Physiotherapy
Posture and desk work
Setting up a workstation, and the habit that matters more than posture itself.
3 min read
What it is
There is no single perfect posture. The strongest predictor of discomfort is how long you hold any one position, not which position it is. A reasonable setup plus regular movement beats an expensive chair used motionlessly for eight hours.
What to look for
Ache between the shoulder blades or at the base of the neck by mid-afternoon
Wrist or forearm discomfort while typing or using a mouse
Stiffness on standing up after a long stretch of sitting
Sensible things to do at home
- Screen top at roughly eye level, an arm's length away
- Elbows near 90 degrees, forearms supported, feet flat on the floor
- Stand or walk for a minute or two every half hour
- A laptop needs a separate keyboard or a riser — not both jobs at once
- Two or three simple mobility movements through the day
When to see us
- Discomfort persists despite adjusting your setup
- Pins and needles or numbness in the hands
- Headaches linked to long screen sessions
To book, phone the practice on 058 813 2777 or send us a message. In an emergency, go to the nearest emergency department or call 10177.