Human bodies are designed by nature to be on the move for most of our waking hours, yet we now spend more time than ever seated in front of computers and screens. Many hours are spent holding our devices in one position with one hand while making only small, repetitive movements with the other. It’s not surprising that everyday aches and pains in our muscles, tendons and joints are on the rise across all generations. Modern catchphrases such as “text neck,” “tech elbow,” “iPad shoulder,” “gamer’s thumb,” “trigger finger,” and “screen slouch” highlight the pervasive impact of technology on our health and well-being.
Qualified pharmacist, aromatherapist and the founder of Aromatic Apothecary, Doryce Sher, says, “Our bodies are simply not designed to hold the same muscles and joints in one position over extended periods. There’s no doubt that the infusion of tech in our lives exacerbates this problem, but it can also be experienced by say, a hobbyist sitting in one position as they sew, knit or do pottery. The result is stiffness, inflammation and pain in the muscles and joints as well as poorer blood circulation impacting the entire body. Dealing with the pain is crucial because for instance, if our shoulder starts to hurt, it then inhibits our use of the arm as we try to avoid pain. But movement is part of the solution and the healing process. It’s important to note that what we are talking about here is just your movement through a typical day. Even people who are physically active and fit experience these kinds of aches and pains. Despite running or going to the gym before work every morning, if you also sit still or hold your device for long periods during the day, it’s going to hurt.”
This need for everyday solutions to the aches and pains of sedentary, tech-driven lifestyles, inspired Doryce’s formulation of Aromatic Apothecary’s Move Easy range. Using different blends of warming and cooling essential oil ingredients including ginger, rosemary, peppermint, lavender, eucalyptus, cajeput and menthol, the products are designed for fast-acting pain release. Doryce explains “These blends enable muscle relaxation, have anti-inflammatory action and improve circulation, bringing more oxygen and nutrients to the stressed muscles and joints. So, using any of the products in the range brings fast-acting pain relief and promotes natural healing at the same time. There’s no limit on how often you use them, so they can be repeatedly applied, and these are products that are safe to use alongside conventional pain meds and anti-inflammatories. They can help you to improve well-being if you must wait days before a physio appointment.”
Some ideas for managing everyday aches and pains include:
Stretch at your desk – use techniques such as neck stretches, shoulder rolls and seated spinal twists frequently to energise your body and ease the tensions that are developing as you sit.
Get up and move around often – notice the passage of time. Develop habits such as getting up for a quick walk around every hour or doing light, stretching sessions every two hours. This is not only important when you are at your desk, but also when you are binge watching your favourite TV series. Simply moving about energises your body, improves circulation and protects your muscles and joints.
Daily walks – get into the habit of taking daily walks so that you are strengthening your muscles and joints. Taking a walk during your lunch hour at work or getting your dog out for a walk every evening helps to work the stress out of your joints and muscles.
Be mindful of aches and pains – check in with your body regularly by taking a moment to scan for muscles and joints that are feeling stiff, sore, tired and stressed. Keep quick to apply, fast-acting aromatherapy solutions such as Aromatic Apothecary’s Move Easy Roll-On Relief and Move Easy Spray-On Relief to hand and visible on your desk, bedside table and in the room where you watch TV.
Aromatic Apothecary makes innovative use of different product formats, so you can pick and choose the applications that are easiest for you to use. Doryce explains, “Move Easy Roll-On Relief not only quickly applies the gel to the affected area, but it also massages it during application. It’s good for easing neck tension while you are sitting at your desk, or are on-the-go, and this will prevent discomfort into escalating pain. Thanks to the roll-on applicator, there’s no messy hands involved, and the gel is quickly absorbed bringing fast relief. Similarly, using the Move Easy Spray-On Relief leaves no mess on your hands or residue on your clothes. It’s quick to apply and good for larger sore areas such the lower back, the shoulder, calf muscles or feet. You can use either Move Easy Rub-On Relief, a cream, or Move Easy Bath & Massage Oil for when you have more time for self-care and the opportunity to use self-massage or have someone who can give you a massage, such as before you go to bed. The nice thing about the whole range is that applying any of the products is a relaxing experience with wonderful aromas that as you breathe in, will also clear the head.”