Do you ever find that sitting at your desk all day can be really taxing on your body? Below are some stretches you can do whilst at your desk to help reduce pain and discomfort. Why not get the whole office involved!
Carrying a bag around on a daily basis is essential for most, particularly as a convenient means to hold many items. Whether it be your gym bag, computer bag, briefcase, tote, or handbag, these necessities may be contributing to your physical pain. Even your wallet can be causing you pain! TIPS: Alternate Shoulders When carrying your bad for long periods of time, move your bag from shoulder to shoulder. This will avoid one shoulder having to strain itself the entire time. Depending on the bag you are using, you may be able to sit the strap diagonally across your body, which would also be ideal to avoid straining one shoulder over the other. Avoid Thin Straps A thicker strap distributes the weight of the bag evenly over your shoulder. Thin straps or 'chain' handles are likely to dig in to your shoulder, causing pain and irritation. Smaller Bag Using a smaller bag limits the amount of objects you can fit. This is more desirable than carrying a larger bag, which can fit more, resulting in a much heavier bag. You may even consider using a clutch which will allow minimal objects. Just be mindful that you should alternate hands used to carry it. Consider Other Bag Styles Different decorations or fabrics can add to the weight of your bag. Consider shopping around for a bag that feels lighter in weight. It's also important to consider the placement of inner compartments. If they are distributed evenly around the bag, this will avoid one heavy load. Consider A Backpack A backpack, or a bag with evenly distributed straps, is always preferable to avoid straining one side of your body. In saying that, it is also important that backpacks are worn appropriately. Using both straps, keep the back of the backpack against your back. When packing your backpack, heavier items should be placed so that they are closest to your back when wearing your bag. Don't let the backpack fall loose, so it ends up hanging toward your bottom. These tips are also important to consider with your children's schoolbags. Click here to discover more about the effects your child may be experiencing as a result of a heavy or inappropriately worn schoolbag. You may also find some useful information for yourself. Empty Your Bag Regularly Clean out your bag on a regular basis, and only leave items in your bag that you need for the day, as opposed to carrying around extra items that do nothing but add to the weight of your bag. If you require many items or heavy items, and cleaning out your bag doesn't help, perhaps consider investing in a carry bag with wheels.  Carry Bag With Wheels Other Tips When carrying a bag, never use the crook of your arms! If you're resting your bag strap over your shoulder, do not ever raise your shoulder to accommodate slipping straps. You may wish to consider using your hands to hold your bag, being sure to alternate between hands regularly. As mentioned earlier, aches and pains from carrying around a bag can be felt throughout the body in various ways.
In addition to the solutions provided above, visiting your Myotherapist can also help alleviate some of the unpleasant symptoms experienced with carting around your belongings all day. Term one of the school year is done and dusted. One thing you may have noticed, is an increase in complaints from your children since the commencement of term one, specifically related to aches and pains, or sore shoulders and back. What you may not have realised is, these complaints could be related to those nasty heavy school backpacks your children are lugging around. We have found this helpful infographic (below) which described the impact of carrying around those hefty school bags, on your kids' young bodies. Make the most of these school holidays and spend the time investing in a new backpack with extra back support for your children. A new bag will allow your kids some relief from their aches, which will give them the opportunity to focus on their school work for the rest of the year to come. If your child continues to suffer and a new backpack does not work, schedule an appointment with our Myotherapist for treatment and advice. You can book now by clicking here.  |
BLOG AuthorLena Yammine is the author of the Inner Outer Health Blog. Myotherapy Previous Posts
November 2024
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