How I Address the Effects of Desk Work with Massage
This is the quick approach I use to help people who sit at a computer all day, every day. I’ve worked in a lot of office settings where people come in for short massages during their workday. I joke that I feel like the pit crew at a car race—you pull in off the track, and I do my best to get you ready to get back out there fast.
Most people come in complaining about discomfort in the back, neck, or shoulders. Naturally, they expect me to focus directly on those areas. But I think in terms of biomechanics and structure, not just symptoms.
Why I Don’t Go Straight to Where It Hurts
Generally, the area that hurts is the part that’s been pulled long—it’s being over-stretched. Massage works best when we target the shortened, tight areas instead. It’s hard to shorten a muscle that’s already long. So, I focus on the shortened muscles, which lets the over-stretched ones naturally return to balance—thanks to the body’s natural elasticity.
Where I Start: Front of the Body First
I usually begin with the front of the thighs, because sitting shortens this area.
So first step: lengthen the front of the thighs.
Next, I open up the front of the upper chest, which also shortens from sitting.
Once those areas are opened, the back, neck, and shoulders—where you’re feeling the discomfort—finally have space to release. That’s when I can get in and address the specific tension. Over the years, I’ve developed my favorite techniques for this work.
Fascial Work: Subtle and Powerful
The thighs are a great starting point for understanding fascial release.
A little gentle traction at the right angle can create a big shift—it’s subtle and profound at the same time.
Then I move into passive arm movement, where I move your arms while you stay relaxed. This is when your job is to practice active relaxation—which is harder than it sounds! But it’s a skill worth developing.
Active Work: You’re in Control
Next, I switch to active techniques, where you take over and move your arm.
One common method is pin and stretch—I pin a muscle while you move. That way, you control the intensity, pace, and range, which makes the work more effective and safer.
Staying Out of Pain
I always aim to stay out of pain. You can go right up to the edge of discomfort, but not into pain. The image I keep in mind is trying to get a kitten out from under a couch—you want to coax it out gently, not scare it deeper in.
Some people say, “I can handle more!” and want to go for more intensity. But one of my mentors taught me something valuable:
Your body knows my hands.
Even at a level deeper than your conscious awareness, it can tell if they’re safe.
If we stay gentle and respectful, huge releases can happen with delicate touch.
This isn’t just mechanical work—it’s a conversation with your body. I’m not forcing it to let go; I’m asking, “How about here?” and your body responds, “Okay,” and the release happens.
So if you come in expecting me to jump straight to the part that hurts—just know that I’ll be working around it first, releasing the surrounding tension and addressing the underlying structure.
This approach creates space for real change—and not just a quick fix.
Thanks for reading. Take care!