Posture Correction and Ergonomics

Posture is the approach taken by the body when the body is stationary or when it is moving. The posture is achieved as a result of the coordinated action of various muscles that work to maintain stability. In simple words, it can be understood as the position in which you hold your body while standing or sitting.

Types of posture
Divided into two types:

Inactive
Active
    – Static (Fixed)
    – Dynamic

Inactive Posture – These are the approaches that are adopted while relaxing or sleeping. They theoretically require minimal muscle activity, and usually require relaxation.

Active Posture – Integrated action of many muscles is required to maintain the alignment, they are basically divided into two types.

  • Static posture – Body segments are aligned and maintained in a fixed position. This is usually achieved by coordination and interaction of various muscle groups that are working statistically to counter gravity and other forces like standing, sitting, lying and kneeling.
  • Dynamic posture – In this type of posture, the body segments move. This is generally necessary to create an efficient basis for movement. The work and non-compressed structures have to work to adapt to the changing conditions. Examples are walking, running, jumping, throwing and lifting.

What is a good posture?
Posture is the position in which you hold your body up against gravity while standing, sitting or lying down. The body is trained to stand, walk, sit, and lie in good posture where minimal stress is placed to support muscles and ligaments.

Good posture makes you feel great, feels more energetic and project confidence. It also helps prevent injury and reduce pain.

We all want good postures, but if you have bad postures, it can be so difficult to achieve. This is because achieving good posture not only involves learning new movements and positions, but also changing life-long habits.

How to improve posture?

To get good Posture you need to have:

Normal Joint Limit of Motion – If you have rigid spinal joints, you will need to loosen to allow you to achieve good posture alignment.

Length of Normal Muscles – If your muscles are too tight then you will not be able to achieve a normal posture. For achieving a normal posture you need to stretch and relax your muscles.

Good Muscle Power – Your muscles need to be able to pull you into the ideal posture.

Excellent Muscle Endurance – Your muscles should be able to work for hours on end. Poor endurance is the cause of poor posture.

 Your nervous tissue needs sufficient length to allow normal posture.

Good Spatial Awareness – If you are not sure “how you should feel” with good posture, what hope do you have for achieving it? This is where your physical therapist can provide you with verbal and visual feedback. Also they can asset you at home with postural taping or postural brace.

Perfect Posture Habits. The most difficult part is the initial change. After that, you are just reinforcing the right habit that will become your normal perfect posture.