PhysioDC

Physical Therapy

  • Home
  • About
    • Physical Therapists
      • Daniel Baumstark
      • Christopher Cousins
      • Kira Davis
      • Christina Eidi
      • Molly Horan
      • Bradley Rosenblum
      • Jahan Shiekhy
    • Treatment Philosophy
    • Patient Reviews
    • Resources
  • Services
    • Physical Therapy
    • Hand Therapy
    • Running Analysis
    • Functional Dry Needling
    • Concussion Management
    • Dance Rehabilitation
    • Custom Orthotics
    • Personal Training
  • Products
  • Media
    • Podcasts
    • Photo Gallery
    • Exercise Videos
  • Forms
  • Billing
    • Insurance
    • Payments
  • Blog
    • Select Your Body Part
  • Directions
  • Contact

Sitting Disease – The New Smoking: One Reason Fidgeting Is a Good Thing

Last updated on December 16, 2016 By Dana Logan, MSPT Leave a Comment

sitting disease
Our ancestors walked or ran 10-20 miles a day, while the average American today sits 15 hours a day. Talk about a dramatic change in lifestyle. It seems we are wising up to some of the overuse injuries that occur due to sitting for extended periods of time, especially staring at a computer screen and using a keyboard or mouse. Carpal tunnel syndrome, elbow tendonitis, neck strain, eyestrain and low back pain are just a few of the common overuse injuries that may result from sitting for prolonged periods. Improved ergonomics, postural exercises, and early care are becoming more recognized as essential components to keep the office worker healthy, although there is still quite a bit of room for improvement.

But have you ever heard of “sitting disease”? This is a physiological change in our blood enzymes that occurs after sitting for only 60-90 minutes. A key metabolic enzyme, lipoprotein lipase, circulates in our blood. One of the primary responsibilities of this enzyme is fat absorption. After sitting for a period as short as 60 minutes this enzyme goes to sleep, meaning it stops doing its job of absorbing fat in our blood stream. Because of this, sitting has been linked to obesity, increased risk for adult onset diabetes, and high cholesterol, just to name a few.

The silver lining is that it has been shown that actively contracting your muscles, even while sitting, can keep this enzyme awake. So, while you’re sitting at your desk, take a few minutes and squeeze your butt, or your abs, or pump your ankles up and down. Better yet get up and move; but if you can’t manage to take a break, at least fidget a little.

Filed Under: Exercise & Fitness, Featured



Additional Articles

surfing the ocean wave
Pride and Exercise
head arms neutral floor in resting position
Can You Do This Simple Exercise?
Right Side Dominant?

My Shoulder Blades Are Not Even!
When Can I Start Working Out After Shoulder Surgery?
Should I Use Ice or Should I Use Heat?

FTC Compliance Disclaimer: PhysioDC.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com; proceeds from product sales help cover the operational & maintenance costs for the site.

physical therapist recommended products

Ask a Physical Therapist a Question Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Disclaimer: By clicking on the I Agree button below, the individual posting a question fully understands that any response to the question is merely the opinion of the physical therapist and should not be taken as a prescribed course of action. Any advice given by the therapist must be cleared with the treating physician involved in direct patient care. The person posing the question absolves the responder of any liability in regards to opinions given.

2 × 5 =

Contact PhysioDC

Office: 202-223-8500
Fax: 202-379-9299
Email Us
Listen to Our Podcast

Physical Therapy Office Location

1001 Connecticut Avenue NW, Suite 330
Washington, DC 20036

Click here for directions

Offering the Following Services

  • Physical Therapy
  • Hand Therapy
  • Running Analysis
  • Functional Dry Needling
  • Concussion Management
  • Dance Rehabilitation
  • Custom Orthotics

Select Your Body Part

Click the image below to try our Select Your Body Part tool to read articles relevant to you.

Most Popular Articles

  • 1. Why Won’t My Elbow Straighten?
  • 2. When Can I Start Working Out After Shoulder Surgery?
  • 3. Managing Expectations When Recovering from Labral Repair
  • 4. Shoulder Surgery: When Can I Get Rid of My Shoulder Sling?
  • 5. Why Are My Ring Finger & Pinky Finger Numb?
  • 6. Two Long-Term Effects of Ankle Sprains
  • 7. Post-Surgical Ankle Boot? Please Get a Lift For Your Other Shoe!
  • 8. How to Sleep Comfortably after Shoulder Surgery
  • 9. Physical Therapist Reviews Shaun T’s Insanity Routine
  • 10. Do Your Ribs Move?
  • 11. Hip Labral Repair Rehabilitation: What To Expect
  • 12. Why Should I Stretch My Back on a Foam Roll?
  • 13. Physical Therapist CEUs (Continuing Education Units)

Recent Posts

  • Ten Common Ways To Strain Your Neck
  • Swan Neck Deformity of the Finger
  • Pride and Exercise
  • Can You Do This Simple Exercise?
  • Five Holistic Strategies for Managing Pain
  • The Healthcare Plight of the Working Dancer
  • How Long Will It Take Me To Recover From Surgery?
  • Right Side Dominant?
  • Getting en Pointe: For the Progressing Dancer
  • Ruling Out Alternative Causes Of Spinal Pain

Join the Discussion

  • Nikolai Wyman-Beauregard on Experiencing Stiff Hands?
  • Anna on Getting en Pointe: For the Progressing Dancer
  • Barbara on Why Won’t My Finger Straighten?
  • Karo on I Can’t Open My Hand All the Way: A Look at Dupuytren’s Disease
  • Jimmy on Low Back Problems Can Be a Real Pain in the Butt
  • Cathrine Katsigianni on Floor Barre Practice for Dancers
  • Cathy Freeland on Should I Use Ice or Should I Use Heat?
  • Dan Baumstark, MSPT, CHT on Can You Balance on One Leg?
  • Dan Baumstark, MSPT, CHT on Microfracture Knee Surgery Rehabilitation
  • Dan Baumstark, MSPT, CHT on Review of Specialized Sleeping Pillow

PhysioDC Address

1001 Connecticut Avenue NW, Suite 330
Washington, DC 20036
Entrance on K Street

Find us on Google Maps

Office Hours

Monday-Thursday    7:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday 7:30 AM - 3:00 PM

Contact PhysioDC

Office: 202-223-8500
Fax: 202-379-9299

Email Us through our online contact form.

Copyright © 2023 Washington PhysioDC, LLC · Sitemap · Privacy Policy · Disclaimer
PhysioDC is a unique, physical therapist owned & operated rehabilitation clinic conveniently located in downtown Washington, D.C.

Resources · Recommended Products · Exercise Videos · Podcasts · Photo Gallery

DISCLAIMER: The information on this site is for Educational Purposes Only and is not designed to diagnose, treat, mitigate, prevent or cure any health conditions. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has not evaluated statements about these health topics or any suggested product compositions. Answers to questions submitted are merely the opinion of the physical therapist and should not be taken as a prescribed course of action. Any advice given by the therapist must be cleared with the treating physician involved in direct patient care. The person posing the question absolves the responder of any liability in regards to opinions given. PhysioDC insists that all patients receive approval from a prescribing physician prior to starting a structured exercise program involving any of the exercises included on this site. PhysioDC.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com; proceeds from product sales help cover the operational & maintenance costs for the site.