How a Standing Desk Riser Can Unlock Better Posture & Less Pain

Adding a tabletop standing desk riser, can make a real difference in how your body feels. As a massage therapist, I see a lot of people dealing with the aches and pains that come from being hunched over a traditional desk all day. Switching things up with a standing desk riser can be a fantastic way to alleviate some of that and bring about some really positive changes for your posture and overall well-being.

Here are some key benefits I often discuss with my clients:

1. Improved Posture: This is a big one!

   • How it helps: When you’re standing, it’s naturally easier to engage your core and keep your spine in a more neutral alignment. Think about it – when you slouch in a chair, your shoulders round, your head juts forward, and your lower back can get compressed. A standing desk riser encourages you to lengthen your spine, draw your shoulders back and down, and align your head over your shoulders.
   • From a massage therapist’s perspective: I often work on releasing tension in the neck, shoulders (especially the trapezius and levator scapulae muscles), and lower back (like the quadratus lumborum and erector spinae). Better posture from standing can reduce the chronic strain on these muscles, meaning less tightness and fewer trigger points for me to work on! It helps maintain the benefits of your massage for longer.

2. Reduced Back Pain:

   • How it helps: Prolonged sitting, especially with poor posture, puts a lot of pressure on the intervertebral discs in your spine and can lead to lower back pain. Alternating between sitting and standing can decompress the spine and reduce this strain. Standing also encourages more movement, even subtle shifts in weight, which is better for your back than static sitting.  
     
      

      
   • From a massage therapist’s perspective: Many clients come in specifically for lower back pain. While massage can provide relief, addressing the root cause is crucial. A standing desk riser can be a proactive step in managing and preventing the recurrence of this pain by taking pressure off those sensitive lumbar structures.

3. Alleviation of Neck and Shoulder Pain:

   • How it helps: “Tech neck” is a common complaint – that forward head posture from looking down at screens. When you stand, you can adjust the height of your monitor and keyboard on the riser to be at a more ergonomic level. This means your screen is at eye level, and your wrists are in a neutral position while typing, reducing strain on your neck, shoulders, and upper back.  
     
      
   • From a massage therapist’s perspective: I spend a lot of time working on tight scalenes, sternocleidomastoid (SCM), and upper trapezius muscles, all of which can become chronically shortened and overworked from poor desk ergonomics. A standing desk riser helps create a setup that counteracts this, leading to less tension and fewer headaches related to muscle strain.

4. Increased Energy Levels and Improved Mood:

   • How it helps: Standing naturally encourages more movement and can boost circulation. This can lead to feeling more alert and less fatigued compared to long periods of sedentary behavior. Some studies even suggest standing can positively impact mood.
   • From a massage therapist’s perspective: When your body feels better and less stagnant, your overall sense of well-being improves. Reduced pain and discomfort can certainly lift your spirits. Plus, better circulation is always a good thing for muscle health and recovery.

5. Enhanced Core Engagement:

   • How it helps: To stand comfortably for periods, you naturally engage your core muscles (abdominals and back extensors) to a greater degree than when you’re slumped in a chair. This isn’t like doing a plank, but it’s a gentle, consistent engagement that helps with stability.
   • From a massage therapist’s perspective: A stronger, more engaged core provides better support for your spine. This can lessen the load on other muscles that might otherwise compensate, leading to imbalances and pain. It contributes to overall postural stability, which we always aim to promote.  
     
      

6. Potential for Increased Calorie Burn (Slightly!):

   • How it helps: You do burn a few more calories standing than sitting. While it’s not a substitute for exercise, over time, these small increments can add up.
   • From a massage therapist’s perspective: While not a primary focus of massage, encouraging any form of increased activity and healthier habits is always beneficial for overall physical health, which complements the work we do on the table.

Important Considerations I’d Share with a Client:

• It’s about balance: The goal isn’t to stand all day. Alternating between sitting and standing is key. Listen to your body. Start with short periods of standing and gradually increase.
• Proper setup is crucial: Ensure your riser allows your monitor to be at eye level and your keyboard and mouse to be at a height where your elbows are at about 90 degrees and your wrists are straight.
• Supportive footwear: If you’re standing for longer periods, wear comfortable, supportive shoes.
• Consider an anti-fatigue mat: This can make standing more comfortable, especially on harder floors.
• Movement is still important: Even when standing, remember to shift your weight, take small breaks to walk around, and stretch.

Incorporating a tabletop standing desk riser can be a really positive lifestyle change that complements the benefits you get from massage therapy. It empowers you to take an active role in managing your posture and reducing pain throughout your workday. Think of it as an investment in your body’s long-term comfort and health!