Are Desks And Desk Postures Affecting Our Health - Chewing It Over with Michael O'Reilly
May 26, 2024
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Michael O'Reilly, an expert in upper quadrant physiotherapy and a speaker at Therapy Live 2024, dives into the hot topic of how desk postures impact our health. He passionately discusses the phenomenon of 'information age syndrome' and its ties to neck and musculoskeletal issues. O'Reilly shares insights about developing user-friendly physiotherapy solutions, like the OptiNet program and the Optonec balance wedge. The conversation also covers ergonomic strategies to combat discomfort from prolonged sitting and the challenges older adults face in maintaining mobility.
Prolonged desk work contributes to 'information age syndrome,' leading to various painful conditions resulting from imbalanced postural habits.
Innovative tools like the OptiNet program and balance wedge enhance neck treatment effectiveness while encouraging patient adherence to exercises.
Deep dives
Impact of Desk Postures on Health
Prolonged desk work and desk-shaped postures significantly contribute to various conditions, which have been summarized as 'information age syndrome.' This syndrome encompasses issues such as neck pain, shoulder pain, and headaches, all stemming from imbalanced postural habits in modern life. The speaker emphasizes the need to address these imbalances, viewing the situation as a potential health crisis. By recognizing the detrimental effects of these postures, individuals can take proactive measures to improve their habits and overall well-being.
Clinical Experience in Neck Treatment
The speaker describes a pivotal moment in their early career that sparked a deep interest in neck treatment. A case involving a patient who could not perform a simple movement showcased how manual therapy could lead to remarkable improvements. This experience emphasized the importance of understanding the neck's intricate role in the body's overall function and encouraged further learning in this area. Building on this knowledge, the speaker has developed a comprehensive approach to treating neck conditions while considering the entire upper quadrant.
The Compensatory Capacity of Joints
Understanding the concept of compensatory capacity is crucial in addressing neck pain and related conditions. Each joint has a threshold of movement demand that, when exceeded, results in pain and dysfunction. The speaker explains that a lifetime of habits can lead to episodic pain when the demands on the body become too great. This highlights the importance of managing movement demands and implementing effective interventions to maintain joint health and prevent pain in the long run.
Innovative Solutions for Treatment
The development of the OptiNet program and the balance wedge device represents innovative advancements in treating neck and shoulder issues. These tools aim to simplify exercises and make them more effective and rewarding for patients. By creating a product that users find enjoyable and beneficial, adherence to treatment and overall outcomes improve. Ultimately, this reflects a shift towards making effective exercise easier and more accessible for individuals who struggle with chronic pain.
Michael O'Reilly is here to discuss this controversial topic. In a really good debate where both Jack and Michael disagree but also concede some ground they cover a lot of topics!