Four Questions...
- Are you unable to touch your toes and still take a full breath in?
- Do you find yourself sitting upright and forward in your chair at work, consistently not using the chair back?
- Is one shoulder obviously lower than the the other?
- Are you unable to squat fully with your heels down and your feet and knees together?
If you answered "yes" to any or all of these questions you likely have postural issues related to your rib cage and spine that are driving a dysfunctional breathing pattern. Breathing, as fundamental and usually effortless as it may seem, can easily become altered and drive you into abnormal postural patterns. It is important to be able to take a full breath in and out while sitting, bending, and reaching without extraneous use of lower back and neck muscles. Testing yourself with the above questions will give you an idea of whether or not your ribs can move well enough to prevent compensatory posture changes that may eventually create problems.
At Steve Cuddy Physical Therapy these are just examples of how you will be assessed for posture and biomechanics. You will also receive a comprehensive examination of your joint and soft tissue function as it relates to how you move and breath. Techniques will be used to restore normal movement and posture and you will be given a thorough home program to complement what is done at your visit.
