Pain, injury and recoveryVideo, 0:36
Desk Job Neck and Shoulder Tension? RMT Tips from Dave Tam
Short answer
Move regularly and review your setup. Dave Tam, RMT, suggests regular movement breaks, adjusting your workstation and simple mobility and strengthening exercises through the day. Massage therapy can help reduce muscle tension, and your therapist can help identify contributing factors.
From Dave Tam, RMT, Director and Registered Massage Therapist, Artemis Wellness Clinic, Richmond, BC.
In this video
- Breaking up long periods in one position
- Reviewing your workstation and daily movement
- Discussing mobility, strengthening and massage therapy with your therapist
About this video
Long periods in one position
This video addresses neck, shoulder and upper-back tension that can accompany desk work. Dave Tam explains that remaining in one position for a long time, whether sitting or standing, can contribute to muscle fatigue and stiffness. He encourages viewers to consider their daily work habits.
Movement and an individual plan
Dave discusses movement breaks, workstation adjustments, mobility and strengthening. He also describes a role for massage therapy and therapist-guided exercises. These are topics to discuss with an RMT at Artemis Wellness Clinic in Richmond, BC, who can suggest movements suited to your work and body.
Learn more: Registered massage therapy at Artemis Desk-job pain: treatment options in Richmond
Full transcript
What Dave Tam, RMT says in the video, from its captions.
If you spend a lot of time at a desk, it's common to develop tightness and tension throughout your neck, shoulders, and upper back. Staying in one position, standing or sitting for long periods can contribute to muscle fatigue and stiffness. Try taking regular movement breaks, adjusting your workstation setup, and incorporating some simple mobility and strengthening exercises throughout the day.
Massage therapy can also help reduce muscle tension and improve how you feel, and your therapist can help identify underlying factors and give you exercises to prevent it from coming back.
Questions about this video
Does Dave only discuss sitting posture?
No. He mentions long periods in one position, standing or sitting, and encourages regular movement rather than remaining still.
What does Dave suggest for desk-related tension?
Regular movement breaks, a review of your workstation setup and simple mobility and strengthening exercises through the day. He adds that massage therapy can help reduce muscle tension and that your therapist can help identify contributing factors.
More short videos from our practitioners: all videos · Artemis Wellness Clinic on YouTube (opens in a new tab)
Educational information only. Individual assessment and treatment advice are provided by your healthcare professional.
Book an appointment
Talk with an Artemis RMT about your desk-related tension and daily movement habits.