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Spending long hours sitting at a desk can lead to stiffness, discomfort, and even chronic pain. Incorporating simple stretches and exercises into your daily routine can help prevent these issues and promote overall well-being. Here are some of the best stretches and exercises for office workers to relieve tension and improve posture.

Neck and Shoulder Stretches

  1. Neck Tilts – Slowly tilt your head to one side, bringing your ear toward your shoulder. Hold for 10–15 seconds and switch sides.
  2. Shoulder Rolls – Roll your shoulders forward and backward in a circular motion to relieve tension.
  3. Upper Trap Stretch – Place one hand on the opposite side of your head and gently pull it toward your shoulder. Hold for 15 seconds.

Back and Spine Stretches

  1. Seated Spinal Twist – Sit up straight and twist your torso to one side, placing your opposite hand on your knee for support. Hold for 15 seconds, then switch sides.
  2. Cat-Cow Stretch – While seated, alternate between arching your back (cow) and rounding your spine (cat) to improve mobility.
  3. Standing Forward Bend – Stand up and slowly bend forward at the hips, reaching toward your toes while keeping your knees slightly bent.

Wrist and Hand Stretches

  1. Wrist Flexor Stretch – Extend one arm in front with your palm facing up, then gently pull back your fingers with your other hand.
  2. Wrist Extensor Stretch – Similar to the previous stretch, but with the palm facing down.
  3. Finger Flexing and Clenching – Open and close your fingers repeatedly to increase circulation.

Lower Body Stretches

  1. Seated Figure-Four Stretch – Cross one ankle over the opposite knee while seated and lean forward slightly to stretch the hips.
  2. Calf Stretch – Stand and press one foot against a wall with the heel on the ground to stretch the calves.
  3. Hamstring Stretch – While standing, place one foot on a chair and reach toward your toes.

Simple Desk Exercises

  1. Seated Leg Raises – Extend one leg at a time while sitting to engage your core and improve circulation.
  2. Chair Squats – Stand up from your chair without using your hands, then sit back down slowly.
  3. Heel Raises – Stand up and lift your heels off the ground, then slowly lower them to improve ankle strength.

Incorporating these stretches and exercises into your work routine can help prevent pain, improve flexibility, and promote better posture. Taking short breaks every hour to move and stretch will significantly reduce discomfort and enhance overall well-being 

“Do you spend hours at a desk, staring at a screen? Neck stiffness, back pain, tight hips—we get it.”

At Sunshine Physical Therapy in Alexandria, we specialize in helping office workers feel their best.

✅ We teach the best evidence-based stretches and exercises
✅ We address poor posture and tech neck
✅ We reduce shoulder and lower back tension
✅ We help you move better, work stronger, and live pain-free

Whether you’re working from home or at the office, your body deserves attention.

✨ Let us create a personalized plan to keep you energized, focused, and pain-free—right from your desk.
🖥️ Book your consult today at Sunshine Physical Therapy — where your comfort meets productivity.

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