The importance of good posture cannot be stressed enough in modern times. It extends far beyond our outward appearance and aesthetics. Your posture is an indication of muscle balance and spinal alignment. Health practitioners around the world are seeing a sharp rise in health problems arising from poor posture, especially in children with the rise in computer games and electronic device use.
It is often the case where postural problems initiate a chain of events that can result in unnecessary pain and stiffness, stress on other parts of the body, and time off work. The issue is becoming more relevant as we tend to spend more time at work. However, bad posture can also be problematic at home after hours, affecting parents and children.
Achieving good posture is more complicated than simply ‘putting your shoulders back’. For example, did you know that most people’s postural problems can originate from several postural problem areas in the body; forward head, rounded shoulders and pelvic tilt are just a few.
A postural assessment may include:
- Detailed postural observation
- Muscle length and muscle control testing
- Full spine assessment
- Evaluation of functional tasks
- Ergonomic Work place assessments
To help combat poor posture your health professional may recommend the following to achieve and maintain good posture:
- A personalised stretching and exercise program that is tailored specifically to you, bracing and/or taping techniques
- Core-stability exercises
- Ergonomic advice for your work and home environments
- Musculoskeletal assessment and treatment
An assessment of your posture can screen for structural problems and muscle imbalances but more importantly, it improves your body awareness which is important for injury prevention. Being aware of good posture is the first step to breaking poor postural habits and reducing stress and strain on your body.
A treatment program may include postural advice, manual treatment and rehabilitation exercises which can help to re-establish a flexible, strong and pain-free posture.
Note: All therapy is based upon an accurate medical diagnosis of your condition including collating a thorough case history, including ongoing clinical conditions, present medications, traumatic/surgical history, and lifestyle factors, prior to developing a tailored therapy plan for your particular condition(s).
