We’ve all heard the phrase, “sit up straight” before. However, this seemingly simple task is sometimes easier said than done. Most people recognize that posture is an important part of your overall health, yet it is something that is constantly overlooked. Think about how you end a long day of school or work. Do you usually close out the day relaxed and sitting up straight, or tired, achy, and hunched over at your computer? It’s okay to admit it if you relate to the latter — we’ve all been there.
Over time, poor posture can accelerate or even cause chronic back pain. Thankfully, in physical therapy, you can learn to practice proper posture techniques, how to sit and stand with good spinal alignment, and gain access to powerful pain-relief from the aches and pains that disrupt your daily life.
If you are suffering from back pain, contact Pelham Physical Medicine today to discover the many health benefits of physical therapy. Our dedicated team can get you started on the path toward relief right now!
The importance of good posture
Your spine is designed to function in a very specific way. When you move, sit, or stand in ways that impair your spine’s proper orientation, you risk developing unwanted health problems over time.
In fact, poor posture leads to excessive strain on your joints, muscles, tendons, and ligaments and weakens many of the core muscles that are needed in order to keep you upright and healthy.
Practicing excellent posture with the guidance of your physical therapist, is one way you can reduce your back pain. Your physical therapist will educate you on the importance of good posture and provide you with vital training to help you maintain it on a daily basis.
If you’re ready to discover several healthy movement patterns for relieving back pain, contact our clinic for a consultation today. In the meantime, here are five of the greatest benefits you can expect to receive from improving your posture with a physical therapist!
5 ways proper posture helps your spinal health
1. Improved physical performance and a lower risk of injury.
If we were asked to imagine good posture in action, many of us might picture an image of a static position, such as sitting at a desk or standing up straight. However, proper posture can be (and should be) incorporated into everything we do.
Your physical therapist will demonstrate proper posture techniques for you to employ during all of your favorite physical activities, including walking, running, or playing sports. As you improve your posture during physical therapy, you’ll learn how to adapt your body to lessen the wear and tear you put on your spine in everyday life.
Practicing healthy posture and body mechanics while exercising or being active also helps minimize your risk of developing back pain from these activities or sustaining a painful injury.
2. Increased strength and flexibility.
If you’ve been struggling with poor posture for a long time, you might find improving your posture to be challenging at first. It may take some time in physical therapy to gain the strength and flexibility necessary to consistently maintain a healthier posture.
Fortunately, the exercises you do with your physical therapist to combat your back pain will lead to greater overall fitness. And the stronger and more flexible you get, the less likely you are to suffer from daily back pain.
3. You can develop the ability to lift objects without pain.
Back pain as a result of improper lifting techniques is a serious problem. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, over ¾ of all back injuries occur when an employee is lifting something.
In order to lift objects without injury, you must maintain good posture. Your physical therapist will demonstrate proper lifting posture, answer any questions you may have about injury prevention, and will equip you with tools necessary to keep you safe and healthy at your workplace or home.
4. You’ll have better circulation.
When you do not maintain proper spinal alignment, your veins can become constricted by the pressure of your vertebrae. The components of your spine rely on good circulation in order to operate correctly and recover from potential damage. Working alongside a physical therapist to improve your posture can ensure that your spine rests in its proper alignment, and therefore helps prevent poor circulation.
Your physical therapist also can utilize many different sophisticated techniques to improve circulation around the spine, including massage therapy, heat and cold therapy, and therapeutic exercise.
5. You can prevent harmful changes to your anatomy.
Did you know that the ways in which you use your spine can actually cause changes to your anatomy?
For example, the bodily stress of sitting hunched over every day can eventually lead to damage in your muscles, joints, spinal discs, and the nerves and blood vessels that travel through your spine. Fortunately, in many cases the damage can be reversed and prevented if you engage in targeted physical therapy treatments and learn how to maintain proper posture.
Call our clinic today for an appointment to find relief!
Improving your posture doesn’t have to be a strenuous task. With the right guidance, you can get things back in order in no time!
If you are suffering from back pain due to poor posture, contact Pelham Physical Medicine to set up your initial appointment. Our physical therapy team can help you access the relief you deserve.
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