What is Poor Posture?
What is good Posture?
Here at Compass Physio our chartered physiotherapists get asked a lot what is good posture?
I can safely say that one of the biggest factors leading to people attending our clinics (Liverpool, Tullyallen and Castlecomer) is indeed poor posture.
The most common conditions that we see stemming from this are
- Neck Pain
- Shoulder Impingements
- Low back pain
- Tight Hips
- Upper back/Thoracic Pain
What Can Cause These Problems?
Well sitting is the new smoking as they say and indeed sitting is one of the biggest problems. We spend so much of our lives sitting at desks, driving and indeed sitting when we get home. If all of this time is spent putting the muscles and joints in a position that may with time irritate these structures then pain can follow on.
Poor posture when we lift is another well know but common reason that people present to the clinic.
This can be a pre cursor to back or neck pain and lifting with the correct technique is of vital importance.
How do I Improve my Posture?
- Review your workspace. Ensure that when sitting with feet flat on the ground. Ideally your knees and hips are at a 90 degree angle
- Ensure you have some lumbar (low back support)
- You can sit back into the chair and your upper back ideally is supported. Your shoulders should be relaxed
- Head should not be forward leaning
- Arms rests are level with your desk and elbows are bent to 90 degrees
- Physiotherapy can identify the areas of tightness that need to be mobilised and quite often we provide a home exercise programme that people continue with in the long term
- Physiotherapy also provides strengthening exercises to reduce the muscle imbalances that can occur. The focus tends to be on the upper back muscles such as (Rhomboids and Mid/Lower traps)
Here at Compass Physio our chartered physiotherapists get asked a lot what is good posture?
I can safely say that one of the biggest factors leading to people attending our clinics (Liverpool, Tullyallen and Castlecomer) is indeed poor posture.
The most common conditions that we see stemming from this are..
Neck Pain
Shoulder Impingements
Low back pain
Tight Hips
Upper back/Thoracic Pain
What Can Cause These Problems?
Well sitting is the new smoking as they say and indeed sitting is one of the biggest problems. We spend so much of our lives sitting at desks, driving and indeed sitting when we get home. If all of this time is spent putting the muscles and joints in a position that may with time irritate these structures then pain can follow on.
Poor posture when we lift is another well know but common reason that people present to the clinic.
This can be a pre cursor to back or neck pain and lifting with the correct technique is of vital importance.
How do I Improve my Posture?
Review your workspace. Ensure that when sitting with feet flat on the ground. Ideally your knees and hips are at a 90 degree angle
Ensure you have some lumbar (low back support)
You can sit back into the chair and your upper back ideally is supported. Your shoulders should be relaxed
Head should not be forward leaning
Arms rests are level with your desk and elbows are bent to 90 degrees
Physiotherapy can identify the areas of tightness that need to be mobilised and quite often we provide a home exercise programme that people continue with in the long term
Physiotherapy also provides strengthening exercises to reduce the muscle imbalances that can occur. The focus tends to be on the upper back muscles such as (Rhomboids and Mid/Lower traps)
How Can Physiotherapy Help?
If you are finding it hard to complete regular exercises due to pain, fatigue or simply time schedules speak to us at Compass Physio.
Exercise is for everybody. At Compass physio we will complete a full physical assessment and will help identify any possible underlying causes that may limit your exercise regime.
Our chartered physiotherapists will help you to build strength and strategies which will help tackle any problem.
At Compass physio we will help you succeed and reach your goals.
To find out how Compass Physio can help, call 046 954 9456 (this number covers all clinics), click here to book online.
You can also email any questions to info@compassphysio.ie
Paddy Mulligan – MISCP Chartered Physiotherapist Compass Physio
