Adapting proper posture is an essential part to maintaining a healthy skeletal structure as you age. According to the Mayo Clinic, good posture promotes a strong and stable spinal column and can help prevent the deterioration of the vital muscles and ligaments that keep you balanced and flexible. Poor posture has been associated with a number of health conditions such as dowager’s hump, double chin, varicose veins, pinched nerves, neck pain, back pain, and many others.
Helpful Hints for Better Posture:
Upper Body Posture – Stand tall when you walk like you’re looking ahead over a crowd of people.
Forward Head Posture – Slide your chin back as you bring your chest bone up.
Slouched Posture Posture- Roll your shoulders up and back, turn thumbs out.
Low Back Posture- Use a lumbar support when sitting.
Better Standing Posture – Imagine a plumb bob from your ear to your ankle.
Improve Your Posture with Physical Therapy
A physical therapist can help correct & improve your posture by designing an individualized program of exercises and activities with an emphasis on strength, flexibility, and proper gait. Your balance may be improved with exercises that strengthen the core, back, ankle, knee, and hip muscles along with exercises that improve the function of the balance system. If you have concerns about your posture, call your doctor. Ask your doctor if physical therapy can help.
References: Mayo Clinic