The modern workday or class schedule/homework time lasts an average of 8-9 hours. Most office or school settings offer little in the way of healthy mobility, stretching and physical activity. Most of the time is spent sitting or in best case scenarios, standing in one place. Workload, coworkers/other students, and commute add to our day-to-day mental exhaustion, the physical toll from work or studying is nothing to push aside either! Most of the time we are hunched over desks and tables, which promotes poor posture and increases fatigue. First, we want to look at some of the top physical drawbacks of office work or life as a student in today’s electronic world. Then we can take a deeper look into how massage can help alleviate these issues.
5 physical drawbacks of office work
Poor posture – office workers tend to slouch or switch between harmful postures for long periods of time.
Stress – Mental and physical exhaustion can leave office workers feeling stiff and sore.
Limited mobility – sitting and typing isn’t beneficial for our range of motion.
Low productivity – Aches, pain, and muscles tension can be distracting and hurt job performance.
Weaker immune system – a low white blood cell count may rack up sick days and spread viruses to coworkers.
If you are finding yourself relating to any or all of these drawbacks, a massage could be the answer for you! Massage has many benefits but let’s highlight a few that combat the downsides of working in front of a screen all day!
5 physical improvements for office workers through massage therapy
Corrected postural imbalance and soreness – Common sore areas include the back, shoulders, and neck. Massage therapy targets sore muscles and will increase blood flow to the afflicted areas to reduce pain and tension.
Improved mental state - Studies show that sitting for long periods of time can increase your chances of depression and anxiety. Feeling relaxed and rejuvenated coupled with an increase in blood flow can help combat developing these conditions. Massage therapy has been shown to boost levels of the “feel-good” hormone dopamine, while at the same time lowering levels of the “stress-hormone” cortisol. People with ADHD can improve their mood and classroom attention and focus with regular massage therapy. Headaches often get in the way of study time and sleep. Massage can help get you the relief you need to be able to stay focused and relief for tension headaches.
Increase flexibility and range of motion – While your screentime may limit your mobility, a deep tissue massage will increase your range of motion, keeping your joints fluid and less injury – prone. Massage therapy is shown to have major benefits for exercise, including enhanced performance and cardiovascular health. Massage therapy can be a key part of maintaining peak fitness!
Stronger immune system – People who experience mental or physical stress are more likely to get sick. Massage therapy can increase while blood cells known as the “natural killer” cells, which provide rapid responses to viral-infected cells. Stressed students while cramming for finals and living in close quarters is a breeding ground for germs. By giving yourself a boost with a massage you can see effects quickly!
Better Sleep – Massage therapy has been shown to reduce fatigue and improve sleep. Massage therapy can help you get the sleep you need to stay focused and healthy. Not only has research shown that massage therapy reduces levels of cortisol, but massage also increases levels of serotonin, a precursor of melatonin, a neurotransmitter critical for a good night’s sleep.
Research shows that getting a massage is so much more than someone rubbing your back. While everyone can benefit from getting one, office workers are in dire need of relaxation. If you are looking for a massage, you can schedule an appointment online or call into the office and get placed with the right therapist for your current needs!