Taking care of your body if you’re a competitive gamer

By Emanual Banakh - Remedial Massage Therapist

Welcome to the age of information! Everything is constantly evolving and transforming, especially in regard to technology. Old industries are being updated, and entirely new ones, like competitive gaming (eSports), have emerged. But with this new lifestyle comes a new set of physical challenges.

The Physical Demands of Gaming

Competitive gaming requires intense focus, rapid reflexes, and hours of sitting in front of a screen. This can lead to a host of physical issues:

• Postural Strain: "Gamer's neck" (forward head posture) and rounded shoulders from leaning toward the screen.
• Repetitive Strain Injuries (RSIs): Carpal tunnel syndrome, "mouse elbow," and thumb tendinitis from rapid, repetitive clicking and controller use.
• Eye Strain and Headaches: Prolonged screen time can cause tension headaches and eye fatigue.
• Lower Back Pain: Sitting for extended periods without adequate lumbar support places significant pressure on the lower spine.

Self-Care for Gamers

To maintain peak performance and avoid injury, gamers need to prioritize physical health. This includes optimising ergonomics (chair height, monitor position), taking regular movement breaks, performing hand and wrist stretches, and engaging in regular physical exercise. Remedial massage can be an excellent tool for releasing accumulated tension in the forearms, neck, and shoulders, keeping you in the game longer.