Can Physiotherapy Help with Posture?

January 31, 2024 / Physiotherapy, Posture
Can Physiotherapy Help with Posture?

Physiotherapy can certainly help with posture issues. Have you caught yourself slouching or seen a reflection of yourself in a window, shoulders hunched? If yes, you are not alone. The good news is that there are ways to improve your posture and health practitioners like physiotherapists and chiropractors can help.

Why does good posture matter?

Maintaining proper posture extends beyond merely standing upright; it entails positioning your body to reduce pressure and tension on your joints and muscles. This encompasses maintaining a straight spine, relaxed shoulders, a raised head in harmony with your body, and even hips, with knees directed forward. Good posture also involves ensuring that your chin is parallel to the floor and that your body weight is evenly distributed on both feet.

What are some common posture problems?

Some common posture problems are as below:

Forward Head Posture (FHP): This occurs when the head is positioned forward of the shoulders. It often results from prolonged periods of looking at screens or poor ergonomics.

Kyphosis (Round Shoulders): Kyphosis is an exaggerated rounding of the upper back. It can be caused by factors like slouching, muscle imbalances, or structural issues.

Lordosis (Swayback): Lordosis is an excessive inward curve of the lower back. It can be caused by factors such as poor sitting habits, weak core muscles, or pregnancy.

Flat Back Posture: This posture involves a reduction in the natural curve of the spine, particularly in the lower back. It may result from muscle imbalances or conditions like ankylosing spondylitis.

Scoliosis: Scoliosis is a lateral curvature of the spine, often appearing as an “S” or “C” shape. It can be congenital or develop during growth spurts in adolescence.

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Rounded Shoulders: Rounded shoulders occur when the shoulders are pushed forward, and the chest collapses. This can be caused by muscle imbalances and poor habits like prolonged sitting.

Anterior Pelvic Tilt: This is when the front of the pelvis drops lower than the back, causing an exaggerated curve in the lower back. It can be caused by muscle imbalances, tight hip flexors, and weak abdominal muscles.

Posterior Pelvic Tilt: In this posture, the back of the pelvis drops lower than the front, flattening the lower back. It can be caused by weak hamstrings and glutes.

Crossed Syndrome: This is a pattern of muscle imbalances that can lead to poor posture. It typically involves a combination of tight and weak muscles, often seen in individuals with sedentary lifestyles.

Text Neck: This is a modern posture problem associated with the increased use of smartphones and devices. It involves a forward head position and increased strain on the neck and upper back.

How do I book an appointment with a Physiotherapist near me?

Click HERE to book an appointment with a physiotherapist or chiropractor at one of our eight locations.