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Many
of us think of posture as how we stand or sit, how straight
our back is or how well we hold our head up. Posture is really
the sum of all those things we do to be able to sit, stand,
and move in a manner that is healthy and safe for our bodies.
In the long term, efficient posture contributes to our health.
Our posture reflects the overall balance of the muscles pulling
on the bones, the alignment of the bones in relation to one
another, and the tension we carry due to stress, pain, or
habit. Over time, muscle imbalances and bony misalignment
can lead to excessive wear or injury to the body, sometimes
in a very surprising manner.
One
analogy is to compare your body to a car. Suppose a car has
been in a minor accident; it wasn't totaled, and although
the frame was twisted in a few spots, the car was still able
to be driven. So off you go. Now, however, the car pulls to
one side when the brakes are applied, or the tires wear unevenly,
or the door doesn't close like it used to. It's functioning,
but not well. The same can happen to people. Misalignment
and mechanical imbalances can lead to a number of problems
throughout the body resulting in fatigue, weakness, breathing
imbalances, tight muscles or joints as compensatory patterns
become the norm. The body is functioning, but not well.
Fortunately,
people can restore their ability to move optimally when they
learn new ways of exercising, thinking, and moving. Postural
Restoration is a method that restores mechanical balance and
alignment. Developed by Ron Hruska, P.T., Postural Restoration
is a systematic technique to assess the imbalances and misalignments
of the human frame. A progression of very specific neuromuscular
retraining techniques are used to restore optimal movement
ability. This technique is tailored to fit the specific needs
of each individual and are changed and adapted as the person
progresses toward optimal movement ability. People often report
significant relief of chronic pains and strains, improved
strength and endurance, and yes, better posture when sitting
and standing.
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