Working a desk job, sitting in front of a computer for hours on end, and sitting or lying down for long periods can take a toll on your physical health. A sedentary lifestyle can actually put stress on your body in ways that make you more susceptible to sprains, strains and other work-related injuries. Physical therapy compensation, especially paired with personal training (PDF), can be an important tool in helping you overcome, and prevent, these injuries.
The Dangers Of A Sedentary Lifestyle
Living a sedentary lifestyle, defined as spending at least 6 hours a day sitting or lying down, without an accompanying active exercise routine, carries a number of health risks that can compromise your ability to stay strong and active. Here are just a few of the difficulties not moving enough can cause for both your mind and your body:
- Varicose veins
- Deep vein thrombosis
- Heart disease
- High blood pressure
- Obesity
- Certain types of cancer
- Diabetes
- High cholesterol
- Increased stress
- Depression
- Anxiety
How does a sedentary life lead to sprains and strains?
In addition to the health issues listed above, a life spent behind a desk can leave you prone to sprains and strains, in addition to neck and back pain. These injuries tend to occur when the body is pushed beyond its limits. For example, falls or lifting heavy objects or even trying to start an exercise routine after a long period of inactivity can result in injuries.
While you may associate injuries with athletes who push their bodies to the limit, inactivity can cause similar problems because your body is simply not conditioned to handle sudden movement, new exercises, or abnormal exertion. And, these injuries can occur at work.
If you feel burnt out by your career, suffer from chronic pain, have experienced injuries at work, or otherwise want to safely get started on the path to a more active life, workers’ comp physical therapy and personal training can help by both addressing your current pain and injuries and helping you to prevent them in the future.
How does physical therapy help overcome a sedentary lifestyle?
Physical therapy tailored to workers’ comp issues and injuries in NYC can play an important role in helping workers to embrace a healthier work life. The trained professional has a number of tools at their disposal to help you get moving, and stay moving.
First, physical therapists can help you treat any injuries you currently experience. Trained to assess and treat injuries throughout the musculoskeletal system, they can apply exercises, stretches, manual therapy and more state-of-the-art techniques to strengthen your muscles and help you heal more quickly.
In addition, physical therapists can help prevent injuries from occurring in the first place. For example, if you want to begin a new exercise regimen, a PT can evaluate your plans and your body to help you implement a routine that does not over tax your joints and muscles.
In addition, PT can help you avoid injuries in the following ways;
- Teach you proper movement techniques
- Implement healthier ways of using your desk and computer.
- Improve your flexibility and range of motion
- Improve your balance
- Align your muscles
- How does personal training work with physical therapy?
In addition to physical therapy, many NYC workers find that personal training is a helpful tool for getting more active. Working with a trainer can help you develop habits and ways of moving that are tailored specifically to your physical needs and activity goals.
Here are some of the ways in which personal training can support a more active life:
- Teach you proper posture and work habits
- Take into account any injuries or limitations you experience
- Tailor training to your personal goals
- Strengthen your entire body
- Educate you on lifestyle habits that can support a more active life
- And more
Enjoying the tailored attention of a skilled personal trainer can make it easier to overcome your sedentary lifestyle. At In Touch NYC PT, we offer physical therapy and personal training, all customized to meet your specific needs related to workers.
Does NYC workers’ comp cover physical therapy?
The good news is that if you have suffered a work-related injury or illness, you may be able to get your physical therapy expenses covered. You may even be able to get treatment for certain injuries incurred as a result of a sedentary or white-collar job (such as neck or back pain) covered under your workers’ comp insurance. The primary requirements for coverage are that the injury or illness be directly related to your job and that you suffer this injury or illness at work.
Need help with workers’ comp PT in NY? Tired of watching your health deteriorate because of a desk job? Let our skilled and compassionate professionals help you get, and stay, on the path to health, at your job and at home.