Posture-Posture can be usually defined as the relationship of the parts of the body to the line of the center of gravity. The posture is “the upright well-balanced position of a human being”.

Postural disorder– A postural disorder occurs when a posture diverges from normal alignment. This can cause pain syndromes in long-term. In this the head is held forward to a marked degree, the chest is depressed, the abdomen is completely relaxed & protuberant, the spinal curves are exaggerated & the shoulders are held behind the pelvis.

Normal Posture- Our posture should follow a vertical line through our ear, shoulder, hip, knee and just in front of our ankle. In this the head & shoulder are balanced over the pelvis, hips & ankles, with the head erect and the chin held in. The sternum is the part of the body farthest forward, the abdomen is drawn in & flat, & the spinal curves are within normal limits.

Examples of postural disorders:

• Forward head position
• Spine curvature disorders
• Pelvic inclination
• Knee: valgus, varus, hyperextended
• Flat foot
• Excessive rotation of limbs

Some of them can be combined and often described as “Sway Back” or “Flat Back” posture.

Who can be treated?

• Children and adolescents: important to be followed by experienced physical therapists during period of growth. A scoliosis deviation can be increased in few months during growth peak.
• Younger and older adults
• people with postural changes with or without pain

Treatment of postural disorder with physical therapy

Physical therapy rehab will include, a regimen of exercises to practice at home, and/or adjustments to one’s schedule or surroundings. The goals of a physical therapy program are to:

• Increase and preserve range of motion and mobility needed for function
• Strengthen weakened muscles
• Promote awareness of posture and maintenance of individual optimal body posture
• Exercises to increase the motor strength of the key muscles affecting posture are also helpful.
• Postural exercises should be carried out until the individual is able to maintain the correct posture naturally.
• The exercises should be continued until they become part of patient normal stance and gait.

How can SOS PHYSIO help you?

Our physical therapy professionals i.e. physical therapist can help in treating back pain or other body aches which come along for the ride with poor posture. With extensive traction and exercise, you can strengthen those muscles that have been weakened by a poor posture and give your body a new chance to realign itself. SOS PHYSIO’s physical therapist can help you correct your posture and improve your well being. We at SOS PHYSIO ensure that we give our patients the highest quality of care, effective treatment and a rapid rehabilitation program.

For more info- contact us.