When it comes to body aches and pains, there is a common thread that joins far too many conditions: poor posture. Correcting posture is one of the most common tasks for physiotherapists as the painful effects of posture are far-reaching, from shoulder injuries to back pain to headaches.
The Posture Problem
Our modern lives are filled with poor posture traps. We recline in front of the television, we sit all day at our desks and spend too long stuck in traffic, all of which make good posture a challenge. You may find yourself at physiotherapy for a sudden strain or injury, but chances are your posture was a contributing factor working away for quite some time.
The Good News
Small, simple changes to your habits, as guided by your physiotherapist, can help you experience major improvements. Your physio will assess your posture and give you daily exercises to bring your body back into balance. Your physiotherapist will also recommend adjustments to your sitting and standing style which will stop the problem from returning.
The Benefits of Good Posture
Fewer aches and pains – those dull but frequent back pains and neck cricks that brought you to physio will ease with improved posture as correct alignment makes better use of your muscles, easing the pressure off bones and joints.
Sleep – if you think posture is irrelevant when it comes to sleep, think again! Sorting out your posture will lead to a sounder, deeper, more restful sleep.
Improved energy – since your muscles, joints and ligaments won’t be working overtime to compensate, you’ll find you have more energy for everyday life.
Better breathing – proper breathing is an important part of physiotherapy and posture is key when it comes to taking in full, deep, diaphragmatic breathes. When you breathe properly your body relaxes, your mental capacity increases and your well-being improves.
Long term health – the earlier you see a physiotherapist, the better as good posture will improve spinal health which effects your entire nervous system and keep conditions like kyphosis (curvature of the spine) and slipped discs at bay.
Don’t suffer in silence. Poor posture is incredibly common and it’s a hard habit to break on your own. If you’re in Tauranga, Mount Maunganui or Papamoa, the physio team at Body In Motion can sort your posture out!