Postural Retraining |
Postural RetrainingCommon Symptoms or Diagnoses:
Available Treatments:
Posture Retraining How Do Our Physical Therapists Screen for Postural problems? The physical therapists at PhysioPartners recognize that the structures of the human body are functionally connected and take a whole body approach to assessing posture. The therapists look at the position of the pelvis, which can also involve looking at the feet, knees, pelvic bones and spine. They also work their way up to the shoulders, neck and head making sure that all of the joints are in good alignment to help with optimal positioning for attenuating forces and distributing weight. People who have to sit at the computer for most of the day frequently present with their head sitting farther forward from their body than it should be, causing a loss of the cervical lordosis, or curve of the neck, shoulders turned in and an increased thoracic kyphosis (hunching over position which can create a dowager’s hump. Over time, poor posture can promote a myriad of problems so it is vital to identify postural deficits and address them. What Should I Expect During My Evaluation?
What Should I Expect During Treatment to Improve My Posture?
Should Children Be Screened for Postural Problems? Absolutely! Children with poor posture are on their way to becoming adults with poor posture and experiencing an array of alignment issues causing chronic tension and pain in the body. Children are under-treated and should be evaluated. The specialized physical therapists at PhysioPartners Renaissance CranioFacial Group can help identify the source of the problem and guide your child to improving head and neck posture, breathing mechanics and mouth and tongue posture. Dr. Hobson and her team are reviewers of the GOPex program, which allows you to work with her through an app on your phone and from the convenience of your own home. What is Postural Restoration? Some of specialized physical therapists at PhysioPartners have also completed training with the Postural Restoration Institute, which combines evaluation and treatment of posture with breathing mechanics in mind. Postural Restoration® (often referred to as PRI) treatment is an integrative and holistic approach. Besides utilizing very specific exercises, manual techniques, and postural recommendations for our patients, we may refer to our colleagues if we identify that you would benefit from additional interventions, including podiatrists, dentists, and even optometrists in some cases. Our physical therapists may incorporate PRI exercises and concepts as part of postural re-education. Our Patients Say it Best: "Their hands-on manual skills really helped change the upper back rounded position that I was developing “dowager’s hump” and now I am straighter than ever! I feel less tension and more mobile in my neck and shoulders and spine." -Susan C. |