Postural Imbalances
What Are They?
Summary
Posture is the position in which a person holds their body while standing, sitting, or lying down.
Good posture involves having the body balanced and aligned correctly, which can reduce stress and strain on joints, muscles, and other tissues.
Factors such as prolonged sitting, repetitive movements, and muscle imbalances can negatively affect posture.
Our treatment techniques can be combined within a treatment plan tailored to the specific needs and goals of each patient.
The goal of treatment is to improve the alignment and balance of the body.
Treatment
Manual therapy: use of manual therapy techniques, such as joint mobilizations, myofascial release, and stretching, to improve joint mobility, reduce pain, and correct muscle imbalances.
Exercise therapy and home exercise program: use of corrective exercise and customized programs to improve muscle strength, flexibility, and coordination to decrease compensatory movement patterns and facilitate functional movement.
Modalities: use of modalities, such as acupuncture and electrostimulation, to stimulate muscles and nerves and improve muscle function.
Education: education regarding proper body mechanics and posture, activity modifications and recommendations.
Common Postural imbalances
1. Forward Head Posture
When head is positioned forward from its ideal alignment with the spine. This can lead to neck and shoulder pain, as well as headaches.
2. Rounded Shoulders
When the shoulders are positioned forward, causing the upper back to round. This can lead to neck, shoulder, and upper back pain.
3. Anterior Pelvic Tilt
When the pelvis is tilted forward, causing the lower back to arch excessively. This can lead to lower back pain and hip problems.
5. Flat Feet
When the arches of the feet collapse, causing the feet to excessively flatten out. This can lead to foot and ankle pain, as well as knee and hip problems.
6. Scoliosis
When the spine curves sideways, causing uneven shoulder and hip alignment. This can lead to range of motion restrictions, back pain and postural problems.
7. Kyphosis
When the upper back is rounded excessively. This can lead to shoulder and neck pain, as well as breathing difficulties.
8. Lordosis
When the lower back is arched excessively. This can lead to lower back pain and hip problems.
Risks if left untreated
1. Chronic Pain
The relationship between postural imbalances and compensations can be cyclical if the cause is not treated. If pain lingers from an injury and optimal movement is not restored, it can lead to further pain which can lead to further compensations.
2. Increased Risk of Injury
Without proper posture, excessive stress is placed on certain structures in the body, such as specific muscles, tendons, ligaments, and joints. These structures are at risk for a repetitive stress injury.
When these structures are subjected to repetitive stress, they can become overworked, inflamed, and more susceptible to injury.
3. Reduced Function
Certain areas of the body may feel weak and inaccessible, while others may feel tight and excessively strong. This can lead to reduced function because it creates inefficiencies in the way the body moves.