I was consulting a new patient last week, and their first question was ‘How can a Bristol osteopath help to treat office-based injuries?’ – so, I thought writing a detailed post here would also be helpful for News readers.
The most common injuries I treat as a Bristol osteopath for office-based patients include lower back pain, shouldering neck aches, and repetitive strain injury or RSI. These conditions can often be accredited to two main factors, namely:
Sitting down for too long and not getting up regularly
Poor posture when sitting
The joints in our spines are designed to move. When office-based workers are sedentary for long periods of time, the joints and muscles in our back and neck can be overloaded and can come under strain.
If not addressed in time, this situation can cause muscle tension, pain, joint restriction and sometimes inflammation.
There’s lots of self-help available for office workers, and other people who might be sedentary for long periods of time such as lorry drivers.
Prevention is always the best approach. Here are my top tips for office-based workers to prevent injuries such as back, neck, shoulder and RSI-related conditions:
Get mobile more often – typically, a 30-second ‘micro break’ every 20 minutes can make a huge difference. Stand up, move the joints, have a quick stretch. It’s good for the body and also gives the eyes and brain a rest too. Little and often is the key.
Have a look at your sitting position, perhaps get some advice. Good posture is critical to minimise strain on the back. Bad posture is a fast track to pain and misery.
Ask if there is an option to work at a standing desk instead. Standing desks win every time.
The main osteopathic treatments I provide for office-based workers who have sustained injuries include:
Mobilising joints and muscles, in a way that is appropriate to the patient’s age and current fitness level. Improving mobility and blood flow is key to improving body health.
Joint articulation and muscle/soft tissue release techniques are usually key aspects of my treatment. I always aim to treat each patient individually and tailor the right techniques to the right person.
There’s no ‘one size fits all’ treatment for office-based patients when it comes to my osteopathy services, and each individual patient consultation will often quickly indicate the best route forward for treatment and future management.
I often find with office-based patients that tension builds up over time, and Maintenance Osteopathic Treatments (MOTs) can be good way to address this for them.
An initial consultation will highlight the type of problem and mechanical issues being faced, as well as giving me the opportunity to present suitable management solutions, including advice, exercise as well as treatment for each patient.
I recently wrote a News item discussing back pain in detail, and how it can be treated – visit here to find out more.
I wrote a News item earlier this year highlighting simple easy ways in which patients can enjoy a healthier 2020. Some of the advice will also be useful for office-based workers – find out more here.
I have a number of osteopathic services available to patients in Bristol, and there are specific groups that I assist, including desk-based office workers, sporty people and the elderly – please visit here to find out more.
To book online for my osteopathic services in BS6 to help treat office-based injuries in Bristol, please visit here.
To find out more about the full range of osteopathic treatments that I provide for office-based injuries across Westbury Park, Clifton, Redland, Cotham and Henleaze, please visit here.