With a masseur, chiropractor or naprapat it is impossible to keep two meters away. Therefore, when the corona virus spread in Sweden, many became afraid of the infection risk and stopped coming completely.

"But we are a legitimate healthcare professional, so we take the necessary measures regarding basic hygiene practices and the like," says Fredrik Lange, chairman of the National Chiropractors' Association (LKR).

LKR has 230 members - who lost a total of 40 percent of their turnover during the crisis.

It is also difficult for many masseurs, says Lars Carlstrand, chairman of the Swedish Massage Association with 15,000 members. But something has happened in recent weeks, both Swedish Massage and LKR testify.

Sitting too much

Customers will return. And among those who come, a greater proportion of work-related problems are linked to home jobs.

- We have seen a doubling in recent weeks, especially in Stockholm. Ergonomic, well-thought-out workplaces have been replaced by working in children's playrooms or on the couch at home. In the long run, it affects, ”says Lars Carlstrand.

Pain in the neck, shoulders, lower back and lower back is common. Also tension headaches due to poor circulation and tense muscles after very sedentary.

The reason is not only that you often sit like a shrimp in front of a small laptop, at a desk that cannot be raised or lowered - but also that you sit too much.

- You do not have the same routines with regular breaks, and since you talk to people via the computer you do not take any micropauses. If you talk on the phone you can walk around in the meantime, but with someone on the other side of the screen you often sit hour after hour, says Fredrik Lange.

"Suffering in silence"

In order to avoid pain, it is important to change work position frequently and to move. Preferably by taking a longer walk or doing yoga on the lunch break, but also by touching shoulders, arms and neck during regular shorter breaks. You can also take a hot bath or shower to soften the muscles.

But the most important thing is to seek help if you need it.

- Many people sit at home and suffer in silence because they want to keep social distance. It is important to follow the advice, but if you have major problems you should seek help, says Fredrik Lange.

Lars Carlstrand agrees:

- It is safe to go to a professional masseur, we have the same rules as in hospitals with handgun and to wash the bench. We can relieve the care and take care of people, he says.