Learn How Physiotherapy For Postural Awareness Can Alleviate Neck Pain
Neck pain, often worsened by poor posture, is a common complaint among individuals, particularly as they age. Fortunately, physiotherapy for posture correction techniques can be a key to preventing and alleviating neck pain for long-term improvement. Physiotherapy offers personalized exercises and treatments that can help you move better, build strength, and improve your overall well-being for lasting results.
In this blog post we’ll define postural awareness and ways to reduce your neck pain.
How Does Physiotherapy For Posture Improvement Reduce Neck Pain?
Remember those times when a caring adult nudged you to “fix your bad posture”? They likely meant “stand up straight” or “don’t hunch your shoulders.” While proper posture is important, our dedicated physiotherapists understand that there’s more to posture than simply being “good” or “bad.”
We focus on guiding patients toward postural awareness – the ability to sense your body’s position and movement. This awareness is key to adapting to different situations and posture during movements and reducing strain on your neck.
Prioritizing dynamic postures (regular movement) over static postures (holding one position) can drastically improve your postural awareness and decrease neck pain. For example, when washing dishes, change your stance frequently and take breaks. When standing for work, ensure workspaces are at a comfortable height to avoid hunching your shoulders and bending your neck.
Studies show that prolonged sitting can increase pressure on the spine and neck. When you do need to sit, try to:
- Keep your back straight and against the backrest
- Feet flat on the floor
- Knees bent at around a 90-degree angle, in line with your hips
Our physiotherapists will help you find your ideal spinal alignment and posture so you can maintain that awareness whether sitting, standing, or moving.
Personalized Physiotherapy For Posture And Neck Pain
A 45-year-old graphic designer came to our practice complaining of chronic neck pain and frequent headaches. She spent long hours hunched over her computer, and her pain had been steadily worsening over the past year, impacting her work and quality of life.
During the initial assessment, our physiotherapist observed her posture. She exhibited a classic “forward head posture,” with her head jutting forward and her shoulders rounded. This posture put excessive strain on her neck muscles and joints, leading to pain and inflammation.
We created a treatment plan that focused on postural awareness and correction.
Manual Therapy
- Targeted hands-on techniques to release tight muscles and mobilize stiff joints in her neck and upper back.
Neck Exercises
- Exercise to strengthen the neck and upper back muscles, which help to keep the head in your ideal position.
Ergonomic Adjustments
- We recommended adjustments to her workstation, including raising her monitor to eye level and using an ergonomic keyboard and mouse.
With consistent physiotherapy, her posture improved significantly. As her neck and upper back muscles strengthened and her postural awareness increased, her pain gradually diminished. The frequency and intensity of her headaches also decreased.
She reported feeling more energized and productive at work, and she was delighted to be able to enjoy her hobbies without constant discomfort. She continues to practice her posture exercises and maintain good ergonomic habits, ensuring long-term relief and prevention of future neck pain.
Physiotherapy For Posture And Neck Pain Relief At Silverberry Physiotherapy
We start every physiotherapy program with a thorough assessment of your movement and posture. Then, we create a personalized plan that may include:
- Targeted exercises to support your posture
- Adjustments to your environment to break poor postural habits
- Specialized tools (lumbar rolls) to help you maintain good posture throughout the day
If you notice increased discomfort in your neck or shoulders, or rounded/uneven shoulders, it could be signs your posture needs attention. Physiotherapy for posture correction isn’t just about easing existing pain; it’s about preventing it.
Call us today to explore how physiotherapy can pave the way to better posture.
