Prudent Advice

I've seen numerous people with muscular aches and pains over the years. Most of them just needed a helping hand, or hands, to get them on the road to recovery and feeling their best. However, some had muscle imbalances due to different reasons, and some had repetitive movement injuries related to their job. In this second group I always try to give suggestions and advice on how to keep from re-injuring themselves. Here is some advice I give out a lot.

Combating Head/Shoulder Forward Posture
This happens a lot with students in college who study a lot Also, this occurs with people who have jobs requiring them to be hunched over a computer for long periods of time. This posture can cause the pectoral muscles in the chest to tighten up as well as cause problems to the rhomboids located in the upper back. And, when the rhomboids are constantly stretched without relief they rebel, become tight and cause lots of pain.
Here are some simple solutions:

• Place a post-it note on on the periphery of your computer screen saying, "Relax, Straighten up.
• Place a figurine, rock, miniature stuffed animal, etc. on your desk where you will notice it from time to time. When you do notice it check your posture.
• Both of the above ideas can be further used to remind you to take numerous mini-breaks while you are working. When doing this think of your posture. Pull your shoulder blades closer together to move your shoulders back, head up straight and positioned over the body, take a slow, deep breath and relax a few seconds. Then, get back to work.
• And, a massage once a month wouldn't hurt either.
  

"Nuff Said"