Good posture is important because…
- It helps your body function at top speed.
- It promotes movement efficiency and endurance.
- Contributes to an overall feeling of well-being.
- Your muscles, joints, and ligaments take more strain due to misalignment.
- Most incidents of chronic back pain stem from faulty postural habits.
- Posture affects the function of vital organs, particularly those in the abdomen.
Three Essentials to Good Posture
- Curves of the Spine. A healthy back has three natural curves: cervical lordosis, thoracic kyphosis, and lumbar lordosis. Good posture actually means keeping these three curves in balanced alignment.
- Strong and Flexible Muscles. Abdominal, hip, and leg muscles that are weak and inflexible cannot support your back’s natural curves.
- Healthy Joints. hip, knee, and ankle joints balance your back’s natural curves when you move, making it possible to maintain good posture in any position.
Postural Assessment: Front & Back View
- The two halves of your body should be the same. Is your head and/or torso off to one side?
- Are your arms hanging differently with one further from your body than the other, or one hand is lower than the other?
- Are your hips lower on one side, or further from center on one side?
Postural Assessment: Side View
- From a side view, good posture is seen as an imaginary vertical line through the ear, shoulder, hip, knee, and ankle. In addition, the three natural curves in your back can be seen.
Tips for Maintaining Good Posture Throughout Life
- Exercise regularly; exercise promotes strong and flexible muscles that keep your spine upright in a proper postural position.
- Protect your back by using good body mechanics; bend your knees when picking something up or putting it down; carry a heavy object by using two hands and keeping the load close to your waist.
- Throughout the day, concentrate on keeping your three natural back curves in balanced alignment. Keep your weight in control; excess weight exerts a constant forward pull on the back muscles, causing the muscles in the abdomen to stretch and weaken.
- Avoid staying in one position for long periods; inactivity causes muscle tension and weakness.
- Sleep on a firm mattress and use a pillow under your head just big enough to maintain the normal cervical neck curve. Avoid the use of oversized or several pillows.
A physical therapist can help to build core strength which can improve your posture and may protect you from lower back pain. Give us a call today to learn more about how physical therapy can improve your posture!
Reddy Care Physical & Occupational Therapy Great Neck: 516-829-0030
Reddy Care Physical & Occupational Therapy Farmingdale: 516-420-2900
In-Home Physical & Occupational Therapy: 516-829-0030
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Reddy Care Physical & Occupational Therapy
Reddy Care Physical & Occupational Therapy is an outstanding specialty service providing exceptional care and state-of-the-art treatments for the residents of Farmingdale and Great Neck, New York. The combination of innovative exercise programs, manual therapy, and technology together with the expertise of every member of the team enables Reddy Care Physical & Occupational Therapy to provide services that ensure superior clinical outcomes and consistently high patient satisfaction.
