Poor posture is recognised by slumped over, rounded shoulders and the head being carried too far forward. Postural strain is the ill effect of of this habitual problem.
Early detection of bad posture is very important. Fortunately, massage therapy may assist you.
Over prolonged periods, these postural habits typically lead to lower back pain and headaches. Poor posture can also affect breathing, digestion and circulation.
It is our experience that even mild postural laziness at the desk and computer will compound over time leading to other issues. Have someone else look at you while you work and tell you what they see. To start with, you ears should be aligned over your shoulders.
What is Posture?
Posture means simply position or alignment of body-parts. It means:
- Body-alignment that favours function.
- Position that requires the least muscular work to maintain, and which puts the least strain on muscles, ligaments and bones.
- Keeping the body’s centre of gravity over its base.
Good posture in standing position, for example, means head and chest held high, chin, abdomen and buttocks pulled in, knees bent slightly and feet planted firmly on the ground slightly apart.
Slouching and Hunching
When you hunch forward, your body isn’t properly aligned. Not only does poor posture look bad, but it forces some muscles to work incredibly hard all day long while others get weaker. Poor posture can put you in other slumps, too. When you slouch, you’re pressing down on your internal organs, which affects digestion and circulation and breathing capacity also suffer.
Unlike other bad habits, poor posture can be relaxing to correct. Why? Because massage can help get your body back on track. Allowing the body to reinforce healthy and natural movements can be one of the most beneficial aspects of massage therapy.
Massage can relax and loosen the muscles made sore by bad posture, allowing your body to position itself in its natural-and pain-free-posture.
Benefits of Improved Posture
- Muscles are loosened and relaxed
- Joints enjoy greater freedom
- Pressure points are relieved