Posture

Posture is the position in which we hold our bodies whilst standing, sitting or lying down. Good posture may be described as the correct alignment of body parts, supported by the right amount of muscle tension against gravity.

It’s important to have correct posture to reduce strain and support ligaments during movement and weight-bearing activities.

What can good posture do for me?

Good posture keeps bones and joints in correct alignment. This means that our muscles are used correctly, decreasing the abnormal wearing of joint surfaces that could result in degenerative arthritis and joint pain. Muscles can then also work more efficiently preventing muscle strain, overuse disorders and muscle fatigue. When we spend time in sub-optimal positions, certain muscles in our body actually shorten which can cause more health problems. Our bodies adapt to the postures we spend the most time in. Good posture also reduces stress on the ligaments holding the spinal joints together, minimising the likelihood of injury.

And poor posture?

Poor posture does much more than just affect your body’s physical structure. It impacts how our body produces hormones, blood circulation and how we’ll be able to move as we age. The body can associate closed, or slumped-over posture with stress, which results in the release of cortisol. Open positions may release endorphins and even testosterone – the dominance hormone – to help ward off stress and create feelings of confidence. So not only does your postural awareness affect your height and health, it can affect your mental health and how you feel about yourself. With that as an incentive, try to increase your body awareness and stand tall!

Your physio can treat postural related pain using several techniques including postural taping and hands on techniques. We can also provide education on postural awareness and exercises to encourage awareness. This could include a workplace assessment with advice on necessary modifications.

By seeking physiotherapy advice and treatment in the management of postural conditions, patients can experience significant improvements in their pain and functional capacity and prevent recurrence of the problem. The importance of good posture cannot be overstated. ☞ MAKE A BOOKING