What is good posture?
Posture is the position in which you hold your body upright against gravity while standing, sitting or laying down. Good posture helps to minimise the amount of strain imposed on our muscles, joints and ligaments whilst performing our daily activities.
- Minimises muscle strain by keeping bones and joints in optimal alignment.
- Decreases the abnormal wearing of joint surfaces caused by overload and overstrain.
- Minimises ligamentous strain on the joints of the spine and posture loaded joints.
- Minimises fatigue due to more efficient use of muscles, allowing the body to use less energy.
- Helps prevents backache and muscular pain.
- Contributes to a more positive and assertive appearance.
Proper posture requirements:
Good muscle and joint flexibility
Strong postural muscles
Balanced muscle tone on both sides of the spine
An understanding of what constitutes good posture which leads to conscious correction.
With practice, the correct posture for standing, sitting, and lying down will gradually replace your old posture.
Sleep on your back or side only. Do not sleep on your stomach as this often causes lower back and neck strain. Use a quality contoured pillow that provides adequate support to your head and neck while sleeping.
When arising from bed, move to the side of the bed and push yourself up sideways while swinging your legs off the side.
When your back is painful you may place a pillow under your knees (when on your back) or between your knees (when on your side).
Your physiotherapist can advise you on good posture.