Massage News - Articles of Interest
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As students head back to school, they'll be spending countless hours typing, writing, and reading. These activities can put a strain on their bodies, especially if they're not done with proper ergonomics. Here at Living Touch Massage Therapy, we believe in preventative care and want to help students and office workers avoid unnecessary joint pain. Common back-to-school issues include poor posture, such as slouching over a desk, which can lead to back pain and neck stiffness. Excessive typing or writing can result in repetitive strain injuries like carpal tunnel syndrome. To improve your ergonomics, set up your workspace properly, take regular breaks, use ergonomic tools, pay attention to your backpack, practice good posture, and consider massage therapy.  To create a comfortable and efficient workspace, it's important to pay attention to your posture and the placement of your things. Ensure your desk and chair are at the correct height so your elbows are at a 90-degree angle when typing. Position your computer monitor at eye level to reduce neck strain. Keep your keyboard and mouse close to your body to avoid reaching and straining your arms. By following these simple guidelines, you can help prevent discomfort and improve your productivity.
Take regular breaks throughout the day to avoid strain and fatigue. Get up and move around every 20-30 minutes to stretch your muscles and improve blood circulation. Give your eyes a rest by looking away from your screen every 20 minutes and focusing on a distant object. These simple breaks can make a big difference in your overall comfort and productivity. To further enhance your workspace comfort, consider using ergonomic tools and paying attention to your backpack. A keyboard wrist rest can help support your wrists and prevent strain, while a gel mouse pad can reduce pressure on your wrists. When using a backpack, choose the right size and distribute the weight evenly to avoid straining your shoulders and back. Avoid overloading your backpack by packing no more than 10-15% of your body weight. Maintaining good posture is essential for preventing strain on your back and neck. Sit up straight with your back straight and your shoulders relaxed. Avoid slouching, as it can put unnecessary strain on your spine. Keep your feet flat on the floor or use a footrest if needed to maintain proper alignment. By practicing good posture, you can reduce discomfort and improve your overall well-being. Considering Massage Therapy: Regular massage therapy can help relieve muscle tension and improve overall well-being. A massage therapist can also assess your posture and provide personalized advice on how to improve your ergonomics. By following these tips and seeking professional help at Living Touch Massage when needed, you can protect your joints and enjoy a pain-free back-to-school season. July is here, and with it comes the irresistible call of the water! Whether you're diving into a refreshing pool, conquering waves at the beach, or gracefully gliding across a lake, swimming is a fantastic way to cool down and stay active. But did you know that even this seemingly effortless activity can benefit from a touch of ergonomics?  Balance is Key: Ergonomics is all about creating harmony between your body and the environment. When swimming, proper technique ensures balanced muscle usage. Unequal strokes or kicking with more force on one side can lead to muscle imbalances and potential injuries. Balance is an easy way to incorporate ergonomics into everyday life. Unbalanced muscles can cause one muscle group to be overworked, this overuse can lead to muscle fatigue, soreness, and eventually pain. A skilled massage therapist at Living Touch Massage Therapy can assess your posture and identify any imbalances, creating a personalized treatment plan to address them.
Freestyle swimming often involves breathing to one side. While this is perfectly acceptable, it's important to be mindful of potential neck strain. Regularly switching the side you breathe on helps distribute the load evenly and prevents muscle tightness. Muscle imbalances can affect your posture as your body tries to compensate for the weakness on one side. This can lead to slouching, hunching, or other postural deviations that can cause pain in your back, neck, and shoulders. Additionally, a massage therapist can help loosen any tension in the neck and shoulders that may arise from repetitive swimming motions. Whether you're packing up for a day trip or a week-long beach vacation, consider ergonomics when choosing your beach essentials. Even when traveling to the beach, it’s easy to get caught up in hauling heavy essentials. Try a backpack-style beach bag to distribute the weight evenly across your shoulders. This will help prevent neck and shoulder strain compared to carrying a heavy tote bag on one arm. Invest in a cooler with wheels to avoid lugging a heavy cooler back and forth from the car. This will save your back and arms from unnecessary strain. Ditch the flimsy beach towels and try for a supportive beach mat that provides proper lumbar support. Look for beach chairs with adjustable backs to maintain good posture while soaking up the sun. If you're using an umbrella, adjust it to provide shade without forcing you to twist or strain your body to stay cool. Remember, even lounging can lead to aches and pains if your body isn't properly supported. Here at Living Touch Massage Therapy, we believe in prevention. By incorporating ergonomic practices into your swimming routine, you can minimize the risk of muscle imbalances and injuries. Early detection and treatment of muscle imbalances are crucial to prevent these potential problems. Additionally, scheduling regular massages can help maintain flexibility, improve range of motion, and decrease muscle soreness, keeping you swimming strong all summer long! Ready to Dive In? Whether you're a seasoned swimmer or just starting out, Living Touch Massage Therapy is here to help you make the most of your aquatic adventures. Our massage therapists can provide expert advice on maintaining proper form while swimming and address any muscle imbalances that may arise. So, pack your swimsuit, embrace the sunshine, and let Living Touch Massage Therapy help you have a healthy, pain-free summer! |
