Improving Massage Outcomes for Desk Workers

Sitting at a desk all day takes a toll on our bodies. Poor posture, increasingly weak muscles, and muscle strain create a perfect environment for pain and discomfort. Massage therapy helps in many ways, but to get the most out of massage, it’s important to identify and change the underlying causes of tension when possible. Massage can loosen and release tension temporarily, and making simple tweaks to your routine can help prevent it from returning or lessen the severity.

Identify trouble spots

The first step toward relief is identifying the most consistent trouble spots. Spend time talking to your massage therapist about areas of tension and pain. Often, those sore areas are not the true source of the problem. A massage therapist can provide insight about the actual cause of the discomfort and offer direction on how to help relieve the pain.

Watch your posture

Most people settle into a certain posture for nearly the entire time they sit at a desk. A posture that feels comfortable to begin with may not be the best for your muscles, tendons, and joints over the long haul. Lack of movement throughout the day contributes to muscle weakness and strain. By finding a better posture, you put less stress on muscles and joints, which keeps them in better alignment and health.

Adjust your desk

Desk and chair placement contribute to your posture throughout the day. In order to reach your keyboard, you might have to lean too far forward. Your chair may sit too high or low to reach the desk comfortably. An ideal seated position includes feet resting on the floor, knees and elbows bent at 90­­­° angles, and a chair with spinal support. To achieve these goals, adjust the height of your chair and add a lumbar support pillow if needed. You can raise or lower your computer monitor and provide extra support for your wrists to achieve a comfortable, ergonomic position.

Take stretch breaks

Bodies are not meant to stay in one position for long. A good benchmark is getting up and moving once an hour. Even if it’s just for a minute or two, a good stretch break can make a huge difference in your daily routine.

When sitting at a desk all day has taken a toll on your body, scheduling a massage to relieve tension is a great idea. When you combine regular massage with adjusting your desk setup and adding more stretch breaks to your day, you’re making a positive impact on your future self.