POSTURE CORRECTION PROGRAM
Experience the Amazing Effects of Better Posture 


WHAT DOES NORMAL POSTURE LOOK LIKE?

In 1949 the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons defined good posture as “the state of muscular and skeletal balance which protects the supporting structures of the body against injury or progressive deformity irrespective of the position of the body 
(erect, lying, squatting, stooping). Under such conditions the muscles and abdominal 
and chest organs will function most efficiently.

From the side, a vertical gravity line passes through the EAM (ear), A-C joint (shoulder), greater Trochanter (hip), and the lateral maleolis (ankle). From the front, normal posture is demonstrated by symmetry where the shoulders are of equal height, hips are of equal height and the head is positioned straight with no deviations.
HOW DO WE CORRECT BAD POSTURE?
First, we have to define what type of bad posture a person has by using the following
three methods: 1) observation within an examination, 2) X-rays and 3) An analysis of
an individual’s posture from a digital picture using a computer based software program
called Posture Pro. Once we know the person’s type of bad posture, we can determine
the proper treatment. Corrective treatment may include traction, flexibility and/or strengthening exercises, postural adjustments, postural exercises, orthotics and/or ergonomic changes to work stations. We then re-test to monitor the individual’s
progress.
WHY IS TRACTION SO IMPORTANT?

Traction applies a constant force directly on the soft tissues, especially the ligaments.
Research shows that ligaments will stretch over time in response to the forces applied to
it. Exercise alone has not been shown to have the same effect on the ligaments as
traction. In order to make permanent structural changes to the spine, traction protocols
needs to be an integral part of the treatment plan.

 
HOW EXERCISES WILL HELP WITH POSTURE
CORRECTION
Strengthening the muscles that have been abnormally stretched and weakened due to poor postures or trauma, will help to support the changes made on the ligament structures during corrective care. Stretching will help to elongate the muscles that have been abnormally shortened and weakened which are due to poor postures or trauma.
WHY IS CORRECTING ABNORMAL POSTURE SO IMPORTANT?

Researchers have documented the importance of proper posture and the damaging effects of poor posture. In the January 1994 issue of American Journal of Pain Management, the authors stated, “Posture affects and moderates every physiologic function from breathing to hormonal production. Spinal pain, headache, mood, blood pressure, pulse and lung capacity are among some of the functions most easily influenced by posture.”
BENEFITS OF POSTURE CORRECTION
Researchers have found that poor posture is a cause for many conditions such as:
decreased range of motion, increased headaches, increased neck and upper
extremity pain, rounded shoulders, jaw pain, increased low back pain, increased
mid and upper back pain, decreased lung capacity, increased nerve interference,
improper bowel movements, and premature aging effects.


As shown below, abnormal posture can stress soft tissues.