Why Good Posture Matters

“Good posture” means that the muscles surrounding the spine are balanced and supporting the body equally, also known as neutral spine.

Your core is your foundation, your support system for everything you do. Once the muscles (suspension ropes) that support your spine (bridge) begins to fail, everything else begins to fall apart.

Determing If Your Posture Is Good or If It Needs Work

Here’s a quick posture check. When sitting, your feet should rest flat on the floor, with your weight resting evenly and comfortably on both hips. Your back should be mostly straight (you’ll have natural curves in your lumbar, thoracic, and cervical areas). Your shoulders should be back but relaxed and your ears should line up over your collarbones.

When standing, your legs should have a slight knee bend (so you’re not hyperextending or locking your knee joints), with your weight evenly distributed throughout your feet. Your shoulders should be back, ears aligned with your shoulders, and a slight curve should be    in your lower back.

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7 Benefits of Seeking Good Posture

1. Supported Low Back: Sitting or standing in a slouched position for prolonged periods can result in low back pain. The strain of maintaining an unbalanced, overstretched posture is taxing on the muscles of your low back and results in discomfort that may escalate to aggravating pain over time.

2. Experience Fewer Headaches: The muscles of the low back aren’t the only back muscles affected by poor posture. The upper most portion of your “back” is the neck. Correcting how the muscles support your head and neck will tension and headaches.

3. Enjoy Increased Energy Levels: Any machine moving and working at optimum efficiency conserves energy and your body is no different. When your bones and joints are in correct alignment, it allows the muscles to be used as they’re intended. As a result, you’ll experience less fatigue and more energy.

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4. Say Good-bye To Shoulder and Neck Tension: Again, joints that are properly aligned experience less stress. Correcting a forward head posture supports the upper back, shoulder, and neck prevents symptoms from chronic overuse syndromes.

5. Slow Wear And Tear Of Your Joints: Our joints wear down naturally over time. Crooked sitting and standing, such as resting on one leg or side of your body, leads to hip strain. However, when your posture is even, these problems can be avoided. (This leads to less aches and pains as you age!)

6. Breathe Better: A slouched torso results in compressed lungs. If you’re sitting and standing taller, your lungs have more space to expand making breathing more efficient and easier!

7. Improved Circulation and Digestion: Once again, a slouched posture results in compression throughout your body. In the case of compressed vital organs, poor posture negatively impacts your circulation and digestion. Healthy blood and good digestion flow requires proper alignment. Avoiding positions like crossing your legs for prolonged periods can help immensely.

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SCHEDULE YOUR POSTURE CHECK TODAY!

If you feel that some of the aches and pains could be resolved by improving your posture, please set up posture check with our physical therapist sooner rather than later.

Many issues discussed above can be eliminated fully if addressed early on. Issues you’ve experienced for years can be significantly reduced with the types of specific strategic plans that we customize just for you.

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Neck Pain

Neck Pain

Physical Therapy can provide relief to neck pain resulting in decreased headaches, neck, and shoulder pain.

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Pain Management

Pain Management

During your first visit with the physical therapist, know that our therapists are not only interested in your pain as a condition, but we are concerned about how this pain affects your overall life. We create your plan of care with your whole self in mind.

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Performing Arts / Dance Injury

Performing Arts / Dance Injury

We created the Performing Arts Rehab & Training Center to allow dancers to feel welcome in a space that understand the unique physical therapy and training needs of the performing artist.

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Sports Injuries

Sports Injuries

We offer same and next day appointments to address sports injuries before they progress. Contact our office ASAP if you need to be seen following a sports related injury.

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Work Injuries

Workers Compensation

We work with many workers compensation companies to make sure that you are not only able to return to work, but the lifestyle you enjoyed before your injury.

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Request an Appointment

Please complete the form below and we will get back to you within 12 hours to review your needs and schedule your free consultation. If you would like for us to verify your benefits in advance, please provide that information as well.

(919) 323-8888​

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