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Tag: Ergonomics

Physio FusionNewsErgonomics
By Physio Team Appointments & Fees, body parts, elbow pain, ergonomics, Exercises, golfers elbow, good posture, hand and wrist pain, Home exercises, Injury, ligaments, Lockdown, medial elbow pain, online consultations, pain management, physical health, Physio, posture, rehabilitation , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Medial Elbow Pain Explained

Medial elbow pain is also known as medial epicondylitis or golfer’s elbow. It is typically associated with pain on the inside (medial side) of your elbow and can spread into your forearm and wrist. This pain is the result of overloading and damage to the tendons that flex your wrist towards your palm.

 

Causes

This condition is triggered by damage to tendons and muscles which control your fingers and wrist. This damage is associated with excessive or repeated stresses- particularly repetitive and forceful finger and wrist movements, incorrect lifting, hitting and throwing techniques, lack of warmups and/or poor muscle conditioning.

Key risk factors for developing medial elbow pain may include smoking, obesity, being of in age bracket of 40 years old and over and undertaking repetitive activity with your arms for at least two hours daily. High risk occupations may include chefs, office desk workers, plumbers, construction workers, painters, butchers and assembly line workers. Those who partake in sports such as golf, racket sports, rowing, weight lifting and baseball are also at a higher risk.

 

Symptoms

Symptoms may be triggered suddenly due to a traumatic incident or may gradually develop over time and include but are not limited to:

  • Tenderness and pain is typically felt on the inner side of your elbow (particularly on the bony knob), and may refer along the inner side of your forearm and down to your wrist and fingers. It often worsens with certain movements. For example, bending your wrist towards your palm against resistance, or when squeezing a rubber ball.
  • You may feel stiffness in your elbow, and making a fist may hurt
  • You may experience weakness in your forearm, wrist and hand
  • You may experience tingling and numbness that can radiate into one or more fingers — typically to your ring and little fingers.

Diagnosis

This condition is typically diagnosed based on your medical and occupation history and a physical exam by your doctor or physiotherapist. To evaluate stiffness, strength and pain, your clinician may apply pressure to the impacted region and get you to move your elbow, wrist and fingers in various ways. You may also be referred on for imaging such as X-rays and Ultrasounds to aid diagnosis.

Management

A mix of non-surgical treatment options are effective for the majority of medial elbow pain cases, and self-resolves over time. You should rest your elbow and painful activities should be avoided. But it is very vital to maintain gentle movements of the forearm, elbow, and wrist through its range of motion.

Potential treatment options include:

  • Ice
  • Rest
  • Physiotherapy and acupuncture
  • Anti-inflammatory medications as recommended by your doctor or pharmacist
  • The use of a wrist and forearm brace or splint to support and rest your forearm

As your initial elbow pain lessens, your muscles around the elbow, forearm and wrist should be safely strengthened and stretched under guidance of a physiotherapist. Your physiotherapist will advise you on particular exercises, give you appropriate symptom management advice and take you through a personalised graduated rehabilitation program. If you continue to experience pain after 6-8 weeks of treatment, your physiotherapist can refer you back to your doctors, to consider administration of a cortisone injection into the elbow to help reduce pain and inflammation, and further referral onto see a specialist to seek guidance on other treatment options.

Prevention

Having a good comprehension of risk of injury and being conscious of your everyday activities may aid in the prevention of medial elbow pain. You should:

  • Adopt appropriate technique and form when undertaking repetitive activities or sporting motions
  • Keep up with adequate wrist, forearm, and shoulder muscle strength
  • Undertake gentle wrist and forearm stretches pre and post activities
  • Adopt appropriate posture and body mechanics when lifting heavy objects to reduce joint strain- especially if doing so repetitively
By Physio Team acute pain, Appointments & Fees, body parts, chronic pain, ergonomics, Exercises, good posture, hand and wrist pain, Home exercises, Injury, Lockdown, lockdown wellbeing, muscles, online consultations, pain, pain management, physical health, Physio, posture, rehabilitation, repetitive stress injury, RSI, sitting posture, Sprain, tendon, Therapy, wellbeing, Work Injury , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI) Explained

 

RSI is typically defined as an overuse disorder- a gradual build-up of overload to nerves, tendons, and muscles arising from repetitive movements or activities. Repetitive use of the same motions leads to inflammation and damage to these soft tissues. This disorder mostly affects the upper limb- particularly the elbows, hands and wrists.

 

Causes

Possible causes of RSI include but are not limited to:

  • Undertaking the same and repetitive movements and stressing the same muscle groups
  • Working in cold environments
  • Assuming a sustained and/or awkward posture for prolonged periods of time
  • Undertaking a particular activity for prolonged periods of time with no rest-breaks
  • Frequent and prolonged use of vibrating equipment
  • Adopting poor postures from working at inappropriately designed workstations
  • Undertaking a motion which involves carrying and/or lifting heavy items

 

 

Symptoms

RSI leads to a gradual development of a broad variety of symptoms, which range from mild to severe in severity. RSI particularly affects the muscles and joints of your wrists, hands, elbows, forearms, shoulders, neck. Having said this, RSI can affect other areas of the body as well.

Common symptoms may include:

  • Pain
  • Tingling
  • Cramping
  • Increased sensitivity to heat and cold
  • Tenderness
  • Fatigue
  • Loss of strength
  • Throbbing
  • Soreness
  • Achiness
  • Stiffness
  • Struggling with typical activities of daily living, such as gripping and twisting motions, carrying light weights, writing, kitchen prepping, dressing, personal cares etc

You may develop these symptoms when you undertake a task repetitively for a period of time, and can settle when you stop. Symptoms may settle over a few hours or over the course of a few days. However, if left untreated or is poorly managed, a minor RSI may gradually progress to a nasty chronic injury.

 

Diagnosis

 

If you experience mild discomfort whilst completing particular activities at home or at your job, it is a good idea to see your GP or physiotherapist to talk about RSI. But an RSI is not always simple to diagnose as there is no particular clinical test for it. Your GP will enquire about your medical history, occupation and work environment, and other activities to attempt to identify any repetitive motions you undertake that may be the cause of your symptoms. A physical examination will be undertaken, where they will assess your movement, check for pain, inflammation, sensation, tenderness, strength and reflexes in the impacted body part. RSI may be triggered by specific health disorders like bursitis, carpal tunnel, tigger finger, ganglion cyst, or tendonitis (inflammation in your tendons). Your GP can refer you on further diagnostic tests such as X-rays, Ultrasounds, blood tests, MRIs, nerve conduction tests etc, to determine if these underlying disorders may be the cause of your symptoms. You may be also be referred onto a physiotherapist and acupuncturist for conservative treatment and management for mild-moderate issues. If symptoms persist, you will then be referred onto a specialist.

 

Management

Initial treatment options for the management of RSI symptoms is conservative. This includes:

  • Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation (RICE principles)
  • Taking regular breaks between tasks and looking after your posture
  • Undertaking your activities and movements with appropriate form and posture
  • Intake of Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), both oral and topical as prescribed by the GP
  • Use of cold and heat to the impacted area
  • Administration of steroid injections into inflamed joints and tendons
  • Tailored exercise prescription from physiotherapists to correct posture and strengthen and stretch affected muscles
  • Acupuncture
  • Stress reduction and relaxation training
  • Use of splints and braces to help protect and rest the affected muscles and tendons

Ergonomically appropriate adjustments to your workstation and work environment may be recommended by your physio and GP- for example resetting your desk and chair if you’re working at computer, and alterations to your equipment and activities/motions to lessen the strain and stress on your muscles and joints. Surgery may be necessary in some cases.

 

Prevention

Minimizing repetitive actions particularly if they involve the use of heavy machinery or vibration. Improving your working posture and work-environment as well a taking regular breaks. Employers often undertake risk-assessments when you join a company to determine that the work area is ergonomically fit, comfortable and appropriate for you. You may be able to request for an assessment if you have not had one or are having issues with your work environment

By Physio Team Appointments & Fees, Exercises, falls, Home exercises, Lockdown, lockdown wellbeing, older adult, pain, pain management, rehabilitation , , , , , , , , , , , ,

MANAGING FALLS IN OLDER ADULTS

Having a fall is dangerous at any age, however, they become more frequent and may most probably result in injury in adults 55 years and over. It is also estimated that in Aotearoa, approximately a third of older adults over the age of 65 sustain a fall every year. This leads to harmful consequences for them, especially for those who live alone. Alongside, sustaining serious injuries, you may face loss of independence, mobility and confidence. But!!! The good news is that there are a number of ways that you can reduce your risk of falling.

 

So Why Do Older Adults Have Falls?

  • Poor lower limb strength
  • Cognitive and functional impairment
  • Nutritional deficiencies
  • Prior and/or ongoing history of falls
  • Vision deficits
  • Balance or gait disorders
  • Medication related- especially when using anti-depressants, sedatives, anti-arrhythmics, anti-hypertensives, diuretics, and anti-convulsants
  • Hazards around your home environment such as loose carpets, slippery surfaces, poor lighting, lack of safety equipment particularly in the bathroom/toilet
  • Medical conditions such as vertigo, dizziness, diabetes, postural hypotension, drop attacks, and fainting spells

 

The Vicious Falls Cycle

Older adults who have had a fall may limit what they do because of their loss of self-confidence and fear of falling. Whilst this may seem like the most sensible thing for them to do, it increases their risk of falls. This is because, this leads to a further reduction in muscle strength, coordination and balance. Hence, it is healthier for older adults to keep up with their activities they enjoy as safely as they can, work on improving their muscle strength, coordination and balance, and manage their blood sugar levels, blood pressure, and weight under the guidance of their doctor.

 

 

Falls prevention tips

 

Below are some measures you may take to prevent yourself from falling:

Exercise regularly: A number of benefits include better sleep, improved muscle strength, balance and flexibility, increased energy levels, stronger bones, better management of weight, blood sugars and blood pressure. Exercise programs tailored especially for muscle strength and balance have resulted in a reduction in the number of falls and injuries resulting from falls by approximately 30% and 50%. It is advised that you speak to your doctor or physiotherapist before initiating or progressing your exercise levels.

Keeping your vision in check: Vision deficits makes getting around safely a lot harder. Therefore, you should get your eyes checked yearly and wear your contact lenses or glasses with the correct prescription strength.

Being aware of the effects of your medication: As they may have certain side effects that increase your risk of falls. You should review your medications with your doctor for side effects like drowsiness or dizziness.

Reduce hazards at home: Most falls typically take place at home. So be sure to make your home safer by removing tripping hazards, having adequate lighting, and adding in handrails in hallways and bathrooms/toilets.

Other tips:

  • Taking your time to get up and when moving around- no rushing!
  • Having a personal medical alarm (please talk to your doctor about how to get one)
  • Using a night light when you get up at night
  • Wearing appropriate, supportive and well-fitted shoes
  • Not using an easily moveable object to stabilise yourself
  • Using the support of handrails in bathrooms and hallways
  • Avoiding or being very careful on wet or slippery floors
  • Appropriately using your walking aids

 

If You Have Had a Fall

If you sustain a fall, it is vital for you to stay calm.

If you think you are able to get up safely, try to bend your knees, roll to your side, and attempt to get into a 4-point kneeling position. If there is a chair near by or if you are able to crawl towards one, you can use it as support to get yourself up. Please take your time and rest as needed.

If you are unable to get up safely, attempt to crawl or roll towards a phone. You may call out to other members in your household or your neighbour. If you’re at risk of falls, please do consider the use of a personal medical alarm to call out for help when you have a fall.

After a fall, please contact your doctor as soon as you can for an assessment of potential injuries sustained, muscle strength and balance to help prevent future falls. You may be directed to community or in-home sessions to enhance your balance and strength. Please discuss this with your doctors.

By Physio Team acute pain, Appointments & Fees, back pain, body parts, chronic pain, ergonomics, Exercises, good posture, Home exercises, Injury, Lockdown, neck pain, online consultations, pain, Physio, posture, rehabilitation, sitting posture, Sprain, Therapy , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Pressure on the Spine in Different Posture

Did You Know?

 

Low back pain is a common health problem which affects up to 80% of the population at some stage in their life.

 

In New Zealand ACC spends in excess of $130 million a year treating back pain related injuries.

Most back pain occurs between the ages of 25 and 60, and most typically in the 40s.

 

 

 

In an era of smart devices, posture has never been more important or harder to achieve. As technology continues to grow, sitting at a desk on a computer or on our phones is becoming more prevalent at work. Having a sedentary desk job can result in sitting for around 8 hours a day. This position actually increases the load on your spine more than standing. Spinal pressure “sits” around 140mm pressure. This pressure usually does not hurt the back right away however, builds up over time and can even change the structure structure of your spine. So, if you slouch then spinal pressure increases to 190mm; add some weight and you’ve put 275 pounds of pressure on your spine.

 

A compromised spine constricts your blood vessels and nerves, causing problems with your muscles, discs, and joints. And all of these problems can lead to headaches, fatigue, and even breathing problems. Your back is a delicate machine. When one part falls out of alignment, it can affect everything setting off a domino effect and wreak havoc throughout your back and body.

 

 

Below is a graph showing different postures and the pressure it exerts on the spine;

But, remember: While you may feel comfortable and supported in your chair and find a perfect sitting posture, staying in the same position for long periods is not healthy for your spine. Varying your postures by occasionally standing and moving around for at least a few minutes each half hour will help keep your spinal joints, muscles, tendons, and ligaments loose and pain free.

 

Stand Up for Your Spine

If you don’t have a sit-stand desk, you can still combat “sitting disease” and protect your spine. Consider these tips:

  • Do some work standing at a high table or counter.

  • Use a lumbar roll behind your back when sitting to improve seated posture

  • Set a timer on your computer for a stand-and-stretch break every 30 minutes.

  • Exercise to assist in improving body weight to lessen additional load on the spine

  • Strengthen the core to provide additional support

The focus is simple: Reduce your sitting throughout the day. But, remember that varying postures is best for your back and neck, so do not go the opposite extreme and never sit. Alternating sitting, standing and movement throughout your day is the best way you can keep your spine safe and body healthy—at work and beyond

 

Still having back pain?

Schedule an initial assessment with one of our Physiotherapists so they can determine the root of the problem.  During this assessment your physiotherapist will be able to decide whether your pain is a source of nerve root irritation, discogenic, postural related, or musculoskeletal.  After arriving with the consensus of the problem, we will be able to use many techniques to relieve the back pain.  These include: manual therapy, therapeutic exercise, and postural recommendations.

 

To find your nearest Physio Fusion clinic and book an appointment call 09 6266186 or visit our website https://physiofusion.co.nz

By Physio Team acute pain, Appointments & Fees, back pain, bones, chronic pain, ergonomics, Exercises, good posture, Home exercises, Injury, Lockdown, muscles, neck pain, online consultations, pain, pain management, Physio, posture, rehabilitation, sitting posture, Sprain, Studies, Therapy, WFH, Working from home , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Do You Have a Healthy Work Station Set Up?

An ergonomically correct workstation has all the best practices to help maintain a healthy posture and improve your health and productivity.

Here are a few helpful tips;

1. Set up your screen

Adjust the monitor height so that the top of the screen is at—or slightly below—eye level. Your eyes should look slightly downward when viewing the middle of the screen. Position the monitor at least 20 inches (51 cm) from your eyes—about an arm’s length distance. If you have a larger screen, add more viewing distance.

2. Set up your chair

  • Height – You should be able to sit with your feet flat on the floor and your thighs roughly parallel to the floor. If you require a taller chair in order to reach the floor you can use a foot rest to ensure you achieve the right angle.

  • Backrest Recline and Tilt – Research has shown that a reclined seat (at least 135 degrees back)  significantly reduces the pressure on your back, and is particularity beneficial for people with back

  • Lumbar support – the shape of the backrest should have a natural curve to support your lower back.

  • Arm rests – Look for armrests that are not just height adjustable and support the entire length of the forearms.

3. Adjust your Desk Height

  • Your legs should fit comfortably under the desk if you are sitting with your feet flat on the floor: you should have enough space to cross your legs.

  • The angle between your forearm and upper arm should be between 90 degrees and 110 degrees while your arms are at rest on the desk.

  • Make your desk organized using storage accessories i.e. Document holders

  • Use an ergonomic mouse pad; to keep your wrists supported.

4. Organizing your Desk space

Organize all the items on the workstation according to their priorities and assign them to the proper ergonomic reach zones.

  • Primary Zone: High use items, easiest access

  • Secondary Zone :Medium use items, comfortable reach

  • Third Zone: Low use items, reduction in efficiency

:sparkles: MOVEMENT IS KEY :sparkles:

Its a simple action step, but mighty! Get up out of your chair and take frequent posture breaks!

When we sit in one position for hours without moving, our performance slowly starts to deteriorate, our body slows down, static loading takes over our muscles and we actually get fatigued even when we aren’t putting in any physical effort. However, when you consciously integrate these microbreaks into your day, you’re giving your body a much-needed refresher and an opportunity to wake up your muscles and replenish blood flow. Research has shown that movement can also help with creativity, or get you ‘unstuck’ so you can approach your work with a different or fresh perspective and energy.

If you think your desk set up could be better, or want us to have a quick look we can do this via a video call. Book in for an appointment www.physiofusion.co.nz or give us a call on (09) 626 6186

By Physio Team Appointments & Fees, back pain, body parts, ergonomics, Exercises, good posture, Home exercises, Injury, lifting, Lockdown, muscles, online consultations, pain, pain management, physical health, Physio, posture, rehabilitation, Sprain , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Lifting Mechanics

IS IT DANGEROUS TO LIFT WITH A BENT BACK?

One common belief about lifting is that rounding your back when lifting an object is considered dangerous while lifting with a straight back is considered safe…

 

 

However, there is a lot of misinformation circulating around lifting mechanics and what is deemed “good technique” versus “bad technique.”

Here are some key myths and misinformation that you may have heard:

 

A ROUNDED BACK WHILE LIFTING OVER STRESSES THE BACK MUSCLES AND LIGAMENTS

  • Research has shown that regardless of lifting position, whether you’re stooped, squatting or weightlifting, your back has to produce the same amount of force. Statistically speaking, it’s not significantly different.

 

 

FLEXING THE SPINE WHILE LIFTING INCREASES THE LOAD ON THE LUMBAR DISCS

  • Under heavy loads, discs are unlikely to fail unless >95% flexion is achieved (which is near impossible)

  • With low loads, the disc is unlikely to fail unless you do thousands of repetitions continuously

  • Your body is an amazing adapter, this includes discs! Your discs can adapt and become more and more able to handle loads when stressed appropriately

 

THESE COMPOUND TO CAUSE INJURIES AND PAIN TO THE BACK MUSCLES AND DISCS

  • Resistance training has demonstrated through countless studies the ability to increase bone mineral density (BMD) of the lumbar spine. BMD is actually positively associated with the strength of the spinal discs and ligaments at that level. With appropriate loading and training, disc, ligament, bone and muscles are going to adapt favourably

 

A NEUTRAL SPINE IS SAFER, STRONGER, MORE EFFICIENT AND BETTER TO LIFT WITH

  • There is no significant difference between activities that encourage more spinal flexion and one’s that do not in the long term

  • Lifting with lumbar flexion is not a risk factor for low back pain

  • Research has shown lifting with a bent back is more metabolically and neuromuscularly efficient

  • When the spine is in extension during bent over activities, the hip is actually flexed to a greater degree – decreasing the ability for the glutes and hamstrings to create as much internal torque. Flexing the spine reduces this effect and reduces the moment arm for the hip extensors

 

STOP BACK PAIN & INJURIES BY LIFTING WITH A NEUTRAL SPINE

  • Your lumbar spine flexes every time your hip flexes! It is impossible to isolate one versus the other. It is also impossible to not flex while doing common movements

  • Extreme flexion however (>/=100%), may pose an increased risk under heavy loads, but not at light loads

 

You may still be wondering why you have back pain (stay tuned for our next blog!). Your pain may not be directly related to your lifting strategy.

 

 

Could you have pain with forward bending? Absolutely.

Is bending at the lumbar spine an increased risk for pain or injury? In the vast majority of situations, no.

If I have pain with forward bending, is it bad to temporarily limit doing so? Not at all.

Should I fear bending at the spine with or without pain or injury? No. Being fearful of flexing/moving your spine is actually a stronger predictor of disability and back pain.

 

Work on moving through your spine, after all it’s what it is designed to do! Choose comfortable movements and gain confidence over time, then build up your strength gradually with resistance training – try and not to push too fast, we want nice, healthy adaptation! Give your body time to adapt, back pain is not quick fix sometimes but you are resilient and with healthy, normal movements and some patience, you will be okay.

By Physio Team Exercises, Injury, Physio, Sprain, Therapy, Uncategorized, Work Injury , , , , , , ,

Do you suffer from headaches, neck pain or back pain after sitting at your desk?

If your answer is YES, then be assured that you are not alone.

The fact is that with today’s technological advances most of us spend anywhere from 6 to 8 hours a day sitting at our desks working on a computer, laptop or mobile devices whether this is part of your work, study or simply spending leisure time.

Sitting for long hours at a time makes it extremely difficult to maintain proper posture. That’s because we are not made to for it, so many of us have the tendency lean forward, slouch our shoulders and hunch our backs. The unfortunate consequence of restoring to this kind of improper posture is the increase in unnecessary stress on multiple areas in your body including the neck, shoulders, back and arms resulting in pain and discomfort.

Adapting to poor posture on a repeated basis can affect your health and overall performance.

What are the effects of poor posture?

  • Poor Joint Alignment
  • Increased muscle tension
  • Increase joint compression
  • Reduced blood flow
  • Reduced lung expansion resulting in poor oxygenation
  • Fatigue
  • Reduce performance

How to fix it?

Fortunately headaches, neck pain or back pain caused by poor posture can be fixed with the following preventative measures:

1. Ergonomics

You may have heard of the term, ergonomics. To put it simply, ergonomics is a scientific discipline that aims to create sustainable workspace or environment to optimise productivity while maintaining health and safety standards.

Creating a sustainable work space environment begins with personalizing the setup of your desk, chair and equipment. Here are a few tips to keep in mind. 

Ergonomic Chair Setup: Sitting 

Adjust your chair
 There is no one-size fits all, so it is important to make your chair ergonomically fit for you.

  • Balanced posture. Sit well back into the chair with an upright and balanced posture.
  • Neutral spine. Slightly tilt the backrest forward to rotate pelvis so spine is in neutral position. You may intermittently recline back ever so slightly to offload your back.  
  • Hips high, feet flat. Adjust height of your chair so your hips are slightly higher than your knees, feet are resting flat on floor and at hip width apart. You may use a foot stool as an alternative if necessary.
  • Sit close. Scoot your chair close to the desk with little space left between the desk and your stomach

Ergonomic Desk Setup: Sitting 

  • Arms reach. Organise your frequently used stationary so that they are arms reach away.
  • Keyboard. Position keyboard directly in front of your body.
  • Elbows off. Keep elbows close to your body resting on the hand rests but off the desk. Only the muscular aspect of your forearm makes contact with the desk.
  • Stable neck. Setup your desk so as to limit excessive head movements.
  • Main monitor. Working with two monitors can be tricky, so use one as the primary monitor. Ensure monitor is centered and positioned at arms length. Height of the monitor should be adjusted so the top one third of the screen aligns with your line of vision

Ergonomic Desk Setup: Standing 

  • Posture.

    Stand tall, balanced and with your shoulder relaxed. Position your feet hip width apart for a strong base of support to anchor the weight of your upper body. Ensure you do not hyper-extend at your knees.
  • Elbow height.

    How to use a standing deskElevate your standing desk to your elbow height.
    Bend your elbows to 90 degrees. Ensure elbows remain off the desk, only the muscular aspect of your forearm makes contact with the desk.

 

 

2. Time for a Micro-breaks

No matter how ergonomically perfect your desk set-up may be it is important to take micro-breaks frequently.

There is mounting research that has found that taking frequent, short micro-breaks can be just as taking long breaks, if not more beneficial.

So do not be afraid to stand, walk or stretch for 1-2 minutes every 30 minutes.

3. Desk stretches

Keep yourself flexible with the following stretches.

Cross body stretch

Stand upright and prepare to start the shoulder stretch exercise.
This exercise stretches the muscles in your upper arm, upper back and shoulder and can be performed either sitting or standing.
Move your arm across your chest at the height of your shoulder.
Use your other hand to gently hold your elbow and pull the arm a little further across.
You should feel the stretch across the back of your arm and shoulder.
Hold this position and return to the start position and repeat to the other side.

Back stretch

Stand with your legs at hip width apart and straight.
Place your hands on your hips.
Lean your body backwards, trying to arch in the lower back as much as you can, lifting your chest up towards the ceiling.
Try to avoid allowing your hips to swing forwards too far.
Hold this position before returning to the start position

Side stretch

Stand with your feet shoulder width apart and place one hand on your hip.
Extend the other hand into the air, leaning over to the side while you increase the stretch by pushing your hips in the opposite direction.
Hold this position before you repeat on the other side. 

Chest opener

Start in a standing position.
Move your arms behind you and interlock your fingers and move your arms slowly upwards.
As you lift your arms upwards you will feel a stretch in your chest and shoulders.
Hold this position, then breathe out and relax.

Side neck stretch

Place one hand behind you in the curve of your lower back, and the other by your side.
Now, bend your neck so that your ear comes closer to the shoulder that is opposite to the arm behind your back.
Hold this position for 30-60 seconds.

Trunk rotations


Stand up straight with your feet shoulder width apart.
Place your hands together and stretch your arms out straight in front of you.
Keeping your hips pointing forwards, rotate your arms from one side and then to the other.
Your feet should remain on the floor throughout the exercise.
Try to feel the rotation coming from your mid to upper body.

Still having pain?

If you are still experiencing pain and discomfort it is recommended to consult a Physiotherapist.

A physiotherapist will assess your cause of pain and provide you with a comprehensive treatment that is correct for you.