June 27, 2013
Stretch your way to better health
No matter the workplace environment, identifying and reporting discomfort, pain or numbness early on can help prevent ergonomic injuries. Stretching breaks throughout the day can also provide numerous benefits to your health, including stress relief and relief of muscle fatigue.
Before starting a stretching program, consult your doctor if you have recently had surgery or muscle problems. Here are some basics to get you started:
- Stretches should be held for 5 to 30 seconds — do not bounce
- Breathe deeply and slowly while performing stretches
- Pain is not gain — you should only stretch until you feel a mild tension that relaxes as you hold the stretch
Additional resources: