Advance Physical & Aquatic Therapy

The Link Between Poor Posture and Pain

And How Postural Awareness Can Help You Find Relief

Posture isn’t just about looking your best. How you hold your body when you stand, sit, and move throughout the day can play a significant role in developing–or preventing–headaches, neck pain, and back pain.

The key to avoiding posture-related pain? Postural awareness. This concept involves recognizing and maintaining proper body alignment no matter what you’re doing throughout the day. By paying attention to your posture as you sit, stand, and move through your day-to-day life, you can identify and address potential posture-related problems before they escalate.

Take a moment to notice your posture, then keep reading to see how it could be affecting your body.

Request Appointment

Four Ways Poor Posture Can Cause Pain

Migraines and Headaches

The way you hold your neck and shoulders can contribute to tension headaches and migraines. For example, slouching at your desk strains muscles and joints in the upper back and neck region, which can refer pain to the head.

Fortunately, improving posture through postural awareness, proper ergonomics, and targeted exercises can relieve this strain and reduce the frequency and intensity of headaches.

Neck Pain

Prolonged forward head posture or hunching over computers, tablets, or phones can cause neck pain and stiffness. Identifying and maintaining your ideal posture while sitting can help alleviate neck pain by reducing muscle tension and promoting proper joint position.

Upper Back Pain

Slouching or rounded shoulders can result in upper back pain. Strengthening the upper back muscles, correcting rounded shoulder posture, and incorporating regular movement breaks can significantly reduce upper back discomfort and improve overall posture.

Lower Back Pain

Sitting with poor posture, such as slumping or excessively arching the lower back, can lead to lower back pain. Working to restore or improve mobility, strengthening the core muscles, practicing proper sitting and standing posture, and using ergonomic supports like lumbar pillows or chairs can help alleviate lower back pain by providing support and reducing strain on the spine.

Improving Your Posture with Physical Therapy

The good news? You don’t have to correct your posture on your own. The team at Advance Physical & Aquatic Therapy has the training and experience to help reduce pain and mobility restrictions, build strength in your back and neck, and help you enhance your overall posture. Here’s what you can expect:

Postural Assessment

We’ll conduct a comprehensive postural assessment by evaluating your standing, sitting, and walking posture to identify any misalignments, limitations in motion, or areas of tension. By understanding your unique postural patterns, we can tailor a treatment plan to address specific areas of concern.

Manual Therapy

We often use hands-on techniques such as soft tissue manipulation, joint mobilization, or myofascial release to address areas of muscle tightness or joint stiffness. These techniques can help improve range of motion, reduce pain, and enhance overall postural alignment.

Muscle Strengthening

This involves targeted exercises to strengthen muscles that support good posture, such as the neck, upper back, and core muscles. Building these muscle groups helps stabilize the spine and shoulders, reducing neck strain and alleviating pain.

Education and AwarenessPerhaps most importantly, our physical therapists will help you understand the connection between your posture and your pain. You’ll learn ergonomic principles for sitting and standing, techniques to maintain a neutral spine, and strategies to avoid common postural pitfalls.

Start Working on Your Posture Today!

Unfortunately, the demands of daily life can dramatically impact your back and neck. However, you can work to avoid many of these concerns by cultivating postural awareness, correcting posture problems with our physical therapists, and adopting healthy habits.

Our team will work to equip you with the knowledge and skills you need to maintain proper posture long-term, alleviate and prevent pain, and promote overall spinal health. Don’t let discomfort slow you down. Come visit our clinic today!

Say Goodbye to Pain – Get Started with PT Now!

Ready to feel your best again? Come back to Advance Physical & Aquatic Therapy and let us help you achieve your wellness goals—book your appointment today!

Request Appointment

Spooky Season is Here!

We’re getting into the Halloween spirit and can’t wait for all things spooky! 🎃

From costumes and pumpkins to festive treats, we love everything this season brings. Join us in the fun as we count down the days to Halloween! 👻

Follow Us on Instagram!

Stay connected with Advance Physical & Aquatic Therapy! Follow us on Instagram for wellness tips, exercise ideas, and a behind-the-scenes look at our team in action. Don’t miss out! ✨

Click Here to Follow Us on Instagram

Ergonomics for Neck and Back Pain

A few simple strategies can make a big difference in preventing and alleviating neck and back pain. These strategies are part of a field of study known as ergonomics, which seeks to optimize the spaces in which humans live and work for both comfort and productivity.

Here are some PT-approved ergonomic tips for promoting good postural awareness and reducing strain on the muscles that support your spine:

Adjust Your Workspace

Ensure that your desk, chair, and computer monitor are ergonomically aligned. Your computer screen should be at eye level to avoid straining your neck by looking up or down. Use an adjustable chair with good lumbar support to maintain a neutral spine position.

Use Proper Lifting Techniques

Never lift a heavy item above your shoulders or twist your upper body. It’s also important to keep your feet shoulder-width apart with your head up and in line with your shoulders and back.

Take Frequent Breaks

Incorporate regular breaks into your routine to stand up, stretch, and move around. Prolonged sitting can contribute to back pain, so aim to stand or walk for a few minutes every hour to relieve pressure on your spine.

Maintain Good Posture

Whether sitting, standing, or moving, maintain proper posture by keeping your shoulders relaxed, spine aligned, and feet flat on the floor.

Looking for more ergonomic tips? Schedule an appointment at Advance Physical & Aquatic Therapy!

Learn More About Our Ergonomics Training!

Join us today here at Advance Physical & Aquatic Therapy for Wellness Yoga with Jen!

Jen will be hosting Yoga classes here in our Springfield clinic on Thursday nights at 7:15pm for all levels..no experience necessary.

We have 2 payment options:
$40 Per Month or $15 For A Drop In Class
(cash or check ONLY)

Please email Jen – jen@advanceaquaticpt.com or call our main number (610)544-8500 to sign up today

*If you decide to do a drop in class please give 24/48 hour notice to sign up*

Click Here to Email Jen About Yoga at APAT!

Exercise of the Month

BENT OVER ROWS

Hold a weight in your hand. Slightly bend your knees and bend at your waist to bring your torso forward. Make sure your back remains flat and about parallel to the floor. Pull the weight towards you. Make sure your elbows stay close to your body. Slowly return to the starting position.
3 Sets, 10 Reps. (Materials needed: dumbbells)

We Want To Hear Your Success Story!

Has Advance Physical & Aquatic Therapy helped you live a better life? Let others know how much we can help them too! Click the button to leave us a Google review—your feedback helps others find the care they need!

Leave Your Review Here!

As Friday night lights illuminate the field and the spirit of football echoes throughout the community, ensure that back pain doesn’t get in the way while rooting for your team in the stands. Experience the thrill of the season without the discomfort of back pain. Our treatments are designed for your unique needs, ensuring you’re game-day-ready every time.

Your game plan to tackle back pain involves the following:

Effective treatments to alleviate pain and guard against future flare-ups.
Customized strategies to boost your mobility and strength so you can cheer on your favorite teams without hesitation.
Tips to enjoy those tailgate barbecues and halftime huddles without a second thought to your back.

Get ready to chant, cheer, and celebrate without restraint. Connect with Advance Physical & Aquatic Therapy today, and let’s ensure you’re in prime shape for every touchdown this season!

Patient Success

“My doctor suggested PT after we were a little stumped as what to do next to help me. I was a little reluctant but so incredibly grateful and happy that I gave it a try & it worked! Josh is amazing and took his time to pinpoint the problem & try new things. I feel so much better! Thank you to everyone at APAT!”
-R.G.

Service Spotlight: Wellness Program

It is important that, after a full course of physical therapy is completed, patients continue their exercise program into the future in order to maintain the gains they have achieved. That is why Advance Physical & Aquatic Therapy offers a wellness program after patients have been seen through their insurance carrier and discharged from skilled, supervised physical therapy. Advance’s wellness program allows patients to continue to use our exercise facilities and heated pool for their continued adherence to their customized exercise program.

Gym Membership: $80

Includes:

10 Visit Commitment
Independent use of exercise facilities
Customized Wellness Exercise Program

Thank you for subscribing to
Advance Physical & Aquatic Therapy

Refer a Friend

Our purpose at Advance Physical & Aquatic Therapy is to leave a greater impact on the community around us. In order to achieve our goal we want to change as many lives as possible as we become a beacon of positivity in our community.

Click Here to Refer a Friend!