The discomfort and other problems that come with poor posture can impact sports activities, exercise routines, and even simple household chores like loading the dishwasher. Postural rehabilitation offers a holistic approach to reducing pain and enhancing performance by addressing the underlying causes of poor posture.
Pamela V. Ford, DC, at Serenity Chiropractic & Family Wellness Center in Amarillo, Texas, uses her expertise as a chiropractor, physical therapist, and ergonomics specialist to design personalized strategies for improving posture.
Read what Dr. Ford and her team say about the many benefits of postural rehabilitation.
Posture refers to the alignment and positioning of the body parts in relation to each other and gravity.
Good posture involves maintaining the natural curves of the spine, balanced muscle strength, and proper alignment of the joints. On the other hand, poor posture can result in muscle imbalances, joint dysfunction, and increased stress on the body's structures.
The health effects of poor posture are often reversible with improvements in posture. These health issues include:
Slouching or hunching can strain muscles and ligaments, leading to back, neck, and shoulder pain. By addressing the underlying causes of pain, such as muscle imbalances and joint misalignment, postural rehabilitation can help alleviate discomfort.
Incorrect alignment of the joints can limit the range of motion and flexibility of joints, affecting sports, exercise, and routine daily activities.
For instance, poor posture can contribute to or worsen shoulder impingement. This painful condition can significantly impact your ability to move the affected shoulder joint, making throwing a ball, brushing your hair, or lifting a coffee cup difficult.
Maintaining good posture helps distribute the force of gravity more evenly through your body, reducing stress on your joints. This decreases joint wear and tear and may help prevent early or worsening degenerative changes from conditions like osteoarthritis.
Targeted exercises also improve joint mobility and flexibility, allowing for a greater range of motion and reduced risk of injury.
Good posture helps maintain proper alignment of the body's center of gravity, essential for balance and coordination. Poor posture can increase the risk of falls and injuries, especially in older adults.
Rounded shoulders and a forward head posture can compress the chest cavity, restricting lung expansion and making it harder to breathe deeply. Proper posture opens the chest and allows for fuller, deeper breathing, increasing oxygen intake and improving overall respiratory function.
Poor posture can impede blood flow to various body parts, leading to issues such as varicose veins or swollen legs. Maintaining good posture helps ensure proper circulation throughout the body.
Posture can affect how others perceive you and how you perceive yourself. Standing or sitting tall with good posture can convey confidence and competence to yourself and others.
Dr. Ford creates postural rehabilitation plans to correct imbalances and restore optimal alignment through various exercises and techniques. This increases mobility, reduces pain, and can help reduce your risk of future posture-related injury.
While personalized to meet your needs, a postural rehab program at Serenity Chiropractic & Family Wellness Center typically includes:
All programs start with a thorough assessment by Dr. Ford to identify postural imbalances, muscle weaknesses, and areas of dysfunction.
Dr. Ford tailors postural rehab to meet your specific needs and goals, considering factors such as lifestyle, occupation, and athletic pursuits.
Exercises focus on strengthening weak muscles, stretching tight muscles, and improving overall muscle balance.
Dr. Ford is an ergonomics specialist who provides guidance on proper ergonomics and postural awareness at work, at home, and during sports or exercise. This helps you maintain good posture throughout your day, whether sitting at your work desk or joining the team during afternoon practice.
Get started on your postural rehab program today. Schedule an evaluation with Dr. Ford by calling Serenity Chiropractic & Family Wellness Center or requesting an appointment online.
