Are you hunched over your computer right this very moment? I know I am ALWAYS leaning forward to view the computer, or hunching over my laptop to type. NOT GOOD!
Burke Williams Day Spa (one of my favorites – if not THE FAVORITE spa of all time) has just introduced a new massage enhancement called the Dot.com. I had a massage with the Dot.com enhancement last Friday (comped by Burke Williams – thank you BW!). The massage therapist put a warm pack on my abdomen and bolsters under my back to get my shoulders to open up. Then she massaged and pressed on my chest, and had me hold on to a bar to stretch me in different directions. She also used a ball to massage my arms, back and chest. After that, she did a typical massage – focusing on my trigger points (AKA knots). All of this was to combat the negative effects of forward posture resulting from time spent in front of a computer, on a smart phone and driving a car. I was worried that the Dot.com would make the massage less relaxing and more like work? Not at all. The massage therapist did all the work. I was able to relax with my eyes closed while she worked. I would recommend this add-on (and regular massages) for anyone who spends all day on a computer (where my bloggers at?!).
Dot.com addresses prevalent issues from everyday life including head and shoulder forward posture, thoracic outlet syndrome and carpel tunnel syndrome. The service incorporates a back bolstering technique to work the shoulder girdle area, use of a therapeutic ball for shoulder and arm work, and a therapeutic wand as a way to enhance the stretching techniques used to open up the pectoral muscles and extend the front of the body. This powerful combination of techniques target tension in the neck, back and shoulders. Although the service is designed to be therapeutic, guests will still receive the benefits of rest and relaxation through clay heat packs that help calm and center the body during the enhancement session.
The Dot.com enhancement is available for $20. It can be added on to a Pure Relaxation Massage and the Deep Tissue Massage. The enhancement will last 20 minutes of the entire massage experience (but does not add to the length of the massage). The service will produce immediate results in posture. It is recommended that Dot.com be booked regularly to produce the most effective and lasting results.
While I was at Burke Williams, I also got a facial (I used a gift certificate given to me by a good friend – woo hoo!) and it was also pretty amazing. That was the second facial I’ve had at BW and both times the aestheticians have recommended using clay products to help my acne-prone but dehydrated skin. I bought the cruelty free H2V Mask (the same one used in the facials) and I love it. It’s also opened my eyes to other products that contain mineral-rich clay.
Did I mention that I used the spa’s 2 hot tubs, hot sauna, wet sauna and eucalyptus misting room for an hour before my treatments? I also ate fresh fruit, put rosemary/eucalyptus towels around my neck, sipped lemonade and spa water and relaxed in the semi-private “quiet room.” Yeah – last Friday was a good day! I can’t wait to go back!
Visit a Burke Williams near you and let me know what you think!
Wow…seems you were really pampered! I do a lot of computer work myself and can be seated for many minutes just working and typing on my laptop.
OMG, I could use everything you did last Friday SO much! I spend lots of hours a day on my laptop, at my desk at work, on the couch at home, always have back aches after that. When I lay in bed at night and my back straightens out it kills me. I really want to try all that! Thanks a lot for sharing! You rock!
Thanks for the useful tips and In my opinion if you want no interruption because of laptops during working time then go for the rugged laptops because they can be use under any conditions.
This sounds like an amazing experience. I’m working at a desk job all day and blogging all night I’m starting feel like Gollum all all hunchbacked and grey.
I totally know the feeling! I spend way too much time hunched over the computer and I know that my back feels it afterwards no matter how many times I try to switch to a more comfortable position. Maybe I’ll try getting that Dot.com massage or something similar to get those internet kinks out of my back! 🙂
What a perfect gift to ask for, or give this holiday season. I spend all day working in front of a computer and I have noticed the effects. I stand up not so tall these days. I can’t really afford to continue to go to a massage session as often as I need, or would like so this is the perfect solution. At such a great price, it is well worth the money, even if it is not as good as my massage therapist. Thanks for the information and suggestion.
Useful, because as a freelance web developer I also used to sit a lot on the computer. Just a quick advice : find yourself a comfortable chair, before something bad happens with your back.
Yes I have my eye on a nice one! Gotta save up! 🙂
That’s what I do, I sit at a computer day in and day out. Thank you for your information on how to cure my aching back. I sit hunched over all day and it is starting to have long term effects on everything in my body. Your tips on how to fix the problem should probably include walking away from the computer every once in a while. If we didn’t spend so much time in front of computers, we wouldn’t have to worry about fixing the problems that arise from doing so.
thanks, ill give it a try as my back is suffering due to my developer work so much 🙁
Great point Zara – walking away from the computer is something I rarely do, but I know I NEED to!
Lovely and eductive article.Leaving my PC for a rest is what I try to do but never have the chance to do so at my wish.Except i’m being called upon or having an appointment b4 I could let it a rest.
I have aching back due to sitting in front of computer all day long.
I try to force myself to take a break every 1 hour and it gets better lately.
It is embrassing… I’m more worried about getting ass wider…
This is such GREAT advise! Thanks Jen, I have TERRIBLE posture when it comes to sitting at my PC all day.
xx
Hello,
Thank you very much for sharing this great advice! I believe that whenever you’re seated, it’s important to think about your posture every now and then. Make sure that your back is straight, you’re not slouching, and your head is in alignment.
Regards,
Anne
I spend most days in front of my computer and one thing that I have found that really helps me is static exercises like the plank or the side plank. Both of these increase core strength. I have to say that doing both of those regularly, as well as going for walks/runs really helps with how much my back hurts.
Sounds like you had an wonderful experience… Hey i have one question for you… Is this spa open on Sundays also.. I am not free on week days…
Great Article .. I found it so useful for me .. Keep moving and thanks for sharing it 🙂
Great Article .. Actually , Thanks for sharing it , it’s so useful 🙂
Great Article .. Thanks for sharing it , I learned A lot by reading this article .. Keep moving 🙂
As a Sports massage therapist in the UK, I also find the use of a ball useful in counteracting tight muscles in the neck and back due to working at a computer or laptop. Well done for sharing this with your viewers.
Most of the times in a day I spend of computer I get many help of this article like the plank or the side plank. This are going for walk and help me.
Massage therapy does wonders to help deal with lower back pain. find yourself a good ergonomically designed chair and Good posture can help prevent back pain.
Sounds like an amazing experience. I’m working at a programming job all day and sometime blogging I’m starting feel like Gollum all all hunchbacked and grey.