backpain

Spring Cleaning and Massage Therapy

Amanda Sullivan Educational, Healthy Lifestyle, Therapy Sports Injury, Zen Massage , , , , ,

Cleaning up around the house is a physical task that often results in muscle pain and soreness.

When it comes to yard work or even deep cleaning our homes, most of us don’t really stop to think about how we are lifting. It’s important to lift properly, even when handling a lightweight box or reaching for something small that is just a little beyond our reach. It’s common for Massage Therapists to get a lot of clients coming in for sore back, stiff neck, knee pain, and/or muscle spasms during the spring season. 

Lifting should be done with a straight neck and back, about 45 degrees angle from the ground, legs bent. Most of the lift is really coming from your legs and gluteal muscles. They are a lot more powerful than the many smaller muscles of the back and spine. Even when what you are about to lift from the floor is just a few pounds, it’s best to lift properly regardless of the weight you are about to pick up.

The more you practice proper lifting (with your legs and NOT your back), the easier and less likely it will be for you to lift improperly later because by then it’s automatic.

Not only do we lift improperly, but some of us also seem to do a twist in the middle of lifting. That usually results in immediate spasms in the mid to lower back. Remember, that when we lift AND twist our backs, we are then pulling the muscles. 

It is not recommended to contract your muscle while twisting and thus stretching. This combination could result in muscle tearing.

There are two common types of lower back strain:

  • A muscle strain happens when the muscle is over-stretched or torn, resulting in damage to the muscle fibers (also called a pulled muscle).
  • A lumbar sprain happens when ligaments are stretched too far or torn. Ligaments are very tough, fibrous connecting tissues that connect bones together.

For practical purposes, it doesn’t matter if it is a muscle strain or a ligament sprain that is causing the pain, since the treatment and prognosis for both are the same.

When the muscles or ligaments in the low back are strained or torn, the area around the muscles will usually become inflamed. The inflammation leads to back spasm, and it is the back spasm that can cause both severe lower back pain and difficulty moving.

The best way to NOT have any of these symptoms is PREVENTION. That means proper body mechanics and proper posture.

So before you start your spring cleaning projects, please make sure you set your massage appointments within a few days after each project. That way you can recover from any muscle fatigue or soreness that has resulted in this once-a-year physical event. Your body will thank you.

Book Your Massage @ Zen Massage

If you want the best masseurs in Salt Lake City, set up an appointment with ZEN Massage today! Book Online or Call (801) 467-3529

Zen Massage

5520 South Van Winkle Expy

Salt Lake City, UT 84117

Source

Recurring Pain | Deep Tissue Massage

Amanda Sullivan Massage Service, Massage Therapy, Therapy Sports Injury, Zen Massage , , , ,

Deep Tissue Massage in Murray, UT.

When recurring pain is an issue for you, one of the best treatment methods for many, is deep tissue massage. At Zen Massage Salt Lake, our goal is to give every patient relief and relaxation from their busy, tense life to slow down and address the issues that have built up in their body and mind. We are confident that you will walk away from every treatment feeling relaxed and restored.

 

What Is Deep Tissue Massage?

Deep tissue massage is one of our most popular forms of massage – it focuses on firm pressure and includes many of the same strokes as Swedish massage. Deep tissue massages usually consist of firm pressure being applied slowly, over time, with the goal of fascial and myofascial release.

There are many myths that circle the practice of deep massage, one of them being that the pressure is very intense. While it is true that deep tissue massage utilizes firm pressure, we at Zen Massage understand that everyone is unique and has varying degrees of comfort regarding what is enjoyable. We understand that the key to your enjoyment of any massage is going at a pace that suits you. We gently apply pressure in a slow, consistent manner and encourage your feedback throughout the process, which allows us to fine tune every single massage to your particular comfort level.

 

Deep Tissue Massage Offers Pain Relief

If you suffer from pain or discomfort in your shoulders, neck, or back, deep tissue massage is a fantastic way to treat you. While the areas above of the body are what most people associate with the practice of deep tissue massage the reality is that we can treat many issues in most regions of the body using this technique. Because we are well-versed in a variety of massage techniques, we can utilize many different methods during a single session to resolve any pain issues you may be experiencing.

 

Pain Caused By Outdoor Activities Can Easily Be Treated With Deep Tissue Massage

At Zen Massage Salt Lake, we are all about the mountains. We love to get outdoors and enjoy the natural beauty that surrounds us in this wonderful corner of the world! Whether it be an ache or pain caused by playing sports with friends, or a twisted ankle sustained on a lofty mountain trail, we get it! Let us know what you do, and we will let you know how we can help to get you back in perfect condition for every season.

Deep Tissue Massage in Salt Lake City –  Zen Massage

(801) 467-3529

5520 South Van Winkle Expy

Salt Lake City, UT 84117

Back to School Specials for Mom’s – Spa Massage in Utah

zenmassagenet Blog, Healthy Lifestyle, Massage Therapy , , , , , ,
Back to School Specials for Mom’s – Spa Massage in Utah

Back to School Specials for Mom’s – Spa Massage in Utah

Over the school holidays, if you had a dollar for every harassed mom who said she REALLY needed a massage you would probably be able to close your massage and spa business for a week and fly out to the Bahamas.

When the summer vacation is all over and life has returned to near normal, there are stressed parents everywhere looking for some respite, and a little treat after the weeks of ‘Mom, I’m bored’ from their little darlings. So why not come up with a few back to school specials that will soothe and restore them again?

  1. Most Moms will have spent a lot of the school holidays on their feet. Whether they’ve been on a vacation with the kids, on day trips or just running around after them constantly, the first part of their body (well, other than their nerves) that needs to recuperate is probably their feet. Promote overall stress relief, well-being and foot care with a package that will give real results; a ‘Take the Weight Off’ pamper package offering a reflexology session with all the extras!
  2. Cover all bases with an aromatic foot soak with essential oils, sugar or salt scrub, relaxing massage and reflexology, followed by a moisturizing foot mask or paraffin wax treatment. You’re your mom is relaxed, you can complete the treatment with a choice of polish and she’ll feel just like new!
  3. Another area that busy moms neglect when the kids are home is their own personal grooming. Let’s be honest, who has the time for a wax, a facial or manicure when they have a houseful of little ones to keep entertained? Taking them to the salon is a no-no so after a few weeks, unless they’ve managed to sneak off for an afternoon of me-time, they’ll be in need of some upkeep. A pick and mix package for all the bits they’ve missed, with discounts for the more treatments they book at one time, could be a winner.
  4. So, if they are coming in for their wax, you could offer 10 per cent off a regular facial booked at the same time, and if two treatments are booked, offer a further discount on a manicure or an eyebrow/lash treatment. They don’t have to have all the treatments at the same time, but they must be booked at the same time. Promote it as ‘Back to school and back to YOU’ to encourage moms to book the deals, and get them feeling more like themselves after a frazzled few weeks.
  5. Finally, a massage package is always a winner with moms who have been feeling stressed from all the extra demands of their kids. Offer a Back to School Massage deal – all full body, aromatherapy or shoulder, neck and back massages are 10 per cent off if booked for the first two weeks after the holidays – and add in a 15 minute foot massage as a free upgrade.

The main thing to remember is that for weeks, moms everywhere have been focusing on everyone but themselves – so you’re going to put the focus right back onto them and make them feel special.

Book your Back to School Massage today at Zen Massage – (801) 467-3529

The Benefits of Prenatal Massage

zenmassagenet Blog, Prenatal Massage , , , , , ,
The Benefits of Prenatal Massage

FOR MOTHER AND BABIES TOGETHER

Both mother and baby

First and foremost, prenatal massage makes you feel good. It nurtures and pampers the body at a time when it needs it most. Book your appointment at Zen Massage in Salt Lake City, UT today. (801) 467-3529

In addition to soothing the body and dissolving stress, a trained touch delivers a wide range of physiological, psychological and emotional benefits.

It’s a safe and relaxing way to relieve pregnancy’s common discomforts like backaches, carpal tunnel syndrome, leg cramps and shakes, headaches, heartburn, fatigue, hemorrhoids, nasal congestion, sciatica and shortness of breath.

Prenatal massage does more than benefit the mother. Everything a pregnant woman does — from her diet and fitness to her relaxation and relative state of contentment – also directly affects the child she is carrying.

Study after study has proven that calmness in the mother leads to healthier in-utero development.

Regular prenatal massage can help prepare you for labor by making the pelvis more supple.

Just like a regular massage, prenatal massage:

  • improves circulation
  • aids lymphatic flow
  • removes toxins
  • promotes relaxation
  • raises endorphin levels
  • eases neck, back, and joint pain
  • relieves muscle spasms and cramps

Book your appointment at Zen Massage in Salt Lake City, UT today. (801) 467-3529

Massaging the Psoas

Amanda Sullivan Educational, Healthy Lifestyle, Massage Service, Massage Therapy, Therapy Sports Injury, Zen Massage , , , , ,

How Massage Therapists Treat Psoas

The psoas is a deep-seated core muscle connecting the lumbar vertebrae to the femur. The psoas major is the biggest and strongest player in a group of muscles called the hip flexors: together they contract to pull the thigh and the torso toward each other.

It is one of the more sensitive areas a Massage Therapist can treat. Getting in and working on the psoas is a skill in itself. It takes practice and some clear communication with your patient.

I want to share a technique that is as useful as it is uncomfortable, this is the way I used to do it.

The psoas has spinal attachments and is more than just a hip flexor. Some studies think it functions as a stabilizer. Since it attaches to the spine, the only way to release it manually is to go DEEP.

This technique will help:

  • Female runners with SI problems (lack of hip extension causing SI and lumbar hypermobility, plus inhibition of hip abductor/extensors)
  • Older patients with stenosis (lack of hip extension causes lumbar hyperextension, further closing the stenosis)
  • Hip capsular patterns – will improve hip external rotation
  • Posteriorly rotated ilium
  • Pt’s with diffuse anterolateral thigh complaints from compression of femoral nerve
  • Pt’s with spondylolisthesis may help in conjunction with soft tissue work to the paraspinals.
  • And a stabilization program

Your patient should lay supine with knees and hips flexed. Use an even finger grip, both 3rd and 4th fingertips with your elbows flared out so that your fingertips have even contact. Start about 2-3″ laterally to the umbilicus and slowly move from superficial to deep until you can’t move any further.

The abdominal contents will move out of the way. If you move too quickly, you will activate the rectus abdominus and the contraction will push you out.

How do you know you’re on it?

Here are two signs to make sure:

  • It’s not pulsing, if it is, go more lateral as you’re on the descending aorta!
  • Ask the patient to slightly flex their hip; as soon as they do, you should feel it contract under your fingertips

Start with oscillations, and you can progress to functional release movements starting with heelslide (you push proximally as patient slides heel distally), ipsilateral upper extremity elevation, combination upper extremity elevation and heelslide, then anterior pelvic tilts.

The last is the most uncomfortable, and maybe even the first time you can get a patient to posteriorly pelvic tilt correctly, as they want to move away from your hands! Perform for 5-7 minutes or until you feel a change. Reassess function, ROM, special test, or however you came to the conclusion the patient had a restricted psoas to begin with.

Techniques For Massage Therapists To Work Psoas Pain Free

Let’s be clear, you are nowhere near the psoas when doing a release, but this is the new way I do it.

I am just targeting the area around and above, and am very general to release lower quarter tone anteriorly, that’s about it.

Why you should use this

  • it doesn’t hurt
  • it rapidly improves hip and lumbar motion
    • if a patient needs sidegliding in standing for an ipsilateral lower quadrant issue, but is unable to move without discomfort

Patient:

  • supine, in hooklying
  • at least the involved lower extremity needs to be bent at the hip and knee

MT:

  • standing on the involved side
  • use either the pads of digits 3-4 of both hands or even easier, an EDGE Mobility Ball (any ball will do)
  • assess resistance to superficial to deep pressure lateral to the umbilicus on one side versus the other
  • the side with increased resistance is the side you should treat

Technique:

  • lightly apply superficial to deep pressure, it SHOULD NOT cause any pain
  • at the point of resistance that is highest, have the patient complete 3-5 diaphragmatic breaths
  • make sure they exhale fully
  • the exhalation will help reduce tone autonomically

re-test the limited hip and/or lumbar motion.

As it is with so many other techniques in Massage Therapy communication and consent is key. Make sure when attempting this treatment that if you feel the pulse, you move off of it quickly as you do not want to compress the descending aorta. Whether you’re helping someone with stenosis, spondylolisthesis or just SI issues treating the psoas can give you and your patients greater success in treatment. 

Source: MTDC

 

Book Your Massage in SLC today!

(801) 467-3529

5520 South Van Winkle Expy
Salt Lake City, UT 84117

Zen Massage Membership Program | 12-month Massage Membership

Amanda Sullivan Healthy Lifestyle, Massage Service, Massage Therapy, Specials, Zen Massage , , , , , , ,

Zen Massage Membership Program

12-month Massage Membership details.
60 Minute Massage – $65 Per Month with a 12-month membership.
90 Minute Massage – $100 Per Month with a 12-month membership.
Call Today to Sign up for your Membership 801-467-3529!

Membership Information and Terms

All membership benefits are for active members in good standing during the term of their membership.

  1. No Sign-up Fee – No Cancellation Fee (if the contract terms are observed).
  2. Membership Services – All memberships include your choice of a one-hour massage.
  3. Booking Priority for all Members.
  4. Additional Membership Massage – Members may purchase an unlimited number of additional services for their personal use at discounted rates.
  5. Memberships are transferable with a small fee and refundable only in the form of a gift card.
  6. Zen Massage must be notified of any changes in address, contact information and/or credit card information.
  7. Guests must follow spa rules and regulations. Zen Massage reserves the right to refuse or discontinue services for any reason.
  8. Zen Massage reserves the right to modify/change spa rules, regulations, services and pricing with reasonable notice.
  9. Twenty-four-hour advance notice is required on any appointment cancellation.
  10. No call / No show – will result in a fee equivalent to 100% of the cost of the scheduled service.
  11. Late Cancelation fee $25.00.
  12. Zen Massage is not responsible for lost or stolen property.
  13. Age requirements for receiving spa services at Zen Massage is as follows:
    • No person will be denied admission based upon race, religion or appearance. CHILDREN UNDER THE AGE OF 12 SHALL BE STRICTLY PROHIBITED FROM ENTERING THE SPA. No children under the age of 18 will be able to receive any service without the express written consent of their parent or guardian. For children 15 and under (or where required by state law), a parent or guardian MUST remain in the treatment room and for all minor children the parent must remain on premises during services.

 

*Introductory Offers valid for first visits. Not valid for gift cards. Services include 60-minute hands-on service and time allotted for dressing and consultation. Prices and services are subject to change. Offers may not be combined. Zen Massage is independently owned and operated.

Give us a call this week to sign up for your membership at 801-467-3529!

Prenatal Massages | Pregnancy Pampering

Amanda Sullivan Educational, Healthy Lifestyle, Massage Service, Massage Therapy, Prenatal Massage, Zen Massage , , , , , , ,
Prenatal Massages | Pregnancy Pampering

Lower back pain, leg cramps, swollen feet, heartburn. Pregnancy is beautiful, but it’s anything but comfortable. Expectant mothers can help their bodies adjust with diet, massage, yoga, and even by taking a dip in the pool.

Studies indicate that massage therapy performed during pregnancy can reduce anxiety, decrease symptoms of depression, relieve muscle aches and joint pains, and improve labor outcomes and newborn health. Massage therapy addresses different needs through varying techniques. From the first to third trimester, prenatal massages can have profound physical and psychological benefits.

While we always suggest getting your doctor or midwife’s advice before booking your prenatal massage, a massage therapist with prenatal massage experience and education will know how to ensure a safe, relaxing experience for you.

First Trimester Massage – Many women have been led to believe it isn’t safe to get a massage during this period. Women can begin massage therapy at any point in their pregnancy – during the first, second, or third trimester. But many facilities will refuse to offer massage to a woman who is still in her first trimester because of the increased risk for miscarriage associated with the first 12 weeks of pregnancy.

During the first trimester, a prenatal massage can help relieve some of the headaches, constipation, and yes even morning sickness. Along with the physical benefits of a massage, taking the time to deeply relax will do wonders for your well-being as you prepare for motherhood!

Second Trimester Massage – Many women find this stage of pregnancy to be easy going compared to the first and third trimesters. However, as your belly grows, your posture will change as your center of gravity shifts, resulting in back pain. Prenatal massages can ease those tense back muscles as well as enhance your posture and bodily alignment. Your body and mind will benefit greatly from the healthy habits you’ve adopted.

Studies done in the past 10 years have shown that hormone levels associated with relaxation and stress are significantly altered when massage therapy is introduced to women’s prenatal care. This leads to mood regulation and improved cardiovascular health. In women who received bi-weekly massages for only five weeks, hormones such as norepinephrine and cortisol (hormones associated with stress) were reduced, and dopamine and serotonin levels were increased (low levels of these hormones are associated with depression).

These changes in hormone levels also led to fewer complications during birth and fewer instances of newborn complications, such as low birth weight. The evidence strongly suggests there are maternal and newborn health benefits when therapeutic massage is incorporated into regular prenatal care.

Third Trimester Massage – You may find that the anticipation of delivery has increased your stress levels. This is the perfect time for you to book yourself a massage. You’ll find that regular prenatal massages during this last trimester can enhance your sleep, reduce pain and swelling, and generally assist in lowering stress as the delivery day draws near.

Massages during the third trimester can even help prepare your pelvic muscles for the birthing process. Some women find deep tissue massages especially helpful during the final stretch of pregnancy, though it’s always best to consult with your obstetrician and massage therapist beforehand.

Many women have experienced a significant reduction in sciatic nerve pain during pregnancy through massage.

Potential benefits of prenatal massage –

  • Reduced back pain
  • Reduced joint pain
  • Improved circulation
  • Reduced edema
  • Reduced muscle tension and headaches
  • Reduced stress and anxiety
  • Improved oxygenation of soft tissues and muscles
  • Better sleep

Precautions – As with any therapeutic approach to pregnancy wellness, women should discuss massage with their prenatal care provider. The best way to address the risks of prenatal massage is to be informed and to work together with knowledgeable professionals.

Women who have recently experienced bleeding, pre-term contractions, or have any of the following conditions should speak with a healthcare provider prior to receiving a massage –

The benefits of massage can improve overall prenatal health for many pregnant women. Along with the guidance and advice of a prenatal care provider, massage therapy can be incorporated into routine prenatal care as an emotional and physical health supplement shown to improve pregnancy outcome and maternal health. Consult with your midwife or obstetrician before beginning any new therapeutic practice.

From the early stages to the days before delivery, prenatal massages offer numerous benefits for your body and mind.

Sources:

http://www.massagebook.com/massage-therapy/pregnancy-pampering-benefits-prenatal-massages-trimester/

http://americanpregnancy.org/pregnancy-health/prenatal-massage/

Alignment, SI Joint Pain & Massage Therapy

Amanda Sullivan Educational, Healthy Lifestyle, Massage Therapy, Zen Massage , , , , , , , , ,

Each body tells a personal story.  The different ways we use our bodies daily is not always a conscious decision. Let’s be honest our alignment and posture are not always optimal. We have to work, read, hunched over 8 hours at the desk, drive and then we wonder where’s our pain coming from?

​Repetitive motion creates patterns that build our posture. The fascia that lies underneath, throughout your body gets pulled in different directions and creates patches and areas with condensed tissue that need to be smoothed out.​

Massage therapy can provide significant improvement for pain and for works best as part of an integrated approach with your doctor and/or physical therapist.

Physical therapy will alleviate pain through guided and supervised stretching and exercises that increase the stability of the joint. Massage therapy can also help reduce the pain associated with SI joint dysfunction by addressing the muscles and ligaments that support it.

For example, cranial-sacral therapy (balancing the rhythm of the cerebral-spinal pulse) will realign the body and reduce the stress on the SI joint. Using Swedish massage techniques, your massage therapist can relax the muscles and improve circulation in the area.

Massage can relieve the pain and discomfort of SIJ dysfunction by correcting imbalances of the musculoskeletal system. This is the connection between your muscles and your joints and bones. Some practitioners use a therapeutic strategy involving piriformis techniques that address the stability of the pelvis in order to alleviate the SI joint pain.

Corrective massage is designed to counteract harmful muscle imbalances that result in poor body posture. With the repetitiveness of occupation and daily activities, pain occurs due to imbalances created by overuse of certain muscles and under use of others. Our body posture provides a window into musculoskeletal pain and dysfunction.

Muscle imbalances affect the whole body, causing stress and fatigue that tighten the muscles and limit oxygen to the cells. Poor posture can limit our body’s potential range of motion creating stress on the musculoskeletal system. The result is chronic pain caused by the weak underused muscles being pushed to their limit. Muscle pain is a strong signal of body misalignment.

Chronic conditions develop over time, and will often require multiple sessions to change the patterns and posture of your body.  As your massage therapist, we listen to the pain and make the healthy alignment changes that are needed using massage. The goal is for you to be pain free and capable of  living an active lifestyle.

It’s important to try the least invasive routes before leaping to potentially addictive prescription painkillers and costly surgeries with lengthy recovery times. In addition to your doctor, seek advice from massage therapists, physical therapists, and holistic health practitioners who can offer alternative approaches to your sacroiliac joint pain management.

The tools offered by doctors to treat pain (pills and surgery) mask the issue and do not get to the root problem, muscular skeletal imbalance. With corrective massage, sessions are interactive requiring you to flex and release certain muscles during the massage to accelerate the results and to re-educate the body so that stretched muscles are contracted and shortened muscles are lengthened. This creates balance in the body. When the body is in balance, it is pain free and strong.

Good communication with your massage therapist is key to getting the best treatment for your body.

Personalized Massage Therapy in Salt Lake City @ http://zenmassage.net/

Sources:

Low Back, Piriformis and SI Joint Pain

Impact of Massage Therapy on Pain

SI Joint Dysfunction

Sacroiliac Joint Pain Relief Through Massage

Celebrating 11 years of Zen Massage

Amanda Sullivan Blog, Specials , , , , , , , , , ,
Celebrating 11 years of Zen Massage

Take advantage of our Anniversary Special!

Celebrating 11 years of Zen Massage!

In 2006 ZEN Massage, of Salt Lake City, opened its doors. Reinventing the standards of modern massage, Zen Massage has helped countless clients relax, renew, and get back to a state of Zen.

Our staff, our service, and our facilities are devoted and designed with a feeling of calm comfort, creating an atmosphere of quality Zen, for your massage. We know that you live a busy life and we are here to help take your mind off the daily stresses and make your massage therapy experience as relaxing as possible.

A Taste Of What We Offer:

Quick Fix Massage Therapy — 30 minutes for $50.00

Basic Massage Therapy — 60 minutes for $85

Deluxe Massage Therapy — 90 minutes for $125

ZEN Massage Therapy — 120 minutes for $150

Anti-Cellulite Massage — 30- and 60-minute Sessions

Our mission @ZenMassageSaltLakeCity has been and will continue to be reinventing the standards of modern massage therapy. From our opening day, we have pursued extremes in quality and service that go far beyond what is considered “adequate” in the massage industry today.

Our clients expect and deserve the best, and we provide nothing less.

Zen Massage Anniversary Special!

We are so excited to celebrate 11 years of Zen Massage. We would like to thank our customers and give them a special appreciation gift. Receive a thank you credit gift of $11 every time you complete a massage.  Keep your rewards and accumulate them to redeem for future massages.

 

Offer good Oct. 1st, 2017 thru May 1st, 2018.

Not valid with any other discounts or coupons.

Try our online scheduling feature to schedule your next massage. Book My Massage @ Zen!

Back Pain and the Workplace

zenmassagenet Blog, Uncategorized , , , ,

Even if your only job function is to sit and stare at a computer screen for eight hours a day, your back or neck may be paying the price. Often, problems stem from a variety of bad habits. Long stretches of immobility, frequent or repetitive movements (even typing), lifting and carrying heavy loads, and working while fatigued may all be contributing to your woes. Now’s the time to do something about it and to prevent further injury.

Standing desks are the latest rage because apparently sitting can kill you. But just using a standing desk isn’t going to do much ergonomic help if you’re standing incorrectly. Follow this checklist to make sure your standing posture is doing your body good:

  • Keep your head up and sitting directly over your shoulders
  • Position your shoulders directly in line with your pelvis
  • Tighten your core abdominal muscles
  • Tuck in your butt muscles
  • Keep your feet slightly apart, with one foot slightly in front of the other
  • Bend your knees slightly and never lock them

If you haven’t yet been able to talk your boss into shelling out the money for a standing desk, you’re likely to be sitting for the majority of your day. Just as there’s a proper way to stand, there are right and wrong ways to sit. And doing it the wrong way can do a number on your back. These quick tips will have you sitting pretty – and pretty comfortably – in no time:

  • Adjust your office chair, computer, and desk to ensure proper posture
  • Sit back in the chair to take advantage of the lumbar support
  • Keep your head and neck erect to prevent slouching
  • Adjust your seat and arm rest so that your working surface is level with your elbows
  • Keep your knees level with your hips (your legs should form a 90-degree angle to the floor); use a phone book or small box if your legs don’t quite reach the floor
  • Take frequent stretching or walking breaks

Of course, the right office chair will help you on your way to achieving the perfect sitting posture. Take a look at the ten best office chairs as determined by Gear Patrol (and feel free to forward the link to your boss or office manager).

Your job may require you to lift heavy objects all day, or at least when you need to refill the water cooler. Improper lifting techniques are a sure-fire way to injure your back. You’ve heard all the techniques before, but they’re worth recommitting to memory:

  • Give yourself a wide base of support: place your feet shoulder-width apart with one foot slightly ahead of the other
  • Squat to lift, bending at hips and knees only (don’t bend your back)
  • Maintain proper posture: Look straight ahead, keep your back straight, puff your chest out, and throw your shoulders back
  • Lift the load slowly by straightening your hips and knees (again: not your back)
  • Don’t twist your torso as you lift
  • Hold the load as close to your body as possible
  • Use your feet to change directions (don’t twist your upper body)
  • Never lift a heavy object above shoulder level

Back and neck pain are all-too-common problems. Adopt these techniques and you’ll be standing, sitting, and lifting your way to a much happier and healthier you.

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