How movement (variability) will break the cycle of home office and pain

The last year or so has been a rather wild time for us all and has led to a lot of change for our system – not just physically, but mentally and emotionally too. The combination of all of these play a significant role in terms of how we feel and how our body responds to movement, or a lack of.

Active movement works two-fold here: it can minimize stress and it will provide the body with some variability.

The challenge for most people who are working from home is that there is a significant lack of variability – both physically and mentally. Let’s dial in on the physical side here. The body needs movement and variability. It is designed to move and to be actively put through a range of motion. The challenge with home office is that a lot of people are lacking in this department. Manual therapy, foam rollers and stretches may offer short-term relief, but they’re all addressing the symptoms rather than the problem – one which is most likely movement-based.

The human body is designed to be capable and to move in numerous different directions, at different speeds, with different intentions and so on. The human body stuck in home office is in craving this. Understanding this is so, so important, because it could be the key which unlocks your constant pain and discomfort. We want to stimulate the brain from a sensory perspective, challenge the body to move into different positions and to explore new movements, which become new experiences. The body loves this and adapts accordingly.

The human body is a complex system, as mentioned initially, and its constituent parts are like the links to a chain. Essentially, every part is linked and will affect things up and down the chain.

A great place to start with this is the pelvis. The position of the pelvis will directly influence the position of the rib cage, which will directly influence how the shoulders function, which will influences the neck’s ability to do its job sufficiently. All of this, perhaps due to a particular seated position which modifies the position of the pelvis.

In order to improve this, it’s important to do three things:

1. Look at the human body as a whole

2. Re-engage and re-integrate the links of the chain, in favourable positions

3. Add variability to these positions and to movement in general, providing the body with challenges, thus enhancing it’s ability to learn and stabilize these positions for the long-term.

That sounds quite complex, but it’s often not. It just takes a little bit of education and a willingness to get started. The best place of all to start, is to move: to rotate, flex and extend the spine, to reach with the arms in different directions and so on.

Movement is medicine, and this article shows you why. As I mentioned, releasing and activating certain muscles in an isolated fashion is not the solution. It may provide short-term relief but it’s not addressing the root cause. The reason for this is because everything we do is based around movement, and structure (the body’s position at any one time) dictates function (the body’s ability to carry out tasks sufficiently). Learn how to move efficiently and develop the habit of moving regularly, and I can guarantee that you’ll feel so much better. Why? Because that’s how the human body works.

A lack of movement is the problem. Active movement and variability of movement is the solution.

If you’re not sure where to begin, then get in contact with me today for a free 20-minute call to see how I can help.

- Jonny Stahl