“Poor” posture is defined as when our spine is carried or positioned in unnatural positions, in which the curves are accentuated, thus positioning the joints, muscles and vertebrae in stressful positions. It can lead to muscle imbalances where some muscles get tight and weak or stop working as they should. For example, prolonged sitting can cause short hip flexors and weak gluteal muscles.
Here at Kingsland Physiotherapy we often hear our patients mention their poor posture throughout their working day. We find that it’s very important to reassure our patients that it is not necessarily the poor posture/habits that can cause injury or bring on pain but in fact the length of time you spend in that posture. We also think it’s important to inform our patients of the optimal sitting/standing positions (see below). We can also assess to see if there are any muscle imbalances and give exercises to correct these.
Optimal sitting position
Useful daily tips
However, we do understand that these “Good postures” can be challenging to maintain throughout the day. That is why we have provided you with some helpful tips that will encourage you to move throughout the day and ensure you aren’t fixed into a “poor posture” for an extended period of time.
Neck Stretch
Chin Tuck
Pec Stretch
For more simple effective stretches that you can perform at the convenience of your desk please follow the link to see the video we created.
https://www.facebook.com/Kingslandphysio/videos/1191515857639090/
We here at Kingsland Physiotherapy understand the integral part workplace wellbeing plays in the working environment and are happy to help you and your workplace with any of your queries or challenges.
Janaka specialises in treating sporting and complex spinal injuries and has a keen interest in manual therapy and acupuncture completing post-graduate courses in osteopathic manipulation and muscle energy techniques.
full bio +Helen has practiced in the private sector for the past 8 years and has extensive experience in specialty areas including sporting injuries, spinal dysfunction, Pilates, pregnancy and post-natal assessment, treatment and rehabilitation.
full bio +Katie has a client centred holistic approach to rehabilitation and believes in providing patients with hands-on treatment and also long term self management advice if appropriate for their musculoskeletal problem.
full bio +Niamh has a keen interest in injury prevention in the athletic to ageing population. She believes in empowering patients to self-manage their condition through education and effective exercise prescription
full bio +