Modern lifestyle has forced us to become more dependent on machines and technology than we have ever been. As a direct result, we are more sedentary than we should be. Spending hours on a computer or hunched over a desk is bad for your posture. This can lead to a myriad of problems including neck pain, shoulder pain and low back pain.
Improving posture is not as difficult as you might think. For starters, try to sit up tall and straight at your desk at all times. It may seem challenging at first, but with time and practice it will become more natural. Take frequent breaks to get up and move; walk around and stretch to keep from sitting in the same position for more than an hour at a time. The shoulders can become rounded from leaning forward, so take the time to open up and stretch them back every once in a while, trying to pinch your shoulder blades in together. Your physical therapist will teach you exercises to stretch and strengthen your abdominal muscles, and breathing exercises to engage your diaphragm muscles and utilize your full lung capacity.
Your bones and muscles work together to maintain optimum posture. Weight-bearing exercises are excellent for muscles as well as bones. Individuals who walk regularly have greater bone density than those who are sedentary. Resistance training can also keep your spine strong and help prevent osteoporosis. Strengthening your core muscles will make it easier for you to stand in an upright position for long periods of time without discomfort. Besides, you'll inspire more confidence in individuals with better posture and you'll feel better!
If you have chronic back, neck, or joint pain, you may benefit from physical therapy. Your physical therapist will evaluate the overall alignment of your body, from the head to toes. The presence of any variations from the ideal postural alignment can help your therapist determine regions that may be weak or tight. Your therapist will work with you to develop customized techniques to improve your posture. Some of these techniques may include massage, manual therapy, gentle stretches, core strengthening exercises and advanced techniques to re-train your body and muscles in simple patterns of movement. Your body will 'relearn' what it was always meant to do.
