PHYSICAL THERAPY N E W S L E T T E R
S T A N D CORRECT ED ! CORRECT YOUR POSTURE FOR A MORE COMFORTABLE LIFE!
Poor posture leads to excessive strain on your joints, muscles, tendons, and ligaments. It also weakens many of the core muscles that are needed in order to keep you upright and healthy. Posture changes occur over time and most people don’t pay attention to them until they begin to notice aches and pains. Even if you exercise regularly, it is possible that there are still a few weak muscles contributing to your posture that you may not even realize. The muscles in your shoulders, back, abdomen, buttocks, and pelvic floor all play an important role in your posture. If even one of these is weak, your core will be affected, and your posture may suffer. Your body is designed to align perfectly, in order to allow for proper movement of the muscles, breathing, and blood circulation. If poor posture continues, it can eventually lead to chronic conditions as you age. Improving your posture: Our physical therapists are experts in evaluating posture and movement. By pinpointing the source of your aches and pains, we can develop a plan for you that will return you to an ideal posture and quickly relieve your pain. In fact, physical therapy has been proven as one of the most successful methods for improving posture. According to a study published by the National Institutes of Health, titled, “Evidence-based protocol for structural rehabilitation of the spine and posture,” the method of structural rehabilitation has a strong efficacy for back pain, neck pain, and postural improvement. Physical therapists have found success in using their methods to treat postural issues, as well as the chronic conditions that may develop as a result.
How do you maintain your posture throughout the day? Do you catch yourself slouching frequently? Do those last couple hours of the school or work day leave you hunched over and ready to leave? If you are experiencing aches and pains, especially in your neck or back, poor posture is probably to blame. Fortunately, posture can be improved with the help of physical therapy. Call us today to learn more about how you can improve your posture and lead a pain-free, active life! The 3 curves of your spine: Your spine has 3 curves, which provide support and flexibility, in addition to protecting the nerves running up and down your spine. Your neck and lower back should be gently curved in, while your upper back should be slightly curved out. When you slouch, the spine in your neck and lower back actually becomes straighter, while the upper back becomes excessively curved. This produces a forward-head posture and humped upper back. If your abdominal muscles are weak, you may also experience an excessive arch in your lower back. Common postural issues: Poor posture isn’t anything to be embarrassed about - very few people have perfect posture, and most people partake in bad posture habits in one way or another. We become so wrapped up in whatever tasks we are doing that we forget to think about the way our bodies are positioned. Improper posture isn’t due to laziness or apathy; rather, it generally has something to do with a physical weakness within our bodies. We slouch and slump when we feel drained because our bodies (quite literally) get tired of holding us up.
Learn more by visiting our website at TotalPerformancePT.com or schedule your consultation today by calling 215.997.9898 !
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