Postural Exercise
Why Postural Exercise?
A multidimensional approach to wellness is the most effective solution to many complaints. We encourage movement, stretching and postural exercises in addition to bodywork services. Postural Exercise is based on the principals of bio-mechanics and physics and is designed to re-establish proper structure and balance to the body. In a healthy body, each joint should be aligned or stacked above the next creating proper load bearing. This is important in allowing the body to move efficiently, without pain, discomfort, limitations or compensations. In a body out of balance, certain compensations are created where some muscles are overactive – becoming very tight and stiff, while other muscles which should be working become under active, and very weak.
Lifestyle, work, the stress of pregnancy and even regular exercise can perpetuate pain and postural misalignments, hindering progress in other bodywork services. This postural work not only corrects deviations, but can help with other fitness and weight loss goals by stretching, strengthening and helping inactive muscles become active again so you use more muscles in every movement.
We prefer to use these exercises in conjunction with bodywork services for true body restoration. This is a terrific home care tool that helps you get more benefit from your massage, acupuncture or chiropractic sessions. In our experience, we have seen the fastest, most lasting improvements achieved from combining Postural Work with Bowenwork (neurological release of muscle tension). This combination is the key to our “Body Restoration Services“.
What To Expect
Our Postural Work consists first of a personal postural assessment, where we visually examine and chart your posture to determine you specific postural deviations. Then we create an exercise program designed just for you. Next, we teach you your exercise program. This may be done later in the same visit or on a subsequent visit. Now our job is done and it is up to you to do these exercises at home at least five days per week to receive the greatest benefit.
As your posture improves and your symptoms subside, we can make a maintenance program for you to use as a preventative measure, from time to time, or if your symptoms return. Rest assured, we don’t want you to stay on this program forever. The goal is for you to return to a healthy, active lifestyle doing the exercise and activities you most enjoy, without needing a program to feel good.
During Your Session
Please wear or bring shorts and a fitness top to wear during the postural assessment, which will take approximately 15 minutes. During this time we will discuss your health history, activities, fitness level and physical concerns. During the visual assessment, we chart your posture and determine structural imbalances which we use to design a personalized corrective exercise program. It generally takes 30 minutes to demonstrate your new program. You will also receive a paper copy of your exercises to bring home with you. You may want to reconsider your current workouts or put them on hold if they are contributing to your complaints.