Postural Pain
Postural pain can happen when the spine is positioned in unnatural positions for prolonged periods of time. As a result of these unnatural positions, the joints, muscles, ligaments and discs are put in stressful conditions. When they can no longer cope with these stressful positions, they can become painful and irritated. Muscles will overload and build up painful knots called trigger point knots which can cause both localised discomfort and referral pain.
Unfortunately, postural pain is extremely common and most people will have experienced it at some point in their lives. Low back pain is the most common compliant. However, with a lot of people spending increased time at desks and computers, neck, shoulder and arm pain come in at a close second place. Other professions which are prone to postural pain are hairdressers, waiters and waitresses, taxi drivers and desk workers. Postural pain will develop if you are in the same position or using the same muscles for long periods of time without breaks. Physiotherapy can help! We recommend that you have an ergonomic assessment of your desk or have one of the physiotherapists assess your car seat if you sit for long periods. Physiotherapy treatment is very helpful along with postural exercises classes such as clinical Pilates which we teach on site at our branch in Ranelagh.
Most people will experience a decrease in their pain once physiotherapy has been commenced and their posture is corrected.
Treatment can include:
- Soft tissue massage
- Joint mobilization
- Dry needling
- Exercise prescription
- Postural awareness education
- Ergonomic assessment
