Dwayne Pittman of Virginia Beach has experienced a shift in clientele since the COVID-19 pandemic. As a massage therapist, Dwayne Pittman notes that more and more people are now looking into massage therapy to counteract some of the potential dangers of remote work. As businesses shifted to remote work, many people transitioned from a sturdy desk chair to their home sofa or recliner. Sitting for extended periods is bad enough on the spine, but when people sit for extended periods with poor posture, it can cause a number of serious issues.
Consider the fact that remote workers typically work 9-hour days. With commutes becoming a thing of the past, many workers simply roll out of bed and get straight to work on their laptops. During these nine hours, mobility may be limited to the occasional trip to the restroom and a quick walk downstairs for lunch. There’s a physical toll that comes with a lack of moving around. A lot of remote workers notice that they don’t have the same energy or drive that they had when they were regularly commuting. This is because an increase in poor posture and hunching over a makeshift desk increases our fatigue. Dwayne Pittman of Virginia Beach lists the five major drawbacks of remote work as:
- Poor Posture
- Limited Mobility
- Increased Stress
- Decreased Productivity
- Weaker Immune System
It’s taxing on the human body to be in front of a screen for extended hours on a daily basis. Dwayne Pittman points out that many people end work and then immediately are in front of their mobile phones or tablets. This doesn’t provide a lot of time to enjoy a mental break. Clients know they can reach people at anytime as their work emails are conveniently present on one’s phone. One of the best ways to combat the mental and physical toll of remote work, Dwayne Pittman recommends regular visits to a licensed massage therapist.
When arriving at a massage therapist appointment, Dwayne Pittman recommends telling the massage therapist of any particular pain points. For instance, some of the most common sore areas for remote workers include the back, shoulders, and neck. A good massage therapist will spend extra time targeting sore muscles to increase blood flow, which will help to reduce pain and tension.
Because massage therapy forces someone to put away their cell phone and unplug from the digital world, there can be some incredible mental health benefits. Sitting for long periods of time is linked to an increased likelihood of anxiety, stress, and depression. The increased blood flow and the relaxation caused by a massage can help combat these conditions. Dwayne Pittman of Virginia Beach also recommends getting outside and enjoying nature now and then. Humans get so many health benefits from moderate exposure to sunlight, and multiple studies have shown it can boost one’s mood. Pairing a walk in the park with a massage is a great way to treat oneself to mental rejuvenation.
One common thing for those who work on their laptops all day is that they start to lose some of their flexibility and range of motion. Aside from getting up now and then and participating in a few common stretches, Dwayne Pittman suggests utilizing a deep tissue massage to help keep the joints fluid. This is critical for reducing the likelihood of injuries. A mobile body is a capable body.
Any worker who has noticed they are having a more challenging time staying healthy while working remotely should consider spending time with a massage therapist. Massage therapy increases white blood cells, which are known as “natural killer” cells. These cells rapidly respond to viral-infected cells. A routine with a trained massage therapist can help boost the immune system and help anyone avoid common colds.
