Teton Therapy’s Zac Schaller, MOT, OTR/L, is a Masters-level Occupational Therapist in practice since 2021. Providing upper-extremity rehabilitation in Fremont County with an emphasis on shoulder recovery, he is now practicing full-time at Teton Therapy’s Lander clinic. His guides to shoulder issues and rehabilitation are a weekly feature.
We’re in that long stretch between Thanksgiving and Christmas – when workdays feel extra full, screens feel extra bright, and shoulders start to feel the effects of long hours at a desk. This week, Schaller is highlighting why the shoulder is especially vulnerable during long periods of desk work.
In his practice at Teton Therapy’s Lander clinic, Schaller sees a familiar pattern in many of his patients who work with computers: “The shoulders roll forward, the head moves toward the screen, and the upper [back muscles], chest, and front of the shoulder becomes overactive.” He explains that this forces the muscles around the shoulder to work harder just to keep the arm stable: “The rotator cuff must work harder to stabilize the arm.” Over time, that extra strain can lead to pinching, weakness, and general discomfort.
As Schaller emphasizes, “Your shoulder isn’t designed to hold that ‘hunched’ position for hours at a time.”
In his latest blog, Schaller breaks down:
- How your shoulder blade supports pain-free movement
- Why posture changes after long workdays
- Easy resets you can do every hour
- Two quick strengthening exercises that prevent end-of-day aches
If your shoulders already feel tight, pinchy, or tired by the afternoon, Schaller recommends addressing it early. “These issues are very fixable,” he says. “Most people improve quickly once we target the right muscles.”
Zac Schaller, MOT, OTR/L, is available for free consultations at Teton Therapy’s Lander clinic and can help review your posture, desk setup, shoulder mechanics, and any nagging discomfort you’ve been ignoring during the year-end rush.
Call Teton Therapy’s Lander clinic at 307-332-2230, or Teton Therapy’s Riverton clinic at 307-857-7074 to schedule.
