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Tag: Posture

How does Posture Impact Scoliosis?

Scoliosis

Scoliosis is a curve in your spine that visually appears to move from side to side. A common misconception is that a scoliosis curve is 1 or 2-dimensional. It actually occurs through a 3-dimensional curve with changes in the bones at the apex of the curve. This 3-dimensional shape is seen all throughout the body! It is similar to the 3-dimensional shape that allows your hips and lower back to move in separate directions. These 3-dimensional changes occur all the way from when and how your foot contacts the floor to how your head and neck are positioned.  

Impact of Scoliosis in Children and Teenagers

Children and teenagers who have scoliosis will notice that these changes impact their posture and how they move.  Normally, the bones in the spine are rectangular and are evenly spaced from side to side. Children and teens who have scoliosis will have at least three bones in their spine that are larger on one side than the other. This is what contributes to the shape of the spine.   

Due to structural and postural abnormalities associated with scoliosis, it is important to maintain an upright posture and to avoid repetitive bending and twisting at the spine.  If your child maintains poor posture or rests into their curve, they can experience back pain and their curve may even worsen.   This will also cause more rotation of and stress on the bones of the spine. Your child or teen will need to maintain a neutral pelvis and upright posture.  This will prevent the worsening of scoliosis and overall posture.  A skilled Schroth-certified therapist can create a customized treatment program to help them learn how to use healthy posture and movement habits during their everyday activities.

Importance of Posture

So why is it important to develop and maintain a neutral posture? Think of a spine and the way it moves like a broken pearl necklace like in the image below. In this picture, the pelvis is the triangle and the spine is the string of pearls. Without a stable pelvis, the bones in the spine follow the path of least resistance and move further into a curve like when you drag the end of a pearl necklace and all the beads follow the path of the first bead.

However, if you take the end of the pearl necklace and hold it with one hand and then pull the other end with the other hand the pearl necklace will straighten. The same thing will happen when you learn to find a neutral pelvis and work on lengthening your spine with an upright posture.

Physical Therapy for Scoliosis

At BDI Playhouse, a Schroth-certified physical therapist can work with you and your child to learn ways to improve their posture while playing, doing sports, socializing, and during everyday activities at school and home. Schroth-certified therapists have special training to help children incorporate good posture into their everyday activities. This will stop curve progression, improve physical appearance, and improve health and functional abilities. We can work with you and your child to achieve any goal through the development of a healthy posture. To learn more about how we can work together to make those goals a reality, schedule a free screening  or call us at (708) 478-1820. 

Posture Intervention

Posture Intervention

Questions about BDI Posture?

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Why does posture matter?

Sit up straight! Posture is much more complicated than just sitting up straight. In order to function our best, we need the best possible posture to support that function. Posture is how the body is aligned in everything we do. Good posture is essential for sitting, standing, moving, and even sleeping. Poor posture causes poor movement patterns which leads to short and long term functional deficits. 

What are posture red flags?

Assess posture in static and dynamic positions. Take note of your child’s posture when they are sitting/standing and playing. Look for these red flags. 

  • Slouching
  • Leaning 
  • Asymmetry 
  • Flat or excessive curvature of back
  • Protruding abdomen
  • Forward head
  • Rounded shoulders
  • Head tilt
  • Shoulder elevation  or more forward on one side
  • Inability to stand or sit still 

Who is at risk for postural deficits?

Everyone but especially children! Posture is a life long journey, always needing improvement and is essential for good health. Certainly more screen time is not helping our postural alignment and it’s often unavoidable. Unfortunately poor posture during screen time is especially detrimental to children who have not fully developed. Children have weaker muscles and tissue connections as well as soft bones that are more prone to the effects of gravity. A diagnosis of  Good postural alignment will help decrease the risk of future pain and injury. 

How does posture affect children with special needs?

Children with special needs are at most risk for postural deficits due to possible weakness, tightness and movement challenges. Poor posture can cause breathing, visual and digestion deficits. Joint mobility issues are often compounded by postural misalignment. Posture is not easy to correct on the strongest of kids,  a lot of energy goes into maintaining good posture. Helping to support the child in good alignment will allow them more energy to reach their full potential. Proper postural alignment is essential to ensure the best possible outcome for kids with special needs. 

Who can help? 

Our physical therapists are trained to evaluate posture in all positions for the best possible functional outcome. They will assess your child’s spinal position in static and dynamic activities to help correct positional dysfunctions to improve their motor patterns. Modifications may be needed to improve alignment and PT’s have the expertise to suggest might what work best for your child.  Physical Therapists give personalized exercises, stretches and tips to improve postural endurance and alignment. 

If you have any questions or concerns about your child’s posture, schedule a free screening with one of our physical therapists to help determine a cause and help correct postural misalignments.

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