Why should I be thinking about my posture? Why is it important?
We’re born with natural curves in our spine, if you’re looking at it from the side. We have a small arch at our neck and one at our lower back. With the stress we put our bodies through – activities or lack of activity where we’re sitting at a computer all day long and start drifting forward – well, those natural spine curves can be lost. That can lead to pain in the joints of your spine. Tight or overstretched muscles. Numbness. A persistent tingling in your arms, your legs – really, it can occur anywhere.
Our spine is a beautifully-made mechanical structure, but this structure can be negatively affected by the constant effects of gravity and loads that are placed on it all day long. This means we need to have enough strength and stability in order to maintain the natural structure of our spine, and this starts with awareness of what proper posture looks like.
Posture is important so we don’t end up with pain. Keeping a good posture is also important for efficient muscle function. If you basically sit or stand with a slouch, your low back muscles, your glutes and shoulder blade muscles become stretched out and that puts even more stress on the spine because those muscles can't work properly.
Here’s what to look for in good posture, head to toe:
A small chin tuck, where your gaze is forward and your chin is level, not tilted up.
Shoulder blades gently back.
Normal low back curve.
Knees are unlocked, not snapped back and hyper-extended.
Weight on your feet is evenly distributed both from side-to-side and on each foot.
Small drawing in of the lower abdominal muscles to keep your lower back curve steady.
Your hips should be right underneath you, not thrust forward.
At Bike & Body we are here to help you improve posture and alleviate pain through physical therapy. We’re here to help you stay fit, healthy and mobile for the rest of your life.
Bike & Body is a private studio dedicated to promoting WELLNESS and LONGEVITY in ACTIVE-MINDED PEOPLE through Physical Therapy and Bike Fitting. The owner, Dr. Deb Slota, is a fully licensed Physical Therapist and Certified Bike Fitter in Milwaukee, WI. We believe in devoting our full attention and expertise to every client that walks through our door. You will leave with an elevated sense of well-being, improved ease of movement, and the knowledge to make it last. Whether you are battling a nagging injury, have just sustained an injury, or something just doesn't feel right, we are here to help.
To schedule a free initial consultation, get started here.
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