Article featured on Optimal Sports Physical Therapy
Simple stretching exercises to do while sitting at your desk
Pause for a moment and notice how you are sitting. Yes, you! Humor us for a moment. How are you sitting right now? Have you slid way down in your chair? Or, have you slumped forward toward your computer screen? What about your feet? Do you have one foot tucked under you or your legs crossed?
If you said yes to any of these positions, you aren’t alone! Poor posture after sitting at your desk for even a short time is common for many people.
With a growing rate of sedentary jobs, many Americans are finding themselves spending eight or more hours without regular physical activity. Long periods of time without regular activity can be very hard on the body. Research is indicating that those who sit for long stretches have an increased risk of cardiovascular disease and shortened life expectancies.
Breaking up your sedentary periods can help to lower your cardiovascular risk and improve your life expectancy. Incorporating simple stretching exercises at your desk can help to get your blood pumping and improve your posture.
Don’t worry, we aren’t suggesting you roll out your yoga mat in your cubicle. You can do these seven, easy to do, stretches while sitting in your chair. Learn more about other helpful ways to get and stay active during your workday.
Stretching Exercises While Sitting at your Desk
If you’re like most people who sit for long periods of time, your posture has likely slid off course. Don’t worry! Before you begin any stretches take a few moments to adjust your posture. Begin by following these easy tips:
- Slide all the way back in your seat. Your lower back should be supported by the chair’s backrest.
- Rest both feet flat on the floor with your knees directly above your ankles.
- Raise your chair so that your hips are slightly higher than your knees.
- Elbows should be resting comfortably on the chair’s armrest at 90 degrees.
- Computer screen should be at eye height (neither looking down nor up).
Comfortable? Sitting this way may feel strange at first. With a little practice, you’ll find that sitting this way begins to feel more normal.
Now that you have adjusted your posture, you’re ready to try these seven easy stretching activities while sitting at your desk.
Chest and Shoulder Stretch
Stretching out the chest and shoulders may be one of the best stretches if you find yourself slumping forward while you work. This stretch targets the pectoral muscles and helps to open the chest.
How to: Take the arms behind you and interlace the fingers together. Begin to lift the arms up until you feel a stretch across your chest. Hold this stretch for 15 to 30 seconds and release.
Neck Stretch
Many people lean their head forward toward their computers when working at a desk. This puts extra tension on the neck. If you experience frequent headaches or upper back tension, stretching your neck can help.
How to: Reach your right arm down and grip the side of your chair. Tilt your head to the left feeling a gentle stretch down the side of your neck. Hold this stretch for 15 to 30 seconds and then repeat on the other side.
Spinal Twist
Sliding your hips forward in your chair or sitting in a slumped position can put a lot of strain on your back. A spinal twist can help to relieve tension across the entire back and reset your posture.
How to: With your feet flat on the floor, contract your abs and begin to rotate your upper body toward the right. Place your left hand on the outside of your right knee. Place the right hand on either the armrest or seatback to help deepen the stretch. Only twist as far as you feel comfortable. Even a small rotation can make a big difference. Hold this stretch for 15 to 30 seconds and then repeat on the other side.
Back Extension
Your back can take a beating when sitting slumped forward or when reclining backward. A seated back extension can help to ease tension while opening your chest and shoulders.
How to: Scoot back in your chair with your back resting comfortably against the backrest. Place the palms of your hands at the back of your neck. Lean back over your backrest keeping your elbows wide until you feel a gentle stretch across the back and chest. Hold this stretch for 10 to 15 seconds.
Hip Stretch
The lower body can get very tight after sitting for long periods. The hip flexors shorten and tighten and the glutes stretch while sitting. This easy to do stretch targets all areas of the hips and glutes in one stretch.
How to: While seated, cross your right ankle over your left knee. Sitting tall, begin to fold forward at the hips until you feel a stretch across your right glute. You can press down on your right knee to help deepen the stretch. Hold this stretch for 15 to 30 seconds and then repeat on the other side.
Hamstring Stretch
Without regular activity, your hamstrings can tighten quickly. This simple stretch helps to relieve leg discomfort and keep your hamstrings loose.
How to: Extend your right leg forward keeping your left foot flat on the floor. Sitting tall with your head in line with your spine, begin to fold forward reaching for your right toes. If your chair rolls, lock the wheels to avoid rolling backward. Hold this stretch for 15 to 30 seconds and then repeat on the other side.
Wrist Stretch
Resting your wrists flat on your keyboard or typing for long periods of time can cause tightness in your wrists. These two simple wrist stretches will target both the wrist flexor and wis extensor.
How to: Extend your right arm straight out in front of you with your palm up. Flex your wrist pointing your finger tips toward the floor. Using your left hand, pull back on your fingers to deepen the stretch until you feel a stretch up your arm. Hold this stretch for 15 to 30 seconds then repeat on the other side. Repeat this stretch with your palm facing down and flexing the fingers upward.
Tips for staying active while working from home
With the coffee pot only steps from your seat, you may find that you move less when working from home. Incorporating the seven easy seated stretches once an hour is a great start. But, consider some of our other favorite tips to get active and stay active during your day.
Get Moving
Getting moving may look different for everyone. This may mean doing your workout mid-day instead of in the morning. Or try blocking your calendar for a short walk around your house or outside every couple of hours. 15 minutes of light exercise can make a big difference in heart health, posture, fatigue, mood, and brain function.
Change Your View
Having something else to look at while you work can make a world of difference. Try working at your table for an hour instead of your desk. Or, pause and check out what the weather is like on the way to refill your water bottle.
Try a Virtual Walking Club
Do you struggle with accountability? Try setting up a virtual walking club with your teammates. Help hold each other accountable for taking short walking breaks. Set up a weekly competition or accountability partners. Whatever you do, make it fun and motivating.
Stand, Strengthen, Balance
On calls all day? Use that time to get moving. Standing can help to relieve tension from your back and get your blood pumping. Keep a set of weights or bands close to your desk and get in a few bicep curls or squats. Work on balance challenges like tree pose or wall sits to help improve posture and stability. No matter what you choose, we recommend you turn off your video for these activities.
No matter how you move your body during the day, the key is to do something regularly. Incorporating these sevensix simple stretches while seated at your desk can go a long way in reducing the effects of sitting on the body.
The Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Center of Oregon is an award-winning, board-certified orthopedic group located in downtown Portland Oregon. We utilize both surgical and nonsurgical means to treat musculoskeletal trauma, spine diseases, foot and ankle conditions, sports injuries, degenerative diseases, infections, tumors and congenital disorders.
Our mission is to return our patients back to pain-free mobility and full strength as quickly and painlessly as possible using both surgical and non-surgical orthopedic procedures.
Our expert physicians provide leading-edge, comprehensive care in the diagnosis and treatment of orthopedic conditions, including total joint replacement and sports medicine. We apply the latest state-of-the-art techniques in order to return our patients to their active lifestyle.
If you’re looking for compassionate, expert orthopedic and podiatric surgeons in Portland Oregon, contact OSM today.
Phone:
503-224-8399
Address
17355 Lower Boones Ferry Rd Suite 100A
Lake Oswego, OR 97035
Hours
Monday–Friday
8:00am – 4:30pm
Ergonomic Tips for Prolonged Sitting
in Back Pain, Ergonomics, Nutrition & General Health, Wellness Tips, Working From Home- TipsArticle featured on UCLA Health
Back Pain When Sitting
Why does my back hurt when I sit? It’s a question anyone who works at a desk might ask themselves at some point. Sitting for prolonged periods of time can be a major cause of back pain, cause increased stress of the back, neck, arms and legs and can add a tremendous amount of pressure to the back muscles and spinal discs.
Additionally, sitting in a slouched position can overstretch the spinal ligaments and strain the spinal discs.
Besides being uncomfortable, poor sitting posture and workplace ergonomics over time can damage spinal structures and contribute to recurrent episodes of neck or back pain. Wondering how to reduce lower back and neck pain? Read on for tips.
Proper Posture for Sitting
Here are some important guidelines for how to reduce lower back and neck pain and by making sure your work area is as comfortable as possible and causes the least amount of stress to your spine to avoid pain from sitting:
While this article is about proper posture for sitting in traditional chairs, some people prefer more active chairs, such as a Swedish kneeling chair or a Swiss exercise ball. Traditional chairs are designed to provide complete support, but a kneeling chair promotes good posture without a back support, and an exercise ball helps develop your abdominal and back muscles while you sit. It is advisable to first talk with your doctor prior to using one of these types of chairs if you have an injured back or other health problems.
Finally, no matter how comfortable you are at your desk, prolonged, static posture is not good for your back. Try to remember to stand, stretch and walk at least a minute or two every half hour. Moving about and stretching on a regular basis throughout the day will help keep your joints, ligaments, muscles, and tendons loose, which in turn will help you feel more comfortable, more relaxed, and more productive.
Bone-on-Bone Arthritis: Is Knee Replacement the Only Option?
in Arthritis, Knee Injuries, Knee Pain, Knee Replacement, Knee Surgery, OsteoarthritisArticle featured on Orthopaedic Specialists
Many patients are told they have “bone-on-bone” arthritis, or end-stage osteoarthritis, on their x-ray and immediately worry that knee replacement surgery is their only option. The truth is, imaging alone should never determine whether you need surgery or not. The real indication for a knee replacement is pain that limits your daily activities. In addition, the suggestion for surgery should only come after you’ve completed a full course of conservative, non-operative treatment. If the pain is still unbearable, then imaging and discussions with your doctor can help you make the decision of whether or not to get knee replacement surgery.
Key Takeaway About a Bone-On-Bone Arthritis Diagnosis: An x-ray that shows severe arthritis does not automatically mean you need a knee replacement. Your symptoms and your response to conservative care matter far more than the image.
What Are Non-Operative Approaches to Bone-On-Bone Arthritis?
A comprehensive, non-operative approach can include treatments such as:
Many patients experience significant improvement with these treatments, even with advanced arthritis.
What If I Still Experience Knee Pain After Non-Operative Approaches?
If, after diligently trying all these options, you are still struggling with pain, stiffness, or loss of function, then knee replacement becomes an excellent and appropriate solution. The surgery is designed to relieve pain and restore quality of life. But, it should be considered only when other methods have failed. It takes a long time to recover from knee replacement surgery and, like all surgeries, there are certain issues that can arise from it.
Allowing your body to heal itself naturally is often the best route. But, pain should never take away from your quality of life, especially with our advances in modern medicine.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bone-On-Bone Arthritis
10 Tips for Maintaining Bone & Joint Health
in Bone Health, Joint PainArticle featured on Center for Orthopaedic Surgery and Sports Medicine
When it comes to our health, we often focus on cardiovascular fitness and weight management, but there is another crucial aspect that deserves our attention: bone and joint health. Orthopedic injuries, which involve damage to our musculoskeletal system, can significantly impact our quality of life, limiting mobility and causing persistent pain.
The good news is that many of these injuries are preventable. This article aims to shed light on how you can maintain strong bones and healthy joints, thereby reducing your risk of orthopedic injuries.
1. Regular Exercise
Engaging in regular physical activity is vital. Weight-bearing exercises like walking, jogging, and strength training help build and maintain bone density.
Additionally, activities such as yoga and tai chi improve flexibility and joint health.
2. Balanced Nutrition
Consider eating meals that are rich in vitamin D and calcium, which are vital for bone health. Some excellent sources include:
Do not forget other essential nutrients like magnesium and vitamin K, found in nuts, seeds, and whole grains.
3. Stay Hydrated
Adequate hydration is key to maintaining the health of your joints. Water helps keep the cartilage in your joints hydrated and flexible, reducing the risk of joint discomfort.
4. Maintain a Healthy Weight
Excess weight puts additional pressure on your bones and joints, especially in the knees and hips.
Maintaining a healthy weight can reduce stress in these areas and prevent joint deterioration.
5. Quit Smoking
Smoking can decrease bone density and impede blood flow, leading to weaker bones and slower healing after injuries.
6. Limit Alcohol Consumption
Excessive alcohol intake can interfere with calcium absorption and bone formation. Moderation is key to preserving bone health.
7. Practice Good Posture
Proper posture reduces strain on your bones and joints. When sitting, standing, or moving, ensure your body is aligned and balanced.
8. Wear Proper Footwear
Good quality, supportive shoes can prevent joint pain, especially in the hips, knees, and back. Avoid high heels and choose footwear that provides adequate support and cushioning.
9. Be Mindful of Repetitive Stress
Repetitive motions can strain joints over time. If your job or hobbies involve such activities, take regular breaks and use ergonomically designed tools to minimize stress on your joints.
10. Regular Check-ups
Regular visits to a healthcare provider can help in the early detection and management of any bone or joint issues. Do not hesitate to seek professional advice if you experience persistent pain or discomfort in your bones or joints.
Incorporating these tips into your daily routine can significantly improve your bone and joint health, leading to a more active and pain-free life. It is never too late to start taking care of your skeletal system.
When to Visit Your Orthopedist
While preventive measures are important for maintaining bone and joint health, there may still be times when you need to consult the best orthopedist near you.
Here are some signs and situations that indicate it is time to schedule an appointment with a specialist:
The Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Center of Oregon is an award-winning, board-certified orthopedic group located in downtown Portland Oregon. We utilize both surgical and nonsurgical means to treat musculoskeletal trauma, spine diseases, foot and ankle conditions, sports injuries, degenerative diseases, infections, tumors and congenital disorders.
Our mission is to return our patients back to pain-free mobility and full strength as quickly and painlessly as possible using both surgical and non-surgical orthopedic procedures.
Our expert physicians provide leading-edge, comprehensive care in the diagnosis and treatment of orthopedic conditions, including total joint replacement and sports medicine. We apply the latest state-of-the-art techniques in order to return our patients to their active lifestyle.
If you’re looking for compassionate, expert orthopedic and podiatric surgeons in Portland Oregon, contact OSM today.
Phone:
503-224-8399
Address
17355 Lower Boones Ferry Rd Suite 100A
Lake Oswego, OR 97035
Hours
Monday–Friday
8:00am – 4:30pm
Running Tips: Preventing Injuries and Getting Race Ready
in Health & Wellness, Plantar Fasciitis, Prevention, Sports Medicine, Sports Related Injuries, Sprained Ankle, Wellness TipsArticle featured on Emory Healthcare
Runners experience all sorts of health benefits, such as better heart health, stronger bones, building muscle and maintaining a healthy weight. But just like in any sport or activity, runners risk getting injured.
Running Tips for Beginners
Never run before? No problem. “Start slow and be patient with your progress,” advises Dr. Mason. “Before starting, talk to your primary care provider to make sure you’re ready to do vigorous exercise like running.”
Running Advice When Training for a Race
Have your sights set on a race? Setting a goal like this can help structure your training as you work toward race day.
Prevent and Treat Common Running Injuries
Some soreness and mild discomfort are normal when you start a running routine. But any pain should resolve in a few days or weeks. If pain lingers or gets worse, you might be injured.
Achilles tendonitis
Your Achilles tendon connects your calf muscles (in your lower leg) to your heel bone. Runners can experience tendonitis in their Achilles if they increase distance or speed too quickly or if they have abnormal running mechanics. Tight calf muscles or excessive pronation (foot rolling inward) can also cause tendonitis.
To prevent Achilles tendonitis, increase your distance and speed gradually. Stretch and strengthen your calves after each run. And select the right running shoes for your gait. A specialist running shoe store can analyze your stride, determine if you pronate, and suggest a shoe that will help.
If the pain and tightness in your Achilles tendon persists, Dr. Mason recommends seeing a sports medicine physician. Achilles injuries generally heal when the runner takes time off from running and does specific stretches and strengthening exercises. Runners may be able to cross-train with swimming, rowing or cycling while they wait for their Achilles to heal as long as those activities are pain-free.
Runner’s knee
Runner’s knee refers to many different knee issues, including patellofemoral syndrome and patellar tendonitis. If you’re having knee pain, the first step is to diagnose the specific cause so you can treat it. Both physicians recommend scheduling an appointment with a sports medicine physician.
Plantar fasciitis
If you have pain in the bottom of your heel when standing or walking, it could be plantar fasciitis. This condition happens when the thick band of tissue across the bottom of your foot becomes inflamed and painful. Wearing the wrong type of shoe or worn-out shoes, excessive running volume or increasing your distance too quickly can all cause plantar fasciitis.
Wearing good shoes with arch support when you’re running and in your daily life can help. Focus on stretching exercises for your calf and the bottom of your foot and strengthening the small muscles of your foot with “toe yoga” exercises. If the pain persists, you may need to decrease your running and be aware that stress fractures in the heel may sometimes mimic plantar fasciitis. If you start feeling pain in your heel, Drs. Mason and Raiser suggest you see a physician to discuss the appropriate treatment plan.
Shin splint
If you increase your running volume too quickly, you may experience painful shin splints. They should go away with rest, and you may want to decrease your running distance before you slowly work back up again. Shin splints usually aren’t serious. But if you don’t rest so they can heal, they could turn into a stress fracture.
Stress fracture
Runners can get stress fractures — tiny, hairline cracks in a bone — from the repetitive impact of their sport. They may notice pain in the shin, foot or heel that gets worse over time. The only way to know if you have a stress fracture is to get an X-ray, so talk to your doctor if you think you may have one. Runners usually need to rest for six to eight weeks as the stress fracture heals. Some stress fractures can require surgery if they worsen, so don’t ignore the symptoms!
Sprained ankle
Ligaments support your ankle and keep it in the right position. But when those ligaments stretch too far, usually from rolling an ankle, it can cause an ankle sprain. A sprained ankle can swell, bruise and be painful. It gets better with rest, ice, elevation and the help of physical therapy, though it can take weeks to months to heal.
No Pain, All Gain
While you may have heard of the adage “no pain, no gain” in sport, both physicians share the advice that “Running shouldn’t hurt!” So if you have pain that sticks around or gets worse, don’t push through it or write it off as normal.
Tips for Osteoporosis and Exercise
in Bone Health, General Orthopedics, Health & Wellness, Osteoporosis, Wellness TipsArticle featured on OrthoCarolina
You’ve been given the diagnosis of Osteoporosis and your doctor wants you to do weight bearing activities to improve your bone health.
But what does that mean exactly? How much and how often should you do these activities? Do you need special equipment or can you safely do them in the comfort of your own home?
Weight-bearing exercises and activities are those that make you move against gravity while staying upright. Research shows that high impact dynamic loading such as jumping, jogging/running, jumping rope or hiking (activities where the feet leave the ground) gives the best results in building bone. Depending on your fitness level and overall health including joint health, you may need to stick to low impact exercises such as cycling, elliptical machine or slow paced walking.
Muscle strengthening exercises include activities that you do to move your body against resistance. One can choose from free weight, resistance bands, weight machines or even using the resistance of your own body. A well balanced program will include exercises for all body parts. Be sure to include specific exercises to strengthen the spine and promote good posture. See examples below:
Bird Dog
Back Ups
Sit to Stand
**Great care should be taken to avoid curl-ups and spine twisting motions when you have active osteoporosis as these motions can cause a spinal fracture. **
Balance Exercises are essential in the prevention of falls and therefore the prevention of injuries/fractures incurred. We can improve our balance even as we age by combining strengthening of the lower extremities with balancing exercises. Balance on one leg beginning with the eyes open and progressing to eyes closed either on level surface or foam pad.
Single leg balance (Image Above)
Now that you have an idea of what to do, how often should you do it?
For weight bearing and balance activities, research indicates participating in these activities 5-7 days a week.
For strengthening exercises, the research indicates 3 days a week to improve bone health.
Once cleared by your physician of any active fractures, your physical therapist can assist you with developing a program that is safe and effective for you depending on your current fitness level and general health.
Essential Tips for Staying Active & Preventing Orthopedic Injuries
in General Orthopedics, Health & Wellness, Nutrition & General Health, Prevention, Wellness TipsArticle featured on Arthritis & Sports
Orthopedic injuries affect people of all ages and activity levels. They can range from minor sprains to serious conditions that impact bones and joints. Fortunately, many of these injuries are preventable. Proper education and proactive strategies play a vital role in prevention. This article outlines effective methods to help everyone stay active and healthy.
Understanding Orthopedic Injuries
Orthopedic injuries can arise from physical activities and sports, but they can also occur during everyday movements. Often, these injuries result from inadequate training, poor techniques, or insufficient warm-ups. According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, approximately 3.5 million children under 14 receive medical treatment for sports injuries annually. By understanding how our bodies work and recognizing the risks associated with various activities, individuals can take steps to protect themselves.
Common orthopedic injuries include tennis elbow (affecting around 1-3% of the general population), Achilles tendonitis (particularly prevalent among runners), and knee ligament injuries (which account for about 55% of knee injuries among athletes). Learning more about these conditions helps individuals make informed choices about exercise and rehabilitation.
Importance of Injury Prevention Education
Education on injury prevention is key to reducing orthopedic injuries. When individuals understand human anatomy and biomechanics, they are less likely to experience injuries. Studies show that educational programs can reduce sports injuries by up to 30%. Workshops or consultations with trained professionals provide valuable insights into best practices for safety and health.
Building a Safety Culture
Focusing on injury prevention fosters a mindset that values long-term health over short-term performance boosts. This shift encourages athletes and active individuals to prioritize self-care and make safer choices during their activities.
Develop Proper Warm-Up and Cool-Down Routines
Warm-Up Techniques
A well-structured warm-up is essential for preparing the body for physical activity. Warm-ups increase blood flow to the muscles, enhance flexibility, and improve joint mobility. Dynamic stretches, such as leg swings, arm circles, and high knees, are excellent for preparing the body for intense workouts.
Taking just 10-15 minutes for an effective warm-up can significantly reduce injury risks and improve performance.
Cool-down routines are equally important after physical activity. Engaging in static stretching helps restore muscle length and flexibility and promotes recovery. Activities like light walking or cycling for 5-10 minutes help the heart rate return to normal. This gradual transition is crucial for reducing muscle soreness and future injuries.
Strength Training and Conditioning
Ensure Proper Technique in Sports and Activities
Using the right techniques during physical activities minimizes injury risk. Whether engaging in sports, weightlifting, or everyday movements, understanding correct form is vital for safe practices. Coaches and trainers play a crucial role by providing guidance on executing movements correctly. Regular feedback helps to correct improper techniques that may lead to strain or injury.
The Role of Coaching
Listen to Your Body
Listening to your body can be transformative when it comes to preventing injuries. Ignoring pain or discomfort often leads to more severe issues. It’s essential to pay attention to these signals and allow time for rest and recovery.
The Importance of Rest Days
Overtraining increases the likelihood of injuries, making it vital to include rest days in any training schedule. Including 1-2 rest days each week can significantly lower injury risk and enhance overall performance.
Ensure Safe Return-to-Sports Program
For those undergoing lengthy recovery after surgery, physical therapy is essential but not the final step. A well-structured return-to-sports program ensures the athlete is safe to resume activities at the same level they were at before the injury (if not even better).
Outreach and Community Programs
Community programs focused on injury prevention education benefit diverse groups, including youth athletes and older adults. These initiatives may include workshops, training sessions, and informational resources. By offering such programs, communities facilitate a better understanding of injury prevention.
Such initiatives create supportive environments where individuals can learn and apply effective strategies relevant to their physical activities, promoting healthier lifestyles.
Moving Forward with Awareness
Preventing common orthopedic injuries involves education, practical strategies, and a commitment to self-care. By understanding body mechanics and implementing effective measures such as proper warm-ups and cool-downs, individuals can significantly lower their risk of injury.
Moreover, emphasizing injury prevention education promotes personal health and fosters a culture of safety within communities. By prioritizing these strategies, individuals of all ages and activity levels can confidently pursue their passions, leading to healthier and happier futures.
The Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Center of Oregon is an award-winning, board-certified orthopedic group located in downtown Portland Oregon. We utilize both surgical and nonsurgical means to treat musculoskeletal trauma, spine diseases, foot and ankle conditions, sports injuries, degenerative diseases, infections, tumors and congenital disorders.
Our mission is to return our patients back to pain-free mobility and full strength as quickly and painlessly as possible using both surgical and non-surgical orthopedic procedures.
Our expert physicians provide leading-edge, comprehensive care in the diagnosis and treatment of orthopedic conditions, including total joint replacement and sports medicine. We apply the latest state-of-the-art techniques in order to return our patients to their active lifestyle.
If you’re looking for compassionate, expert orthopedic and podiatric surgeons in Portland Oregon, contact OSM today.
Phone:
503-224-8399
Address
17355 Lower Boones Ferry Rd Suite 100A
Lake Oswego, OR 97035
Hours
Monday–Friday
8:00am – 4:30pm
7 Stretches to Counteract Sitting All Day
in Ergonomics, Health & Wellness, Nutrition & General Health, Spine, Wellness Tips, Working From Home- TipsArticle featured on Optimal Sports Physical Therapy
Simple stretching exercises to do while sitting at your desk
Pause for a moment and notice how you are sitting. Yes, you! Humor us for a moment. How are you sitting right now? Have you slid way down in your chair? Or, have you slumped forward toward your computer screen? What about your feet? Do you have one foot tucked under you or your legs crossed?
If you said yes to any of these positions, you aren’t alone! Poor posture after sitting at your desk for even a short time is common for many people.
With a growing rate of sedentary jobs, many Americans are finding themselves spending eight or more hours without regular physical activity. Long periods of time without regular activity can be very hard on the body. Research is indicating that those who sit for long stretches have an increased risk of cardiovascular disease and shortened life expectancies.
Breaking up your sedentary periods can help to lower your cardiovascular risk and improve your life expectancy. Incorporating simple stretching exercises at your desk can help to get your blood pumping and improve your posture.
Don’t worry, we aren’t suggesting you roll out your yoga mat in your cubicle. You can do these seven, easy to do, stretches while sitting in your chair. Learn more about other helpful ways to get and stay active during your workday.
Stretching Exercises While Sitting at your Desk
If you’re like most people who sit for long periods of time, your posture has likely slid off course. Don’t worry! Before you begin any stretches take a few moments to adjust your posture. Begin by following these easy tips:
Comfortable? Sitting this way may feel strange at first. With a little practice, you’ll find that sitting this way begins to feel more normal.
Now that you have adjusted your posture, you’re ready to try these seven easy stretching activities while sitting at your desk.
Chest and Shoulder Stretch
Stretching out the chest and shoulders may be one of the best stretches if you find yourself slumping forward while you work. This stretch targets the pectoral muscles and helps to open the chest.
How to: Take the arms behind you and interlace the fingers together. Begin to lift the arms up until you feel a stretch across your chest. Hold this stretch for 15 to 30 seconds and release.
Neck Stretch
Many people lean their head forward toward their computers when working at a desk. This puts extra tension on the neck. If you experience frequent headaches or upper back tension, stretching your neck can help.
How to: Reach your right arm down and grip the side of your chair. Tilt your head to the left feeling a gentle stretch down the side of your neck. Hold this stretch for 15 to 30 seconds and then repeat on the other side.
Spinal Twist
Sliding your hips forward in your chair or sitting in a slumped position can put a lot of strain on your back. A spinal twist can help to relieve tension across the entire back and reset your posture.
How to: With your feet flat on the floor, contract your abs and begin to rotate your upper body toward the right. Place your left hand on the outside of your right knee. Place the right hand on either the armrest or seatback to help deepen the stretch. Only twist as far as you feel comfortable. Even a small rotation can make a big difference. Hold this stretch for 15 to 30 seconds and then repeat on the other side.
Back Extension
Your back can take a beating when sitting slumped forward or when reclining backward. A seated back extension can help to ease tension while opening your chest and shoulders.
How to: Scoot back in your chair with your back resting comfortably against the backrest. Place the palms of your hands at the back of your neck. Lean back over your backrest keeping your elbows wide until you feel a gentle stretch across the back and chest. Hold this stretch for 10 to 15 seconds.
Hip Stretch
The lower body can get very tight after sitting for long periods. The hip flexors shorten and tighten and the glutes stretch while sitting. This easy to do stretch targets all areas of the hips and glutes in one stretch.
How to: While seated, cross your right ankle over your left knee. Sitting tall, begin to fold forward at the hips until you feel a stretch across your right glute. You can press down on your right knee to help deepen the stretch. Hold this stretch for 15 to 30 seconds and then repeat on the other side.
Hamstring Stretch
Without regular activity, your hamstrings can tighten quickly. This simple stretch helps to relieve leg discomfort and keep your hamstrings loose.
How to: Extend your right leg forward keeping your left foot flat on the floor. Sitting tall with your head in line with your spine, begin to fold forward reaching for your right toes. If your chair rolls, lock the wheels to avoid rolling backward. Hold this stretch for 15 to 30 seconds and then repeat on the other side.
Wrist Stretch
Resting your wrists flat on your keyboard or typing for long periods of time can cause tightness in your wrists. These two simple wrist stretches will target both the wrist flexor and wis extensor.
How to: Extend your right arm straight out in front of you with your palm up. Flex your wrist pointing your finger tips toward the floor. Using your left hand, pull back on your fingers to deepen the stretch until you feel a stretch up your arm. Hold this stretch for 15 to 30 seconds then repeat on the other side. Repeat this stretch with your palm facing down and flexing the fingers upward.
Tips for staying active while working from home
With the coffee pot only steps from your seat, you may find that you move less when working from home. Incorporating the seven easy seated stretches once an hour is a great start. But, consider some of our other favorite tips to get active and stay active during your day.
Get Moving
Getting moving may look different for everyone. This may mean doing your workout mid-day instead of in the morning. Or try blocking your calendar for a short walk around your house or outside every couple of hours. 15 minutes of light exercise can make a big difference in heart health, posture, fatigue, mood, and brain function.
Change Your View
Having something else to look at while you work can make a world of difference. Try working at your table for an hour instead of your desk. Or, pause and check out what the weather is like on the way to refill your water bottle.
Try a Virtual Walking Club
Do you struggle with accountability? Try setting up a virtual walking club with your teammates. Help hold each other accountable for taking short walking breaks. Set up a weekly competition or accountability partners. Whatever you do, make it fun and motivating.
Stand, Strengthen, Balance
On calls all day? Use that time to get moving. Standing can help to relieve tension from your back and get your blood pumping. Keep a set of weights or bands close to your desk and get in a few bicep curls or squats. Work on balance challenges like tree pose or wall sits to help improve posture and stability. No matter what you choose, we recommend you turn off your video for these activities.
No matter how you move your body during the day, the key is to do something regularly. Incorporating these sevensix simple stretches while seated at your desk can go a long way in reducing the effects of sitting on the body.
The Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Center of Oregon is an award-winning, board-certified orthopedic group located in downtown Portland Oregon. We utilize both surgical and nonsurgical means to treat musculoskeletal trauma, spine diseases, foot and ankle conditions, sports injuries, degenerative diseases, infections, tumors and congenital disorders.
Our mission is to return our patients back to pain-free mobility and full strength as quickly and painlessly as possible using both surgical and non-surgical orthopedic procedures.
Our expert physicians provide leading-edge, comprehensive care in the diagnosis and treatment of orthopedic conditions, including total joint replacement and sports medicine. We apply the latest state-of-the-art techniques in order to return our patients to their active lifestyle.
If you’re looking for compassionate, expert orthopedic and podiatric surgeons in Portland Oregon, contact OSM today.
Phone:
503-224-8399
Address
17355 Lower Boones Ferry Rd Suite 100A
Lake Oswego, OR 97035
Hours
Monday–Friday
8:00am – 4:30pm
Exercises That Are the Best for Osteoarthritis
in Arthritis, Health & Wellness, OsteoarthritisArticle featured on MedicalNewsToday
Although scientists have shown that exercise can alleviate the pain of osteoarthritis, previous studies investigating which type of exercise is most beneficial have been inconclusive.
A new systematic review and network meta-analysis compiles data from multiple studies to find a clearer answer.
Published in the BMJ, the authors conclude that aerobic activities may be best for reducing pain. They also appeared better for overall function, gait performance (or the effectiveness of a person’s walking pattern), and, importantly, quality of life.
Why is osteoarthritis becoming more prevalent?
Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease. Unlike rheumatoid arthritis, which is driven by an autoimmune reaction, osteoarthritis is caused by “wear and tear.”
Specifically, cartilage, which prevents bones from rubbing together at joints, is slowly degraded, causing pain and a loss of function. Most commonly, osteoarthritis affects the knee joint.
Osteoarthritis is becoming more prevalent. This increase is likely for a number of reasons, but two are particularly important. Firstly, it is increasing in line with the rise in obesity, which puts additional stress on joints. Secondly, because osteoarthritis is primarily associated with advanced age, the rising average age of the population also plays a part.
According to the authors of the new analysis, approximately 1 in 3 people over the age of 45 already have signs of osteoarthritis. More worryingly, half of these individuals already have severe knee symptoms.
Although there is a range of treatments, including medications, exercise should form an important part of the treatment plan. However, which exercise modality is best is still an open question.
The authors of the new paper write, “Many earlier studies failed to capture the full range of exercise types, leading to incomplete comparisons and reduced generalisability.”
Also, because osteoarthritis is a long term, progressive condition, they believe that not enough research has assessed the “short, medium, and long-term outcomes.”
Their new analysis helps bring some clarity to this important question.
Finding exercises that reduce pain, improve function
As with any difficult-to-answer question, analyzing large amounts of good-quality data is a good way to develop a clearer picture.
In this case, the scientists combined data from 217 randomized controlled trials (RCTs), including a total of 15,684 participants.
All of the included studies focused on knee osteoarthritis only. Additionally, they all compared some form of exercise to either a control condition or another form of exercise. Studies also had to take into account at least one of these outcomes:
Importantly, the authors also assessed each trial for its quality, including the risk of bias. Using this and other information, the researchers were able to evaluate the certainty of the evidence.
Which exercise is best for osteoarthritis?
Once they had crunched many, many numbers, they concluded that, compared with control participants, aerobic exercises improved:
However, other types of exercise also had benefits. Mind-body exercise, which combines cognitive focus and breathing exercises with physical activity, seemed to increase function.
Also, neuromotor exercises, which focus on aspects such as balance, coordination, walking, and agility, were particularly beneficial for walking ability in the short term.
Strength training and mixed exercise seemed to produce large increases in function at mid-term follow-up, and flexibility exercises resulted in significant pain reduction in the long term.
Importantly, none of the exercise types caused any more adverse events than was experienced by those in the control groups.
Inevitable limitations of the study
This study has limitations. Notably, it only applies to people with knee osteoarthritis — studies on people with knee and hip osteoarthritis, for instance, were removed from the analysis.
They also explain that many of the studies on this topic are not of high quality, and call for larger and higher-quality studies. Importantly, only 5.5% of the studies looked at longer-term outcomes, which is an important omission when attempting to understand a lifelong condition like osteoarthritis.
When we asked about limitations, he said, “This was a well-designed and thoughtfully executed study. The researchers did an excellent job pulling together a massive amount of data and organizing it in a way that gives us a clearer picture than we’ve had before.”
“That said, no study is perfect,” he continued. “One of the biggest challenges here is that it groups very different activities into broad categories. Walking, cycling, and swimming are all considered ‘aerobic,’ but anyone with knee arthritis knows these don’t feel remotely the same.”
Will this change clinical advice for osteoarthritis?
Although aerobic activity is already recommended, it is given a similar weight to other modalities.
“What surprised me most,” she continued, “was how much of a difference these activities made across so many people and types of exercise programs.”
In line with their findings, the authors recommend “aerobic exercise as a first-line intervention for knee osteoarthritis management, particularly when the aim is to improve functional capacity and reduce pain. While other exercises may offer complementary benefits to patients, they should not replace aerobic exercise as the primary strategy.”
Taken together, Caravelli told MNT that the study “suggests that regular movement is one of the most powerful tools we have.”
The authors of the new study recommend regular indulgence in aerobic activities, like cycling, walking, and swimming. However, they also explain that it is important to speak with your doctor before adopting new exercise routines.
“We often assume that if we have arthritis, our best days are behind us, or that we’re on a fixed path toward joint replacement. But that’s not always true,” concludes Bennett.
The Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Center of Oregon is an award-winning, board-certified orthopedic group located in downtown Portland Oregon. We utilize both surgical and nonsurgical means to treat musculoskeletal trauma, spine diseases, foot and ankle conditions, sports injuries, degenerative diseases, infections, tumors and congenital disorders.
Our mission is to return our patients back to pain-free mobility and full strength as quickly and painlessly as possible using both surgical and non-surgical orthopedic procedures.
Our expert physicians provide leading-edge, comprehensive care in the diagnosis and treatment of orthopedic conditions, including total joint replacement and sports medicine. We apply the latest state-of-the-art techniques in order to return our patients to their active lifestyle.
If you’re looking for compassionate, expert orthopedic and podiatric surgeons in Portland Oregon, contact OSM today.
Phone:
503-224-8399
Address
17355 Lower Boones Ferry Rd Suite 100A
Lake Oswego, OR 97035
Hours
Monday–Friday
8:00am – 4:30pm
Gaining Muscle – No Matter Who You Are
in Musculoskeletal, Nutrition & General Health, Wellness TipsArticle featured on Healthline
Muscle growth takes time, persistence, and a long-term commitment to the process. But it’s possible for most people with proper training programs and protein consumption.
Muscle building is often a top priority when it comes to physique improvements.
This article breaks down everything you need to know when it comes to building muscle, including how to work out, what to eat, and recovery protocols.
The basics of building muscle
Anatomically, skeletal muscles are a series of parallel cylindrical fibers that contract to produce force. This muscle contraction allows all external human movement to occur.
Your body is constantly renewing and recycling the amino acids, or protein building blocks, in your muscles.
You’ll lose muscle mass if your body removes more protein than it adds. No measurable change in muscle size occurs if the net protein synthesis is even. Your muscles will grow if your body deposits more protein than it removes.
The key to building muscle is to increase the protein deposition rate while minimizing the muscle protein breakdown rate.
This process of increasing your muscle mass is known as muscle hypertrophy, and it’s a primary goal of resistance training.
Several factors drive the muscle-building process, including hormones like testosterone and growth hormone and the availability of amino acids and other nutrients.
To build new muscle tissue, your primary tools for increasing your body’s rate of protein synthesis are performing resistance training and getting sufficient amounts of protein and overall nutrients.
The correct amount of resistance training drives your body’s hormonal response toward building muscle, but it requires sufficient protein and energy availability to ensure the process results in muscle gains as opposed to muscle losses, research says.
While researchers and experts continue to study the science of optimizing muscle gains, performing resistance training using moderate to heavy loads combined with relatively high protein intake remains the only tried-and-true training method for increasing muscle mass.
Summary
Building muscle requires your body to deposit more protein molecules into your muscles than it removes. Resistance training with weights and ensuring proper nutrition are the primary means for accomplishing this goal.
Tips for how to gain muscle
1. Decide your target number of repetitions
The repetition continuum is a useful concept when designing training programs for muscle building.
Stimulating muscle growth requires performing weight training exercises with an amount of weight that typically only allows you to perform 1–20 repetitions.
In general, the repetition continuum states that weights you can only lift for 1–5 repetitions tend to build more strength, weights you can lift for 8–12 repetitions tend to build more muscle, and weights you can lift more than 15 times tend to increase muscular endurance.
Understand that these ranges will have some crossover, meaning that 3-repetition sets with the respective weight will cause some muscle growth, 8-repetition sets will build some strength, and 20-repetition sets will build muscle as well.
Additionally, recent research suggests that different individuals may respond better to lower or higher repetition ranges when it comes to building muscle.
To put it simply, depending on your size, your muscles may grow more with lower reps using heavy weights or with high reps using lighter weights.
2. Choose the right amount of weight
Typically, the weight must be heavy enough that performing much more than 20 reps is impossible.
The weight you choose to use should leave you at or near failure on your specified number of repetitions.
For example, if you’re performing a set of 10 repetitions, by the tenth repetition, you should be unable or nearly unable to perform another repetition.
You should rarely have more than “two reps in the tank” by the end of a set if your goal is building muscle.
The overall implication of the repetition range continuum is that you should go through different phases of training using different repetition ranges to see what gives your body the most muscle growth.
3. Choose your exercises well
As mentioned, muscle building is specific to the muscle being worked.
For example, to build bigger biceps, you need to perform exercises that work the biceps. This could be an isolated bicep exercise, such as a bicep curl, or a compound movement that uses the biceps, such as a pullup.
Compound and isolation movements can be equally effective at leading to muscle hypertrophy in terms of the best exercise type for muscle building.
Nevertheless, your training should include compound and isolation movements for the best long-term fitness results.
Compound movements like a barbell back squat effectively stimulate multiple large muscle groups in a single exercise and provide more functional movement for real-life activities. This leads to both more efficient workouts and more practical muscle strength.
Isolation movements are an excellent way to target specific muscles, and beginners may initially find them safer and easier to learn than compound movements.
Additionally, isolation movements are typically easier to perform when you’re fatigued, as you’re not stabilizing your entire body. This may allow you a few extra targeted sets at the end of a workout when you’re otherwise too exhausted to do another compound exercise.
4. Structure your workout to avoid overtraining
A good rule of thumb is to perform 3 sets of 3–5 compound movements, followed by 3 sets of 1–2 isolation movements per workout.
Generally, you do your heaviest sets using compound movements and perform higher repetition ranges on your isolation movements.
Assuming you’re performing 3 working sets per exercise, limit your total combined compound and isolation movement exercises to 5–7 movements per workout.
This allows you to benefit from each type of exercise while maximizing the overall muscle-building potential of your training program and avoiding any symptoms of overtraining.
How fast can you gain muscle?
Gaining muscle isn’t always easy — and it certainly doesn’t happen quickly.
Gaining serious muscle takes many months and years of weight training and proper eating. Muscle gain rates vary by individual, even when following the same program.
Overall, with good nutrition and consistent training, 2020 research has found that 0.5–2 pounds (0.25–0.9 kg) of muscle growth per month is a good benchmark for maximal potential muscle growth in adult men.
While this may seem like a small amount, the results can be dramatic over time. With just a few years of consistent training, you can gain 20–40 pounds (9–18 kg) of muscle, which would be a dramatic physique change for virtually anyone beginning a resistance training program.
The takeaway
Gaining muscle requires a commitment to both resistance training and following an appropriate diet.
Workout programs for building muscle should primarily rely on compound and isolation movements with weights but adjust the specific exercises, sets, and repetitions to ensure consistent, long-term gains in both muscle size and strength.
Proper nutrition involves sufficient protein, fat, and carbohydrate calorie intake that exceeds daily energy expenditure enough to build muscle but not so drastically as to cause excess fat gain.
Large increases in muscle mass take months to years of consistent training but are possible for most individuals.
Overall, to reach your muscle-building goals, you must lift hard, eat right, and stay consistent.
The Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Center of Oregon is an award-winning, board-certified orthopedic group located in downtown Portland Oregon. We utilize both surgical and nonsurgical means to treat musculoskeletal trauma, spine diseases, foot and ankle conditions, sports injuries, degenerative diseases, infections, tumors and congenital disorders.
Our mission is to return our patients back to pain-free mobility and full strength as quickly and painlessly as possible using both surgical and non-surgical orthopedic procedures.
Our expert physicians provide leading-edge, comprehensive care in the diagnosis and treatment of orthopedic conditions, including total joint replacement and sports medicine. We apply the latest state-of-the-art techniques in order to return our patients to their active lifestyle.
If you’re looking for compassionate, expert orthopedic and podiatric surgeons in Portland Oregon, contact OSM today.
Phone:
503-224-8399
Address
17355 Lower Boones Ferry Rd Suite 100A
Lake Oswego, OR 97035
Hours
Monday–Friday
8:00am – 4:30pm
Sports Injuries When Impacted by Cold Weather
in Sports Medicine, Sports Related Injuries, Wellness TipsArticle featured on Towson Orthopaedic Associates
Understanding Winter’s Influence on Pain and Injury
Winter sports enthusiasts often face a unique set of challenges when it comes to injuries. Not only do they have to contend with the usual risks associated with physical activity, but they also have to navigate the additional hazards posed by cold weather. It is not uncommon for athletes to experience increased pain and discomfort in the winter months, and understanding why this happens is crucial for injury prevention and management.
Winter sports injuries encompass a wide range of conditions, including sprains, strains, fractures, and dislocations. The cold weather itself does not directly cause these injuries, but it can exacerbate the symptoms and make the pain more intense.
In this article, we will explore the effects of cold weather on sports injuries and shed light on why injuries may hurt worse during the winter.
Why Do Sports Injuries Hurt More in the Winter?
Winter Sports Injury Prevention and Management
To mitigate the effects of cold weather on sports injuries, athletes should take certain precautions:
In conclusion, cold weather can have a significant impact on sports injuries, making pain worse and prolonging recovery times. Understanding the effects of cold weather on the body and taking necessary precautions can help athletes prevent injuries and manage pain effectively. By staying warm, properly preparing the body, and seeking medical attention when needed, winter sports enthusiasts can enjoy their activities while minimizing the risks associated with cold weather.
The Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Center of Oregon is an award-winning, board-certified orthopedic group located in downtown Portland Oregon. We utilize both surgical and nonsurgical means to treat musculoskeletal trauma, spine diseases, foot and ankle conditions, sports injuries, degenerative diseases, infections, tumors and congenital disorders.
Our mission is to return our patients back to pain-free mobility and full strength as quickly and painlessly as possible using both surgical and non-surgical orthopedic procedures.
Our expert physicians provide leading-edge, comprehensive care in the diagnosis and treatment of orthopedic conditions, including total joint replacement and sports medicine. We apply the latest state-of-the-art techniques in order to return our patients to their active lifestyle.
If you’re looking for compassionate, expert orthopedic and podiatric surgeons in Portland Oregon, contact OSM today.
Phone:
503-224-8399
Address
17355 Lower Boones Ferry Rd Suite 100A
Lake Oswego, OR 97035
Hours
Monday–Friday
8:00am – 4:30pm