What a year! As mid-March draws near, we are approaching the one-year Anniversary of the clinic closure. For 3 months, Brio temporarily closed its doors to the public in effort to help flatten the curve. We were permitted to re-open in June, with strict safety measures in place. All of which are religiously in-tact since our modified reopening.
The majority of businesses were much like Brio, moving offices to homes. With that move came many makeshift office desks and chairs. With such a drastic change, to continue working without missing a beat, ergonomics to balance posture was often forfeited. There was no option. Work had to continue. Many patients reporting working from bedrooms, while sitting on a bed and a makeshift table; with a partner working in the living room. Others reported working from dining room tables with dining room chairs. Whatever was available, we are adaptable beings, we made it work.
Many offices have no plans to return to the office any time soon. And many have settled very well into a home routine. However, there is a tremendous increase in body pain and muscle strain from improper work desk set ups.
There are a few things at play. The desk set up; the height; the level of the mouse; the chair and lower back support, etc. It is also my educated guess that people working from home are unknowingly working MORE hours not less. Working from home often dissolves boundaries of when to stop. The work-home balance bleeds into each other and there are longer hours of sitting in these unbalanced positions. It is likely that there is less movement with people working from home. When we commute there is driving or transit; walking to lunch; breaks, etc. From the many patients I meet with, it has been an increasingly sedentary year.
Of course, many months into the pandemic, most alternative offices are now safely open and appropriately distanced. There has been a tremendous increase in seeking Bowen, Acupuncture, RMT, Laser therapy and Chiropractic services. But what if one is not yet comfortable venturing out of the home?
Here are some tips for ‘at home’ treatment of muscle strain and pain:
Magnesium soaks: Water and the act of soaking our body is historically very healing. Topical application to our skin actually absorbs more than our gut during digestion. Magnesium flake baths can be and excellent option for in-home rest, relaxation, enhanced sleep and soothing muscle pain.
When speaking of Magnesium soaks, they are most commonly known as Epsom Salt Baths. Epsom salts are indeed Magnesium. However commercial Epsom salt is comprised of Magnesium sulfate. Magnesium sulfate is not as easily absorbed through the skin and whatever amount is absorbed is quickly excreted via the Kidney’s. Meaning, you could use it, however any muscle relaxation relief is less potent and very short lived. Also, less cost effective as you need far more quantity in the bath to achieve a desired relaxation effect.
Optimal for soaking is Magnesium chloride. Magnesium chloride is more bioavailable to the body, meaning it is absorbed easier via the skin; it is less toxic; it has a more potent action on the muscles; and results last longer. When exposing the skin to Magnesium chloride, Magnesium flakes will effectively increase cellular magnesium levels. For some it may even achieve the effect of a transdermal supplementation.
In summary: Epsom Salts = Magnesium sulfate; Magnesium flakes = Magnesium chloride.
For an easy at home night routine, which eliminates unnecessary trips out of the home, and works to ease muscle strain; joint pain relief; relaxation and an overall enhanced night sleep. Magnesium flakes may be the solution you were searching for. It is easy to run out to the drugstore and grab the commercial sulfate form of Magnesium. However, for a deeper treatment, look for Magnesium chloride.
Where do we find Magnesium flakes? You could try Finlandia Pharmacy.
Happy Soaking!
In health, Dr. Neetu
