By Athlete's Care on August 06, 2025
In today's digital age, many of us spend hours seated in front of screens—whether it's at work, home, or somewhere in between. While it may seem harmless, poor ergonomics can have long-term consequences on your body, particularly your posture, muscles, and joints. At Athlete's Care, we see it often: neck pain, back strain, repetitive strain injuries, and even tension headaches, all stemming from an improper workspace and lack of movement.
But here’s the good news: with a few simple adjustments and regular movement breaks, you can prevent discomfort and stay pain-free.
Why Ergonomics Matter
Ergonomics is the science of designing your workspace to fit your body—not the other way around. An ergonomic setup minimizes strain and supports natural movement. For example, a chair that supports your lower back, a screen at eye level, and a keyboard positioned to keep your wrists straight all contribute to reducing the risk of injury.
Think of ergonomics as preventive physiotherapy. It’s a small investment in your comfort that pays off in big ways over time.
5 Simple Stretches You Can Do at Your Desk
To support your spine and reduce tension, take a few minutes every hour to stretch. These quick movements are office-friendly and don’t require any equipment.
1. Neck Rolls
How to do it: Sit tall, gently tilt your head to one side, roll it forward slowly to the opposite side, and repeat 3–5 times.
Benefits: Relieves neck tension and improves mobility.
2. Shoulder Rolls
How to do it: Roll your shoulders up, back, and down in a circular motion. Repeat 10 times in each direction.
Benefits: Reduces tightness and counters slouched posture.
3. Seated Spinal Twist
How to do it: Sit upright, place your right hand on the back of your chair, and gently twist your torso to the right. Hold for 10–15 seconds. Repeat on the left side.
Benefits: Enhances spinal flexibility and reduces stiffness.
4. Wrist and Finger Stretch
How to do it: Extend one arm forward, palm up. Use the opposite hand to gently pull back on your fingers. Hold for 10 seconds. Repeat on the other hand.
Benefits: Prevents repetitive strain from typing and mouse use.
5. Seated Hamstring Stretch
How to do it: While sitting, extend one leg forward with the heel on the floor. Reach gently toward your toes, keeping your back straight. Hold for 10–15 seconds. Repeat with the other leg.
Benefits: Loosens tight hamstrings from prolonged sitting.
By Athlete's Care on November 15, 2023
The answer is yes. Physiotherapy can help you manage symptoms and improve your quality of life as part of a multi-faceted treatment plan. Here’s a look at how.
After a thorough assessment by your treating physiotherapist or other sports medicine specialist, a range of options and goals for improvement will be suggested and discussed. That evaluation will include elements such as ease of movement, basic physical condition, among others.
Along with specific treatment options, your physiotherapist can give you the benefit of their expertise and advice. That may include issues such as correcting posture imbalances, lifestyle elements, and straightforward advice such as how to pace your activities and modify them to avoiding overusing an arthritic joint.
Your physiotherapist can give you practical advice you can use everyday.
When you have arthritis, are feeling in pain and fatigued, exercise may be the last thing on your mind. But, staying active helps keep you mobile. It’s that simple.
Strong muscles support joints in a balanced way, and avoid putting too much stress on areas with arthritis. An exercise regimen that’s been customized to your current condition will keep you mobile longer.
Keeping your joints moving as much as possible, while also avoiding overuse, is your best approach. In some cases, walking aids or a brace may be a good option.
They will also look at any barriers to your recovery, which may include other medical conditions as well as other issues. They’ll help you not only devise an exercise regimen, but advise you on how to correctly perform them for the maximum benefit.
In the case of rheumatoid arthritis, or RA, which is an autoimmune condition, causes painful joints and notorious morning stiffness. Physiotherapy can help in a number of ways.
Understanding your illness, and its progression, will help you set everyday goals as well as adjust your lifestyle in areas that will help.
If you live with arthritis, don’t hesitate to contact one of our Ottawa physiotherapy, chiropractic and sports medicine clinics today for a consultation.
By Athlete's Care on September 11, 2023
In some cases, the two options overlap to a certain extent when it comes to the conditions either can help. But, the approach of the two disciplines differs. Here’s a look at both professions and what they can offer their clients.
What do they do?
A registered massage therapist or RMT will manipulate and knead the soft tissues of your body, which may be muscles, connective tissue, ligaments, tendons, and even skin. They vary the pressure and type of movement according to the area and the overall goals, be it recovery from injury or ongoing issues.
The benefits of massage therapy have been proven by clinical testing. They include:
Massage therapy is offered to clients as part of a treatment package, and can be used for a variety of conditions, including:
Massage therapy may be part of a long-term wellness program, in other words, without targeting a specific illness, injury or condition.
Physiotherapists typically help their clients after an injury, or in the case of an illness or condition that affects their musculoskeletal system. They can help:
A physiotherapist can review medical imaging such as x-rays in their evaluation of your condition, as well as physically examining the injured or affected areas of muscles, joints and bones. Your Ottawa physiotherapist can act as your primary caregiver, depending on the situation.
They may work with clients after sudden injuries, before and/or after surgery, or to address an issue such as chronic back or neck pain. They may also work with people who live with an illness that affects their mobility, and with aging clients whose mobility and movements are likewise impacted.
If you are considering either physiotherapy or massage therapy, don’t hesitate to contact one of our Ottawa clinics today for a consultation. Our physiotherapists, massage therapists, and other sports medicine specialists are ready to help.
By Athlete's Care on July 27, 2023
Lower back pain can become debilitating, and interfere with sitting, standing, and normal activities of everyday life. Here’s a look at some of the causes and treatments available.
Treatments depend on a number of factors, most importantly, the root cause. Sometimes, it can be as straightforward as eliminating a bad habit.
Various diagnostic tests may be ordered, such as an MRI to locate herniated discs or fractured bones, blood tests for infections, and nerve testing (EMG or electromyography) to view the functionality of nerves and muscles.
There are many different possible causes; here are some of the most common:
Posture
Problems with posture and an imbalanced gait can cause pain in the lower back as well as other regions of the body. Your Ottawa physiotherapist will assess your posture and gait as part of your diagnosis, and an ergonomic analysis of your work area if applicable, and will determine if they are contributing to your issues.
Sometimes, relieving chronic lower back pain will be a matter of:
If lower back pain is mild, and doesn’t interfere too much with sleeping, sitting or other daily activities, you can take some effective measures at home. That includes:
If the pain is more than those simple measures can help, you should contact your Ottawa physiotherapist or other sports medicine for help.
Your Ottawa physiotherapist or other sports medicine specialist can offer you a range of treatment options if the first line of defence is ineffective, or where the causes are more complex.
Surgery is required in some cases, and usually involves relieving compression between spinal discs.
If you are experiencing lower back pain that is severe, or persists beyond a week or so, don’t hesitate to contact one of our Ottawa physiotherapy, chiropractic and sports medicine clinics for a consultation today.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7808681/
https://www.health.harvard.edu/pain/home-remedies-for-low-back-pain
https://www.foundationforpn.org/living-well/lifestyle/exercise-and-physical-therapy/
https://www.physio-pedia.com/Neuropathic_Pain
https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/back-pain/7-ways-to-treat-chronic-back-pain-without-surgery
https://www.physio-pedia.com/Neuropathic_Pain
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/back-pain/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20369911