AdamsPT: How Bad Posture Affects The Body

Newsletter by Adams Physical Therapy Services Inc.

NEWSLETTER

Physical Therapy Services Inc.

Discover What Could Be SLOWING YOU DOWN! Could It Be Your Posture? We Can Help!

Physical Therapy Services Inc.

NEWSLETTER

THIS IS WHY YOUR POSTURE IS AFFECTING YOU

INSIDE: • What Can I Do About My Posture? • Patient Success Spotlight • Exercise Essentials • Workshop

Do you suffer from daily or recurrent aches and pains? If so, your posture may be the culprit. Just think about the number of hours a day we spend staring at a computer screen, hunched over our desks, or staring at our phones. That creates a lot of stress on the neck and back, especially if you are slouched, titled forward, or looking down for prolonged periods of time. How does poor posture affect me? Changes to your posture can negatively affect your body, and youmay find yourself experiencing some of the following symptoms: • If your posture contains a forward head tilt– This forward-head posture creates a strain on the neck, which can result in neck pain, shoulder pain, arm pain, chronic headaches, and lower back pain. Tilting your head forward for long periods of time shortens the muscles in the back of the neck, and can result in soreness throughout multiple parts of your body. • If your posture contains slouching of the mid-back – If you slouch the middle of your back, you can drive your head forward and alter the way your ribs naturally align. By doing this, you may experience pain in the slouched region of the mid-back, in addition to pain in the neck. If this is your average standing posture, it is important to seek physical therapy treatment right away – over time, standing like this day after day may cause internal issues, as it creates pressure on your lungs, heart, and digestive system.

• If your posture includes sitting for long periods of time – When you sit for prolonged periods of time, the muscles in your hips and legs will stiffen. When these muscles become stiff, they tighten and will pull on the lower back, causing pain. The joints also lose their range of motion, which can cause soreness or achiness in the hips, legs, and back, and can create issues with your gait. The way in which you walk can also have an effect on your posture. When you have improper posture, your center of gravity changes. This can cause your balance to decline, which can cause pain when walking, thus creating a vicious cycle of overcompensation and pain. The most common symptom of poor posture is lower back pain, although pain can be present in other parts of the body, as well. The back muscles constantly contract to keep you upright, and they overcompensate when you slouch or hunch over. Over a period of time, constant poor posture can create an unusual amount of wear and tear on the lower back, which can increase the risk of arthritis in the spine. If you are ready to improve your posture to relieve aches and pains, call to talk to a therapist today at (888) 222-0130! adamsptservices.com

WHAT CAN I DO ABOUT MY POSTURE?

It can be difficult to correct poor posture, but there are a few steps you can take on your own to try and help: 1. Sit properly. – If you are at a desk for extended periods of the day, make sure your stance is okay. Sit upright, place your feet flat on the floor, and try not to cross your legs. Make sure there is a small gap between the back of your knees and the chair. Having a chair with strong back support and padding is also recommended for making your upright position more comfortable. 2. Take stretch breaks. – If you are an office worker, it is not secret that most of the day is spent with limited levels of mobility. It is important to make sure that you get up every 30 minutes or so, and take a small walk, at least for a minute or two. This will help in loosening up your muscles and joints, as well as initiating a stronger blood flow. 3. Exercise. – Exercise is incredibly important, especially if your job produces several hours of inactivity. When you exercise, you are stretching and strengthening certain muscles of your body, including problem areas such as your neck and back. Taking even a small amount of time to walk or jog around the neighborhood every day can highly improve your overall gait. 4. Set up your office properly. – If you work from an office all day, it is important to have a proper ergonomic setup. Make sure that you are at a proper height with your desk chair and computer, so you don’t have to slouch or lean forward. Additionally, make sure your chair has the proper lumbar support needed to help you sit straight while you’re working.

These simple steps can help tremendously with your overall posture. How can physical therapy help? If these at-home treatments don’t work, it is important to consult help from a physical therapist. Simply standing up straight is a fight against gravity, and if you have been standing the wrong way for several years, it may be difficult to change it on your own. However, physical therapists are dedicated to getting you on back on track to a pain free, and risk free life. They will evaluate your posture and gait to determine the best treatments necessary for you, and then they will create a treatment plan unique for your needs. They can improve your posture, eliminate your pain, and get you back to doing the activities you love to do. If you are experiencing pain, and you think it may be a result of your posture, give us a call today. We will help you get back to a comfortable posture with just a few sessions. DEEP TISSUE LASER THERAPY Laser therapy is a non-invasive technique to help reduce pain and inflammation. Laser therapy can be safely used as an adjunct or replacement for pharmaceutical drugs. This pain relief treatment is FDA cleared and enables patients to have an alternative to drugs and surgery. Patients generally see results after 3 to 5 treatments. Although, it’s very common to feel some pain relief after the first visit. Your doctor will develop a treatment plan that is optimal for your condition. FREE LASER THERAPY CONSULTATION Call Today! (888)222-0130 Current and past patients schedule your free laser therapy consultation today! Expires 10/28/19

Physical Therapy Ser

rapyServices Inc.

PATIENT SUCCESS SPOTLIGHT

Physical Therapy Services Inc.

I’m back on my feet!

WE MAKE IT EASY TO

SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT!

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Open your smart phone to the camera app 2. Center the QR code above in the frame (this will take you directly to our web page)

“I was at a Cornell wrestling tournament when I got into a funky scramble and tore my LCL. I thought I’d be out of football; however, with the help of Adams Physical Therapy, I’m back on my feet - In time for Friday Night Lights!” - Cooper J.

3. Schedule your next appointment!

You can read more patient success stories like these, or even submit your own by visiting our website adamsptservices.com

Exercise Essential

rvices Inc.

Stretches Back PRONE ALTERNATE ARM AND LEG While lying face down and keeping your lower abdominals tight, slowly raise up an arm and opposite leg. Slowly lower and then raise the opposite side. Do not allow your spine to move the entire time. Complete 6 repetitions on each side. Exercisescopyrightof

Complimentary Workshops ROTATOR CUFF & SHOULDER PAIN THURS. SEPTEMBER 12 AT 6 PM NEWWORKSHOP ALERT Wewillnowbeofferingakneepainworkshopandwillofferopportunity forour patients to reachout tous to letusknowwhat theywant toknowaboutkneepain. KNEE PAIN THURS. SEPTEMBER 26 AT 6 PM Call 888-222-0130 or visit adamsptservices.com To Register SPACES FILL UP FAST!

Always consultyourphysical therapistorphysicianbefore starting exercisesyouareunsureofdoing.

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