Postural correction
What is postural correction?
Today our lifestyles have become more sedentary than ever before. After a long day at the office and an even longer commute most of us have a hard time fitting in any exercise. As a result, there is a marked increase in people suffering with neck, shoulder, and back pain.
Symptoms of poor posture
When the body is held in a static position (e,g, sitting) approximately 50% of the body's muscles maintained a static contraction, placing more force on the body than during active movement. This can lead to muscle imbalance, increased pressure and load on the discs in the neck and the back, and decreased blood flow with reduced mobility in the spine. Symptoms may include:
- Pain across the shoulders or neck
- Tension headache
- Nerve pain, heavy feeling or numbness in your arms
- Constant ache in your lower back or neck
- Repetitive strain injuries in your wrist or hand (typing, musicians)
"Good posture"
Having a good posture is essential to prevent posture-related pain, injuries and fatiague. It is important because it allows the equal distribution of weight through the body so that it can function properly and protect against injury. In sitting and standing, "good posture" is a gentle "S" shape of your spine with your head relaxed, balanced in the midline position over your shoulder and your shoulder in-line with your hip.
Postural observation
This will include identifying any tight or weak muscles that may be causing you to slump into a poor posture over time, which in turn may contribute to joint stiffness or hypermobility that are often associated with poor posture.
Exercises to improve posture
Exercise are essential to help you strengthen any weakened muscles or stretch any tight muscles that are causing you to adopt a poor and may be painful posture. Exercises are also given to loosen stiff joints, or to provide more stability to those that are more mobile than they should be. Individualised exercise programme will help you maximise and prolong any benefits gained from the 'hands-on' treatment.
Postural advice and education
Most people are often unaware of any posture or alignment issues that they have. We will provide advice about correct sitting and standing positioning, as well as moving and handling techniques that will help you improve your posture. Our advice will be specific to you and therefore will take into consideration your occupation, driving habits, and other daily or leisure activities. This will allow you to implement our advice into your daily life.
Optimum posture and alignment will help you to be more functional and biomechanically productive and reduce chronic pain symptoms.