Time spent using technology is causing poorer posture, muscle weakness, and back and neck pain – but one super simple stretch could make all the difference.
Screen use in the UK has soared in recent years, with half of adults spending 11 hours or more daily glued to mobile phones, tablets, and computer screens. This is causing an increase in ‘tech neck’, a condition where the neck, shoulders, and upper-back muscles are over-stressed, resulting in stiffness and soreness.
Broadway Physical Therapist Dr Megan Wise helps professional dancers and performers improve their strength and flexibility. She has worked with BLOCH to reveal one ‘insider’ dynamic stretch that will help anyone feeling the effects of desk work or too much time hunched over a phone.
Dr Wise explains: “Focusing more on dynamic stretching can be helpful for tissue health and improving your strength and power while also maintaining your flexibility.” She recommends the kneeling wall rotation stretch, and here’s how to do it:
The kneeling wall rotation targets your upper body rotation, as well as your hips.
Start next to a wall, so one hip and shoulder are touching it. Bring the outside leg forward so you’re in a half-kneeling position. Keeping your lower body still, reach your outside arm forward and around so that your head, shoulders, and upper body rotate away from the wall. The goal is to have the back of both shoulders touching the wall without pain and without moving your legs. You’ll want to slowly repeat this upper body rotation movement for several breaths.
Regular stretching leads to healthy bones, flexible tissue, improved blood flow to the skin, and stronger muscles. Taking ten minutes in the morning to check in with yourself and stretch is a great way to build a healthier mind and body. The benefits of stretching can even extend to the skin. Dr Rosmy Barrios, MD, a medical advisor for the Health Reporter, explains:
“One of the major benefits of stretching is that it improves blood flow to the skin. As a result of this improved blood flow, your skin is able to get essential nutrients and oxygen, which help cleanse and strengthen your skin.”
Cathy Radovan, COO at BLOCH, comments:
“We’d recommend everyone works some stretching into their daily routine. Stretching is not just a warm-up or cool-down activity for dancers and athletes but a must for everyone’s health and wellness – especially those who spend much of their day working on computers or scrolling through their phones. With just a few simple exercises, everyone can feel the incredible positive changes stretching brings!”
For more information on the benefits of stretching, plus two more expert-recommended stretches to help avoid health issues and keep you feeling your best, visit the BLOCH blog.
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