Every patient consultation includes a postural analysis. This helps us determine if any postural alterations are present and allows us to identify how the body is coping with a given injury or dysfunction.
WHAT IS POSTURE?
Posture is the position in which we hold our bodies while standing, sitting, or lying down. Good posture helps us stand, walk, sit, and lie in positions that place the least amount of strain on supporting muscles and ligaments during movement and weight-bearing activities. By minimizing the stress exerted on the musculoskeletal system, we decrease the risk of suffering from dysfunctions or injuries. Poor posture has been linked to abnormal wearing of joint surfaces, increased risk of degenerative arthritis, increased muscle fatigue or strain, overuse disorders, and other disorders.
WHY GOOD POSTURE MATTERS
Good posture is important for balance. By standing up straight, you center your weight over your feet. This also helps maintain correct form while exercizing, which results in fewer injuries and greater gains[NW16] . And working on balance can even strengthen your abilities in sports and other activities.
WHAT INFLUENCES POSTURE?
To maintain proper posture, you need to have adequate muscle flexibility, balance, strength, and normal joint motion. However, what matters the most is to make a conscious effort to maintain good posture and to keep yourself straight. Several factors can influence postural changes such as:
- Unhealthy sitting and standing habits
- Incorrect work posture or unsuitable workstation
- Weak or tight postural musculature
- Decreased flexibility
- Previous injury or trauma
- Skeletal variances (ex.: leg length discrepancy)
- Poor footwear (ex.: high-heeled shoes)
- Stress
- Obesity
- Pregnancy
CAN I CORRECT MY POSTURE?
Because joints and muscles adapt to long-standing poor posture, the longer we take to address the issue, the longer it can take to correct it. Conscious awareness of your own posture and knowing what posture is correct will help you correct yourself consciously. With practice, the correct posture for standing, sitting, and lying down will gradually replace your old posture and will help you move toward a better and healthier body position.
We can assist you with improving your posture by eliminating mechanical barriers, recommending exercizes to strengthen your core postural muscles, or correcting an anatomical leg length discrepancy with an orthotic/heel lift if required.