Good posture helps sustain balance making it easier for people to enjoy the activities they love such as walking, running, skiing, dancing, golf, tennis, and many other activities. Keeping good posture will allow you to stay active and healthy.
Did you know one of the leading causes of neck and back pain is poor posture? This can be due to injury, muscle weakness, slouching, or inactivity. Bad posture can also lead to spinal dysfunction, headaches, fatigue, and forward head syndrome. The good news? Improving your posture is possible, especially when you have a trusted partner like the team at Bay State Physical Therapy!
4 Ways to Improve Your Posture
Standing
When standing you should have your feet flat on the ground and shoulder-width apart. Ensure that your chin is parallel to the floor and that your stomach is pulled in towards your spine. Stand tall with your arms relaxed on your sides.
Shoulders Back
Many of us work at a desk or computer hour after hour every day. When not working, we often relax on the couch and catch up with our friends on our cell phones. That means a lot of time staring at a screen with less than ideal positioning. A great place to start when you are thinking about improving your posture is to pull your shoulders back by squeezing your shoulder blades together. Give it a try!
Sit Smart
When sitting make sure your shoulders are pulled back and your back is flat against the chair. Put your feet flat on the ground and avoid crossing your ankles or legs. You may use a lumbar support tool to keep your back straight and stop slouching.
Get Active
One of the best ways to work on posture is to add movement breaks to your day. Get up, move around, and stretch those arms and legs.
Does pain or injury make it hard to move as much as you would like? Partner with your physical therapist to overcome pain and improve your health.
Start Fixing Your Posture Today
Great posture is key to good mobility and health. Utilizing these techniques in your daily life can help lead you to better posture. Visit Bay State Physical Therapy to work with our expert physical therapists on how to achieve and maintain better posture and improved health.
To learn more, call your nearest Bay State Physical Therapy location or complete the form below to request an appointment.
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