Improve Your Posture
Good posture sets you up for success. When the frame is aligned, your heels, knees, pelvis, and neck are all stacked on top of each other, and your body moves much more efficiently, reducing the probability of injury. Proper posture means that we use the most efficient amount of energy to keep our joints aligned. Nothing good comes from poor posture. Aside from making you look like you’re 10 pounds heavier, it causes back pain, issues with spinal health, and it pulls your muscles and ligaments out of balance causing them to tighten and weaken. The negative conditions that stem from poor posture go on and on and should be kept in mind when your body defaults to that familiar slouch. Poor posture doesn’t just happen overnight but it takes years to take hold and isn’t so easy to reverse. For this simple reason, it’s a great idea to improve your posture today, before it’s too late.
What causes poor posture?
Constantly sitting in a slouched position, like many people do in the workplace, will cause you to have poor posture. Many people also sit with their heads too far forward, causing the body to go out of alignment. Standing posture is also important and is arguably the most difficult to maintain as the body is unsupported and must work against gravity. Remember every time your mom told you to “Stand up straight”? She had a good reason for doing so. Poor posture in any position, even when laying down, takes its toll on the body.
When should I seek treatment for poor posture?
If you’re experiencing symptoms of body aches, lower back pain, neck pain, shoulder and arm pain, as a result of poor posture, it’s a good idea to seek treatment to correct these issues. Delaying improvement will only make recovery last longer and has the potential to negatively affect your body’s function in the long-term.
How can physical therapy help to improve posture?
Your physical therapist will conduct a full body evaluation to find the negative factors contributing to your poor posture. They’ll work to build a plan of care that is unique to your body and the activities in which you regularly participate to help and correct your posture and to eliminate any pain or discomfort. They may incorporate techniques such as:
• Manual therapy skilled, hands-on techniques like soft tissue massage, used to alleviate aches and pains in the back that occur as a result of poor posture, and spinal mobilization, used to gently increase the passive range of motion.
• Ergonomic education to modify daily behaviors that may be contributing to your pain and to assess your workstation to make sure you’re not putting yourself at risk for further injury.
• Custom strengthening exercises to target core and mid-back muscles and improve your balance.
Physical therapists can provide the necessary tools to treat poor posture, allowing you to return to your favorite activities pain-free and better than ever! To learn more about posture or to eliminate any current discomfort, book a physical therapy assessment today.
Request an Appointment“Fantastic and knowledgeable therapist. Not only did she treat my injury, she educated me on ways to address problems with my posture and improve my strength and ability.”
Our Locations
SE Portland Location:
2808 E Burnside St.
Portland, OR 97214
Phone: (503) 850-2463
Fax: (503) 477-9395
Email: info@therapydiaportland.com
Lake Oswego Location:
4811 Meadows Rd #105
Lake Oswego, OR 97035
Phone: (503) 343-9320
Fax: (503) 908-1518
Email: hello@therapydiaportland.com
Beaverton Location:
3925 SW 153rd Dr #210
Beaverton, OR 97006
Phone: (971) 216-3816
Fax: (971) 727-8179
Email: hello@therapydiabeaverton.com
Pearl Location:
809 NW 11th Ave
Portland, Oregon, 97209
Phone: (971) 803-6401
Fax: (971) 254-8979
Email: hello@therapydiapearl.com
