Stretch and relax

A LERWICK physiotherapy business is offering a new service tailored for businesses keen to keep their employees healthy.

Ross Smith of Injury Shetland said that 4.3 million working days are lost in the UK every year because of workplace injuries.

And, contrary to common belief, a significant number of people suffer injuries in an office environment.

To combat that Injury Shetland has now drawn up a programme that not only educates businesses about workplace injuries, but also offers employees stretch and relax classes.

Smith said the new service also ties in with the NHS’s “healthy working lives” initiative.

“People forget that the most important thing in our workplace is ourselves, not the computer, desk, ergonomic mouse or fancy chair.

“A short presentation will be tailored to specific business environments and workplace demands.

“The group will then be taught stretches and exercises to release tight muscles in a stretch and relax class.

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“While the initial groups that have enjoyed this service have been office workers, it could just as easily be tailored to other industries as well,” he said.

Even if a business has not signed up for this initiative, their workers could still benefit from the new service.

Smith said that to tie in with the new business service, the company offers lunchtime and evening classes in Pilates, physio core control, stretch and relaxation, as well as sports performance classes to keep everybody injury and pain free.

“You can come in to strengthen weak muscles, stretch muscles that are too tight or just enjoy getting away from your desk for a bit during the day,” he said.

Updates on Injury Shetland classes can be found on the company’s Facebook site.