the importance of good posture

                    Correct posture is a vital part of maintaining a pain free, healthy body. Good posture places your body in an alignment where stress is properly distributed to the bones, muscles and ligaments. As a result, your bones will support the majority of the weight of your body as intended, your muscles will work efficiently and less stress is placed on your ligaments. Correct posture is a simple but very effective way of keeping the complex structure of your spine balanced and pain free.
Other benefits of correct posture include:

• Improvement in circulation and digestion as it allows the digestive system in the abdomen to assume its natural position without undue compression, which can interfere with its normal flow and function.
• Improvement of your respiratory system as it opens up your chest cavity allowing breathing to become easier and deeper.
• Correct posture allows your vital organs to function at peak efficiency while also contributing to the normal functioning of the nervous system
• People with good posture portray a better, more confident image. It will also make you look slimmer and taller.  

 
 Negative effects of Poor Posture
 
                        Poor posture is defined as an unnatural position and pressure being placed on the spine.
Examples of poor posture include:

• Titling your head forward
• Rounded shoulders
• Hunchback
• Slouching
• Placing all your bodyweight on one hip/leg while standing
• Arching of the lower back

 
                      Painful conditions associated with bad posture include:

• Neck pain
• Upper or lower back pain
• Shoulder pain
• Radiating pain down the arm
• Arthritis
• Disc and joint degeneration
• Headaches
• Hip and Knee pain

 
 Physical Therapy and Posture
                    Physical Therapy can help minimise, if not eliminate, poor posture and its effects.                                                                                                                                               Treatment can include:

• Assessment and diagnosis of postural habits
• Deep tissue massage
• Joint mobilisation
• Dry Needling
• Postural education
• Home exercises

 
                      A great number of people suffer from the negative effects of postural dysfunction and do nothing to change the factors which cause the problem. If you suffer from postural dysfunction pain then why suffer when it can be efficiently treated. If you would like any further information please do not hesitate to contact me.  
 
How to correct your Posture
                  Correcting your posture isn’t something you can fix overnight, but it also shouldn’t be viewed as a massive commitment or mental strain. The benefits of improving your posture will have a long term positive effect on your overall health and well-being. While Yoga and Pilates are both recommended for improving your posture, simple home exercises and stretching will also help significantly. Begin with stretching your neck, shoulders, scapulae, lower back and hips. Strengthening exercises should aim at strengthening your core muscles, glutes and hips which all play a vital role in posture.
              To check your own posture, go to a full length mirror and stand in front of it as you normally stand. Now, straighten up your back, bring your ear back in line with your shoulder and your shoulder in line with your hip. Which looks better?

Thanks for taking the time to read.
George.