Injury Focus
In the past few years, the most common soft tissue strains (injuries) we have been asked to treat have been related to prolonged forward-sitting postures. Think sitting for hours at the computer, in the car, in the waiting room, in front of the TV, at the movies, etc. Modern life is definitely forward-leaning, if not always forward-thinking. If left uncorrected over time, this specific injury can have devastating health consequences for some individuals. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to prevent serious structural problems later down the line.
Although many modern folks are aware of their “poor posture,” most seem to be resigned to it. It’s as if they believe that their slouched shoulders and slumped skulls are simply a part of life that they can’t do anything about. But your posture is how you hold yourself, not a mold imposed from without that you’re doomed to live inside. In fact, there is a relatively simple solution to this problem that will challenge you to change certain established habits. This may require a new level of self-awareness, but don’t worry, you can handle it. Promise.
For one thing, if you’re reading this, there’s a good chance you’re sitting at your computer right now. Are you leaning forward to reach for your keyboard and mouse? Over time the body develops holding patterns when put in unnatural positions for extended periods of time.
Try paying attention to how many times a day you hold your shoulders in an elevated position. This could be while you’re at the computer, hoisting a heavy bag, leaning over your dinner as it cooks, driving your car, or hunching over to read on the subway. Once you get an idea of just how much time you spend in these tension-building positions, you can start to make subtle changes in your habits to distribute the work more evenly throughout your body and avoid those nasty knots.
Instead of trying to bend yourself into all sorts of wacky positions to fit into your environment, why not try moving some things around in your environment to make them fit you better? Placing your computer mouse way over towards the side of your desk will eventually lead to serious pain around the base of your neck just above the shoulder. Those muscles and their connective tissue layers are working overtime to hold up and support your extended arm. You may be able to resolve this particular pain just by moving your mouse and keyboard closer to the midline of your body.
Start with small changes and see if you notice a difference after a week or two. You’ll likely be amazed by how much you can improve with a little awareness.