
Education and Ergonomics
Physiotherapists can educate you on how to best improve your workplace habits. They may suggest strategies to help decrease sedentary periods, and they’ll help you improve your desk setup: incorporating standing, adjusting chair height, screen position, and arm placement to reduce strain.
Mobility and Stretching Programs
Simple stretches and mobility exercises for the neck, shoulders, spine, and hips can work wonders if done consistently, and your physiotherapist will show you exactly what works best for your body.
Rehab for Desk-Related Pain
Whether you’re dealing with tension headaches, lower back pain, or wrist strain, physiotherapists can offer manual therapy, soft tissue release, and acupuncture for symptomatic relief, improving range of motion and muscle tension.
Small Changes = Big Impact
You don’t need to overhaul your whole routine to feel better. Just a few minutes of daily stretching, better desk habits, and a check-in with a physiotherapist can help improve sitting-related strain.
Final Thoughts
If your body feels tired after a day at the desk, or if that nagging ache is starting to become the norm, it might be time to book a physiotherapy session. Your back, neck, and future self will thank you.
