14 November, 2015
You generally find that most people totally love a good back and shoulder massage. I find that generally people assume that because I am a PT, I am awesome at providing them. That I may be but the PT in me goes past the release work and delicious pain of working that tightness out of your muscles – Why are they tight in the first place?
There are a variety of reasons (some much more interesting and colourful than most) for why people get tight neck, back and shoulders but the most common reason? Supposed convenience efficiency tools.
Weird way of looking at it but let’s think about what sort of convenience and efficiency tools we use so often in our every day lives!
Mobile Phones & Tablets
There was a time once where we weren’t instantly contactable. Messages were in the form of getting home to be told someone rang for you or if you were REALLY fancy – you had an answering machine. In 2013, we have phones that allow you to call, text, email, browse, play games, online date.. the list goes on but how much of us peering down to the small screen does our posture any good? Not much at all. In fact quite the opposite. Rounding out of the thoracic spine, protraction of the shoulders and tightening of the chest and neck muscles are but some of the potential postural issues that come with excessive use of phones and tablets.
Desktop Computers & Laptops
Believe it or not, the first computer took up approximately 167 m² in floor space and did really complex things like addition and multiplication. Things have progressed a great deal since then and thankfully a computer is much more useful and productive while happily sitting on a desk or table. While this much improved piece of equipment certainly allows for increased efficiency and productivity; it does come with the requirement that you sit up so that you can use it. This is where things get a bit problematic especially if the work station is not set up correctly. Long hours in front of a computer or laptop can lead to neck strain, sore shoulders, tight chest muscles, tight hip flexors and sciatica to name but a few!
HELP! I have bad posture and/or Pain!
So what can we do to help reduce and hopefully avoid having any of these above mentioned problems? Other than achieving perfect form and posture in our daily lives (chances of this are realistically slim to none – let’s be honest!), a stretching program AND an exercise program are the ideal weapons of choice. By exercising and strengthening the muscles that are compromised due to poor posture and stretching the muscles that tighten up and hold you in poor posture (and in some cases – pain) we give the body that chance to have the balance and bio mechanical equilibrium it is designed for.
Are you having problems with posture? If so, give Epic Win PT a call on 0412 522 792 and let us help you get your body sorted out. Our focus on better posture and bio mechanics have helped reduce client visits to physiotherapists and chiropractors which saves both time AND money!
Jon 😉
Jon is a Metabolic Precision Transformation Specialist working from his Studio EPIC WIN PT in Newmarket, Brisbane. Follow all the fun and adventures by liking the Facebook page here