Physical Therapist: Mind Your Workstation Posture

Insight from Mark Gugliotti, D.P.T., associate professor of physical therapy, was featured on more than 2,600 news sites across the United States. As seen in dailies in Boston, San Diego, and Pittsburgh, as well as outlets such as International Business Times, Gugliotti explained the health benefits of good posture and provided actionable tips to improve poor workstation posturing, a leading cause of back and neck pain.

“Good posture is important because it establishes a musculoskeletal balance within the body. This balance enables the body to move more fluidly and functionally while conserving energy and avoiding undue stress,” said Gugliotti. “Many of our general day-to-day aches and pains, especially if you’re working at a desk or workstation regularly, come from those prolonged habitual positions of posturing…There is always the possibility of nerve tissue compression through the shoulders, or at the wrist and hands, if you’re not careful. Slouching into the chair could also put undue stress and strain on the lower back.”

Among other tips, Gugliotti recommended keeping arms, hips, and knees positioned at a 90-degree angle while seated, and positioning the laptop or monitor directly in front of you on a sturdy surface.