Posture
#tips4life How to improve your posture
Welcome to – #tips4life the Fort Healthcare lifestyle health blog. Through our experiences treating at our clinics, we often come across similar injuries and health issues. The #tips4life blog aims to practically address these problems. We always welcome suggestions on topics you may want us to tackle. Find us on Facebook, Instagram, Google+ or visit us at forthealthcare.com.au.
Slumping at a desk, leading a sedentary lifestyle or physical injuries are the primary causes of poor posture. If poor posture is not assessed and treated, as time progresses, it can cause a detrimental effect on a body. Poor posture will ultimately cause reoccurring issues in the shoulders, spine, knees and hips. The affected areas usually suffer from pain and ailments related to joint pain and reduced flexibility.
Posture is rarely a scare word for most people. In modern society where sedentary lifestyle is common, postural issues (whilst uncomfortable) are often not taken as seriously as they should be. A fact which is rarely recognised is that posture doesn’t get better or simply correct itself on its own. A person must make a conscious effort to alter habits and strengthen their body as a preventative measure to future pain.
As each individual’s anatomy is structurally different, it is impossible to define an exact formula for good posture. Generally it is described as the body’s natural and healthy stance in a normal position. Good posture is evident when a person is standing and their body is naturally straight or aligned or sitting without a lean or a hunch. Good posture promotes muscles function, circulation and can minimise fatigue.
A physiotherapist or a chiropractor will conduct a postural assessment to identify the weakening part of the musculoskeletal system that needs to be corrected. The professional will then recommend numerous types of exercises and programmes that need to be undertaken between treatments to address the specific issue.Contrary to popular belief, not all posture issues originate from the same area. There are several types that a professional will identify during a postural assessment.
Self-diagnosis of poor posture is inadequate as there are so many different variants of posture-related conditions that could be causing you pain. Some of the variants are:
- Forward Head Carriage
Forward head carriage is when the head has drooped forward of the body’s center of gravity. - Rounded shoulders
Rounded shoulders are caused by a weakness in the muscles in the lower and middle parts of the back (the trapezius) - Elevated shoulders
Elevated shoulders are related to a weakening of muscles under the chest. - Anterior pelvic tilt
A spine can change position if the individual is experiencing tight hip flexors. - Pigeon toes
An individual experiencing weak glutes will shift their posture to compensate for it.
To receive an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan for postural pain, book an appointment with us at Fort Healthcare.
