By Danny Wray
AT Physio Effect we routinely treat the general population for injuries and pain which can be attributed to a sedentary lifestyle. We have previously discussed the risks posed by excessive hours of sitting and how this is reaching almost epidemic levels in the western world. With Christmas just around the corner, today’s article shows you a range of exercises that can go some way to counteracting the negative effects of sitting and keep you limber well into the New Year.
In an ideal world, those of us who have sedentary or sitting-based occupations should aim to move, stretch, and be active for at least one to two minutes of every hour. While some of the exercises shown here may not be suitable for your particular work environment, any effort to perform a routine of this nature for 5-10 minutes before or after work or during a lunch break would go a long way to reducing the risk of pain and injury. General exercise and safe, varied movement of any kind is also recommended.
Thoracic Rotation
Start on all fours with one hand placed behind your head.
Slowly turn the elbow towards the ceiling allowing your trunk to rotate and stretch
Hold at top position for 3-5 seconds. Repeat x 10 with each arm
Dart
Lay face down with thin pillow or folded towel for head support, arms by your side
Gently stretch your fingertips away from your shoulders, allowing your shoulder blades to glide downward and slightly inward
Palms facing your hips, have your arms floating just off your side, not on the floor
Keeping the back of your neck long and eyes looking to the floor, gently lift your head and upper body just off the floor – imagine lifting from your breast bone
Hold the finish position 3-5 seconds. Repeat 10 times 1-2 sets
Hip Flexor Stretch
Take a kneeling / lunge position as shown – use support of wall or furniture for balance if required
On the kneeling side gently engage your buttock and lower abdominal muscles – imagine you are tucking your tailbone in between your legs
You should feel a stretch at the front of your hip/thigh. If albe, gently raise the arm on the same side as the kneeling knee.
Hold the stretch for 30 seconds minimum and repeat 2-3 times each side.
Shoulder Bridge
Lay flat on your back with feet shoulder-width apart and knees bent
Using your lower abs gently tilt your pelvis to press your lower back flat to the floor
Pressing through your heels, using your buttock and ab muscles, gently peel your spine up from the floor starting with your tail bone.
Finish with your weight resting across your shoulder blades and your shoulders, hips and knees in a diagonal line
Hold finish position for 3-5 seconds, return to start and repeat 10 times for 2-3 sets.
Superman
Start in all fours position with knees under hips, hands under shoulders and spine relaxed
Slowly extend out opposite arm and leg pointing the toes behind and the fingertips to the front
Keep gentle tension in your lower abdominals – think about drawing your bellybutton in towards your spine
Try to maintain spinal position throughout the movement, return slowly to start position
Repeat with opposite arm and leg, try 10-12 repetitions for 2-3 sets.
Conclusion
While these are general exercise recommendations suitable for the majority of the population, they are not prescriptive for any specific pain or injury. These exercises should be performed slowly and gently in a range of movement suited to your own level of ability and flexibility. The exercises should not cause any pain and we recommend that if you are in any doubt or if you are suffering from spinal or joint pain issues you should consult a healthcare professional for advice.
At Physio Effect we provide a wide range of services allowing us to not only treat your pain or injury but ensure that you are given the best advice specific to your individual needs to prevent your problem from recurring. We take a proactive approach to managing your health and offer advice on rehabilitation, strength and conditioning and flexibility as well as classes such as yoga, pilates and mobility classes and products to help you reach your goals.
The dedicated team at Physio Effect provides a full package of services that will ensure you’re supported through injury prevention, assessment, recovery and helping you achieve your ultimate performance goals. We offer a range of services: physiotherapy, sports massage, pilates, yoga and mobility. Unit 18B, 100 Borron Street, Glasgow, G49XG; www.everydayathletegym.com
www.physioeffect.co.uk
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