Whether you’re in-office or working from home, you’re likely familiar with all the aches and pains that can come along with sitting in front of a computer all day. Even with ergonomic accessories and standing desks, the act of using a computer for hours on end is enough to leave the body feeling tense and stiff. Massage therapy can be a great tool for releasing tension and alleviating pain associated with desk jobs. Today, we’ll dive into the benefits and techniques we can employ to help you feel more comfortable throughout your day.
How Massage Therapy Can Help Office Workers
Massage therapy offers many benefits including alleviating muscle tension and pain, improving posture, reducing stress, and promoting better sleep. At Resolve Wellness, we take a medically informed approach to massage – working to alleviate the cause of your discomfort, not just the symptoms. While we will always tailor your massage to your unique needs, here are some common areas of concern we see in office workers:
Tech Neck Relief
A colloquial term for forward head posture, tech neck occurs when the neck and upper back become strained from prolonged periods of looking downward—often at our computers, phones, or tablets. In this hunched position, the head comes too far forward, causing the neck to bend at an uncomfortable angle, which your muscles then must compensate for. Massage can help to alleviate pain and stiffness caused by this posture.
Shoulder Pain & Stiffness
Constantly having your arms reaching out toward a keyboard, phone, or other equipment, can cause the shoulders to round forward, straining the muscles over time. A massage therapist can help to address the tension and stiffness you may not even realize you’re holding in this area.
Low Back Pain from Sitting
Sitting for long periods of time can put strain on your lower back muscles and discs, leading to pain, tension, and limited mobility. A skilled massage therapist can help alleviate this source of chronic pain by releasing muscle tension and mobilizing the joints.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
The repetitive motions involved in typing on a keyboard, using a mouse, and operating other office equipment can irritate the nerves that travel down the arm and into the hand, causing pain, numbness, and tingling in the hand and fingers. A medical massage therapist can help to alleviate compression and inflammation that may be contributing to your carpal tunnel syndrome.
Stress & Anxiety
Work deadlines, long hours, and demanding workloads can contribute to stress and anxiety, manifesting as headaches, muscle tension, fatigue, and feelings of unease. Massage can positively impact the hormones of your body, releasing mood-boosting endorphins and lowering cortisol, the stress hormone.
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Massage Techniques for Office Work
With each massage, we aim to provide lasting relief with targeted techniques that work to alleviate points of pain and tension. Here are some of the modalities that we often use in massages for office workers:
1. Swedish Massage:
Swedish massage is a gentle form of massage that uses long strokes, kneading, deep circular movements, and tapping to help relax and energize the body. It is particularly beneficial for office workers as it reduces muscle tension and is very relaxing. Swedish massage also facilitates blood circulation, which is a common concern for those who spend most of the day sitting.
2. Deep Tissue Massage:
Deep tissue massage is designed to relieve tension in the muscles and the connective tissue. It is a great option for desk workers who suffer from chronic pain and tension in specific areas such as the neck, shoulders, and back.
3. Trigger Point Therapy:
This technique focuses on areas of tight muscle fibers that can form in your muscles after injuries or overuse. Trigger point therapy often can effectively alleviate referred pain patterns that are associated with trigger points, oftentimes relieving pain a fair distance from the trigger point itself. For office workers, trigger point therapy can help alleviate specific pain points and areas of tension caused by repetitive tasks or poor posture.
4. Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM):
IASTM involves the use of specialized tools to apply pressure and mobilize soft tissue. This technique can be highly effective for breaking down scar tissue, improving range of motion, and reducing pain and muscle tightness.
Make Yourself a Priority
If your desk job is causing you constant discomfort, massage therapy can be a powerful tool for bringing your body back into balance. By incorporating regular massage sessions into your routine, you can experience pain relief, improved mobility, better sleep, and reduced stress – all contributing to a happier, healthier you.
Resolve Wellness offers our specialized massage therapy services across San Diego. Book your custom massage online using the link below!
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Emily McGuire is a Health and Wellness Writer for Resolve Wellness. She is a California native with a passion for writing, holistic wellness, and mental and physical health. She has earned a Bachelor's degree in International Business from UC San Diego.
Reviewed By: Erynne Hill, MS, ATC, HHP, BFRC, is a Holistic Health Practitioner and Nationally Certified Athletic Trainer who has been a part of the healthcare field since 2002. She is the Director of Resolve Wellness, specializing in manual lymphatic drainage and prenatal massage. Erynne has extensive knowledge of both massage therapy and physiology, receiving her Master's degree in Exercise Physiology from San Diego State University.
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