Can physiotherapy improve posture?

December 7, 2015

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Many people suffer from the negative effects of bad posture, yet they do not wish to make any changes until a serious issue arises. Postural dysfunction or “Poor” posture is defined as when our spine is positioned in unnatural positions, in which the curves are emphasized and this results in the joints, muscles and vertebrae being in stressful positions. This prolonged poor positioning results in a buildup of pressure on these tissues. Good posture can be maintained with the use a posture brace, posture support, posture exercises support or even posture taping. However, physiotherapy is known to improve posture. Let’s take a look at how physiotherapy helps poor posture.

What are the symptoms of bad posture?
Poor posture can lead to a lot of ailments that may not seem to bad in the beginning, but can become worse if nothing has been done about it. Poor posture can result in:

Body aches and pains including upper or lower back pain,
Neck, shoulder and arm pain.
Lower limb pain including leg and hip,
Knee or ankle pain
Muscle fatigue
Headaches due to a build up on tension in the upper back, neck and shoulders

Can you change poor posture?
Many people have poor postural habits that have developed over a long period of time. Due to these habits, joints gradually tighten up, restricting spinal movement and affecting posture. As a result, obtaining correct postural alignment often feels difficult and unnatural. This can be changed with practice.It is important to remember that your ability to maintain correct postural alignment won’t develop over night. Every time you find yourself slouching, don’t give up, just think of it as a time you can correct your position and do something productive, thereby gradually breaking bad habits.

How does physiotherapy help poor posture?
Physiotherapy treatment may significantly help to minimize, if not eliminate, postural dysfunction. Most patients will experience decreased pain once their posture is corrected. Here are some ways in which physiotherapy helps people who suffer from poor posture:

Assessment and diagnosis of postural habits
Postural education and training
Manual therapy and soft tissue massage
Dry needling
Postural taping
Electrotherapy
Joint mobilization
Corrective exercises and movements to improve flexibility, strength and posture
Activity modification advice
Advice regarding ergonomic work stations
Pilate’s exercises

Painful conditions associated with poor posture are so common that most people have some firsthand knowledge of these problems. You shouldn’t have to suffer from bad posture anymore. All you need to do is make a conscious effort in maintaining a good posture. If you find it difficult to do it yourself, take the help of modalities such as posture support, posture brace or even posture taping.
Along with that, it is important to take the help of a professional physiotherapist. Consult the experts at HCR Calgary for a professional check up and a personalized treatment plan.