The 5 Stretches for Computer Rehab

Computer rehab. We all need it. You're a living human being in the 21st century, which means it's practically a guarantee you have neck, shoulder, and wrist pain or stiffness at least on occasion. If you do the following sequence of stretches on a regular basis, you should see noticeable improvement in those symptoms.

A word about stretching first-- the point of a stretch is not to push yourself to the point of pain. Discomfort is okay; that means you're having an effect. But discomfort is the only edge you should ride, not pain. Duration, not intensity, is the key here. Hold each stretch for a minimum of 30 seconds, upwards of a full minute if you feel you'd benefit from it. Do the stretches that target your problem areas at least three times a week, preferably every day. If it's persistent wrist pain, do the wrist stretch multiple times each day. Set an alarm on your phone if you have to.

For major rehab, apply heat or ice thoroughly for 20 minutes before beginning. I recommend heat on the neck and ice on the wrist muscles, which actually live up near your elbow (we'll get to that later).

If you keep this up for a couple weeks, you'll probably agree with me that it was worth it. And remember: breathe.

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