In today’s fast-paced work environment, employees often spend long hours sitting at desks, staring at screens, and performing repetitive tasks. While technology and modern office setups have made our work more efficient and convenient, they have also contributed to a rise in office-related injuries and discomfort, ultimately leading to a sedentary lifestyle. Enter physiotherapy – a game-changer in promoting health, reducing pain, and boosting productivity in the workplace.
Office environments, especially those with desk-bound jobs, can be a breeding ground for a variety of physical issues. From back pain and neck strain to repetitive stress injuries like carpal tunnel syndrome, these ailments can affect employees’ overall well-being and productivity. According to research, musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are one of the leading causes of missed workdays. That is where physiotherapists come in.
How Physiotherapists Can Help in the Workplace
Ergonomics education and setup: A key role of physiotherapists in the workplace is to help employees optimise their workstations. Often, poor posture or an incorrect desk setup can lead to chronic pain or injury. Physiotherapists assess employees’ workstations – from chair height and screen placement to keyboard and mouse positioning – and provide personalised adjustments. Simple changes, like adjusting the height of a chair or positioning a monitor at eye level, can make a world of difference in preventing strain and discomfort.
Posture correction and awareness: Bad posture is a silent contributor to many office-related injuries. Sitting for long periods, especially with poor posture, puts pressure on the spine, neck, and shoulders. Physiotherapists guide individuals in realigning their body posture, helping them avoid slouching or leaning forward while working at the desk. They also recommend regular posture breaks to stand, stretch, or walk around, promoting better spinal alignment and overall comfort.
Stretching and strengthening exercises: When we sit for too long, our muscles tend to become tight, leading to limited mobility. To combat the effects of long sitting hours, physiotherapists introduce simple stretching and strengthening exercises that employees can do at their desks or during breaks. They also use hands-on techniques like manual therapy, deep-tissue massage, and myofascial release to ease sore and stiff muscles. This helps to relieve tension, improve flexibility, and prevent muscle imbalances. Regular movement can also increase blood circulation, reduce fatigue, and keep employees feeling energised throughout the day.
Preventing repetitive strain injuries: Repetitive motions – like typing, mouse clicking, or using a phone – can lead to repetitive strain injuries (RSIs), such as carpal tunnel syndrome. Physiotherapists can teach employees proper techniques for these repetitive tasks and suggest alternate activities to give muscles and joints a rest. For instance, they might recommend wrist stretches or suggest ergonomic accessories, like split keyboards or ergonomic mice, to reduce the strain on the hands and wrists.
Guidance on physical activity and stress management: Beyond just office-related injuries, physiotherapists can help employees manage stress, which is a major contributor to physical discomfort. They can recommend exercises that improve flexibility, strengthen the core, and reduce tension. Additionally, mindfulness techniques or simple breathing exercises can be suggested to help employees manage stress both in and outside of the workplace.
The writer is a Consultant Physiotherapist, SMRC’s VM Salgaocar Hospital)
