4 Treatments of Physical Therapy to Correct Posture
Most people know when they have poor posture—but what they don’t know is just how deeply it can affect their physical, mental, and emotional health. Poor posture can lead to chronic back and neck pain, as well as fatigue, headaches, and discomfort. If you’re stuck in long, uncomfortable positions all day long, here are four physical therapy treatments that can help correct your posture.
#1: Strengthening Exercises
Often, poor posture can cause rounded shoulders. This can be corrected through strengthening exercises that target the shoulder blades and core muscles. Strength training, along with some stretching, can help to improve balance and stability, which the lack of often causes poor posture. These exercises will also target weak muscles, allowing for the body to be strong enough to uphold good posture.
#2: Stretching Exercises
Besides pain, poor posture can also cause stiffness in the back and neck. Increasing the flexibility and range of motion within the head, neck, and shoulders by stretching can help alleviate this discomfort. For those that hunch or sit for long hours, stretching will really make a difference in posture by improving blood circulation and mobility. Frequently stretching throughout the day is always a good idea!
#3: Manual (Hands-On) Therapy
If pain is persistent within the neck and back, manual (hands-on) therapy can help significantly. Whereas strengthening and stretching exercises are done by the patient, manual therapy can only be performed by a physical therapist (PT). For example, a PT may work shoulder and neck muscles with their hand or a pain-relieving cream. Depending on the patient’s condition, an electric device may be used to stimulate nerves and promote blood circulation.
#4: At-Home Practices
The best way to correct your posture is through applying consistent lifestyle changes. For example, frequently changing your posture, using a foam roller, or practicing stretches throughout the day. These practices are especially important for those that sit at a desk all day long or stand for long hours. Your physical therapist will recommend specific exercises to perform throughout the day depending on your specific needs and work environment.
Real Story: Correcting Posture in an Older Patient
This before-and-after scan shows a 40-year-old male patient suffering from severe neck and mid back pain. This poor posture is becoming the new normal (pictured left) due to the shift to work from home and long desk hours. At AllCure, we corrected it through chiropractic and physical therapy treatment (pictured right).
Get Started with Posture Correcting Physical Therapy Treatment
If you are suffering from chronic neck or back pain, it could be a result of poor posture. While many debate seeing a chiropractor or physical therapist, patients of AllCure don’t have to choose. Often, both is needed to fully correct posture, which is why we offer these services in every location. If you’re ready to start your recovery journey, contact AllCure for a free consultation today.