You switched to a standing desk with hopes of easing your aches and pains, but the discomfort continues. At One to One Wellness, we understand how disappointing it can be to make a positive change and not feel the relief you expect.
Often, the solution involves more than just a single change to your workspace. Your body might be pointing to a more complex issue, and managing chronic pain requires a broader look at your overall wellness.
Your Desk Is Just One Piece of the Puzzle
A standing desk can be a great tool, but how you use it—and the setup around it—matters just as much. In fact, your continued pain might not be related to the desk itself; it could also stem from other habits or environmental factors you haven’t yet considered.
How You Stand & Move
Even with a standing desk, staying in any one position for too long can contribute to discomfort. The key isn’t about achieving “perfect” posture, it’s about movement and variety. Pay attention to how you distribute your weight and feel free to shift around. Lean on one leg, then the other. Stand tall for a while, then relax a bit. Your next posture is your best posture.
It’s also helpful to frequently change your position and take short breaks to walk around. Whether sitting or standing, holding the same position for extended periods can lead to stiffness. Your body thrives on movement, not on maintaining one “correct” stance all day.
Your Complete Workstation Setup
Your desk is only one part of your workspace, and other elements play a significant role in your comfort. A complete workstation setup considers how all your tools work together throughout your day. An occupational therapist can assess your specific needs and help optimize your workspace. Think about your:
- Monitor—is it positioned to reduce strain during extended use?
- Keyboard & mouse—are they placed to support comfortable, varied movement?
- Chair—does it allow you to shift positions throughout the day?
Connect Your Pain to Your Body’s Signals
Ongoing pain is complex and personal. While it’s natural to look for a single cause, pain often involves multiple factors working together such as your movement patterns, stress levels, sleep quality, overall health, and yes, your work environment. Pain is your body’s way of signalling that something needs attention, but it’s not always a simple mechanical problem with one clear fix.
When you look at your whole day—not just your desk—you start to see patterns that might be contributing to your discomfort. This broader view is a key part of effective pain management.
Look at Your Movement Habits
Your daily activities—from how you lift groceries to your exercise routine to how you relax on the couch—all contribute to your overall movement patterns. When your day lacks variety in how you move, sit, stand, and rest, your body has fewer opportunities to adapt to different demands. Building more movement diversity into your whole day, not just your work hours, can help you feel more comfortable overall.
The Role of Core Strength
Building strength and movement capacity can help you feel more comfortable throughout your day. When your body has the ability to move in different ways and handle varied demands, you’re more resilient to the physical challenges of daily work and life. Think of it as expanding what your body can comfortably do, rather than fixing something that’s wrong.
A Team Approach for Your Wellness Journey
When you’re dealing with persistent pain, one perspective might not be enough. A collaborative approach that looks at your situation from multiple angles can often offer a more complete picture of your health. That’s why our team at One to One Wellness works together to support your wellness goals.
How Different Therapies Work Together
At One to One Wellness, our multi-disciplinary approach allows different health professionals to contribute their knowledge to your care. For example:
- A physiotherapist can help with your movement patterns and capacity
- An occupational therapist can assess and optimize your workspace setup
- A psychologist can assist with coping strategies for work-related stress
- A nurse practitioner can provide prescriptions for any necessary equipment or interventions
- An osteopath can address tissue restrictions and whole-body mechanics
- A massage therapist can help relieve muscle tension and improve circulation
This coordinated effort helps address your wellness from different angles, all working together toward your goals.
Create a Coordinated Care Plan
When your care providers communicate with each other, you receive more cohesive support. Your care providers can share insights and develop a plan that is tailored to your needs. This helps you move forward with a clear and unified strategy.
While you work with your care team, there are a few small changes you can make right away. These simple adjustments can help you feel more comfortable during your workday:
- Alternate Between Sitting & Standing: Change your position every 30 to 60 minutes. This simple habit gives your body the movement variety it needs.
- Add Movement Breaks: Take short breaks to move around. Walk, stretch, or just change positions, whatever feels good and breaks up prolonged stillness.
- Check Your Footwear: If you’re standing for long periods, comfortable and supportive shoes can make a difference in how you feel throughout the day.
Get a Clearer Picture of Your Pain
If you’ve tried different solutions without relief, it may be time for a comprehensive look at your situation. Understanding the full story behind your pain is the first step toward managing it effectively.
The Value of a Comprehensive Assessment
A thorough assessment goes beyond your immediate symptoms and helps connect the dots between your daily habits and the pain you feel. It considers your health history, lifestyle, and movement patterns to identify underlying factors that contribute to your discomfort. This gives a clearer direction for your care.
A Personalized Path for Pain Management in Halifax
Your experience with pain is unique to you. A personalized plan, developed by a team of health professionals, can provide you with targeted strategies. This support aligns with your individual circumstances and wellness goals.Your pain is personal, and your path to feeling better should be too. If you’re ready to explore a comprehensive approach to your wellness, our team at One to One Wellness is here to help create a coordinated care plan for you.
