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My posture is horrible (almost abnormal), and I want to do something about it.
What's the best way to improve my posture, long-term? I'll do whatever it takes.
I try to stand up straight, but I can't seem to put it on "autopilot;" if I'm not thinking of it, I just go right back to my slumpy ways. In fact, I don't remember what it's like to actually have good posture (I'm assuming almost everybody's is good at a very young age), so I'm not sure I can even know if I'm standing correctly.
In Reply to: Posture posted by kdh [3371.1850] on March 07, 2005 at 23:13:24:
Hi Kdh,
You can look around at a health supply store for a posture correcting harness. It will keep ypur shoulders back and your back straight and no one will know you are wearing it under your clothes.
Ron
In Reply to: Posture posted by kdh [3371.1850] on March 07, 2005 at 23:13:24:
kdh,
I've been lifting weights, focusing mainly on my upper body, and the strengthened shoulder and abdominal muscles really help to have a better posture.
Sapphire
In Reply to: Posture posted by kdh [3371.1850] on March 07, 2005 at 23:13:24:
Hi kdh,
For the things we are able to fix ourselves, I really think awarenss is the key. Repeated awareness and repeated changes. In tough cases, it may take quite a concentrated effort to make any changes, or for the changes to become habit so you don't have to think about them. It may be too much for some people to do without help. In times of stress, or when you are focused on something else, you will probably continue to find your way back into the old positions quite easily.
Do you have any pain and/or structural dysfunction? It may not just be a matter of keeping your head back or your shoulder down...it may be a structural dysfunction that you can't isolate and correct yourself. Also keep in mind that your body may actually like being in a contorted position because it is the most balanced way for it to be with all the dysfunction it has to deal with. Everything has to compensate for everything else.
There are many different types of bodywork out there that can help you make permanent changes, if this is your desire. Massage therapy (specialties like deep tissue massage or sports massage) and Rolfing are two that come to mind that I have had extensive treatment experience with. Not everything can be fixed, but many people have good results at least for a period of time.
Wishing you the best,
Nutmeg
In Reply to: Re: Posture posted by Ron [1928.1671] on March 07, 2005 at 23:24:00:
are these harness very expensive? how much might you expect to pay for one?
In Reply to: Posture posted by kdh [3371.1850] on March 07, 2005 at 23:13:24:
Find a good "Myopractic" therapist in your area~ * S.H.A.P.E.
In Reply to: Posture posted by kdh [3371.1850] on March 07, 2005 at 23:13:24:
Take a look at the Egoscue Method. Pete Egoscue is a Postural Therapist. You could probably look at his books for free at a library; he also has a website with some of the info. on it. The Egoscue Method involves strengthening the appropriate muscles so that your body can be in the position that it was designed to function. You may get faster results by combining Egoscue's exercises with a therapy like Rolfing.
In Reply to: Posture posted by kdh [3371.1850] on March 07, 2005 at 23:13:24:
Hi, Kdh.
In my opinion you start with Rolfing and either Alexander Technique or Feldenkrais. See the archives and let us know how you do.
Walt
In Reply to: Posture posted by kdh [3371.1850] on March 07, 2005 at 23:13:24:
Hi kdh,
The idea is you need to stretch or loosen the muscles that are tight. Until they are loose, they will hold you in a bad postural pattern. After they are loose, then you need to strengthen the muscles that support you. Everyone has given you lots of ways to work with this! This can be a really fun process of self-discovery as you learn how to work with your body.
I started doing self-stretching and found my posture improving greatly. Below is a link for that.
Any of the professionals or other resources mentioned by the others would be great, too.
Best wishes,
Jan DeCourtney, CMT
In Reply to: Posture posted by kdh [3371.1850] on March 07, 2005 at 23:13:24:
You said,
"I try to stand up straight, but I can't seem to put it on "autopilot;" if I'm not thinking of it, I just go right back to my slumpy ways. In fact, I don't remember what it's like to actually have good posture (I'm assuming almost everybody's is good at a very young age), so I'm not sure I can even know if I'm standing correctly."
That's a very common and expected experience. The cure is three fold:
1. Have a professional show you what you are doing wrong and then PUT you into correct posture. (A good chiropractor, physical therapist or dance instructor should be able to do this.) Correct posture will feel unnatural at first. THIS IS TO BE EXPECTED.
2. PRACTICE THIS NEW POSTURE. This is REQUIRED to reverse years of bad habits. I like going for a walk and practicing my posture.
3. FIX what needs to be fixed. Strengthen your core muscles (back and abs) and stretch what muscles are tight (hips and hamstrings, usually). A physical therapist would be the best person to advise you on this.
Only doing one or two of the three steps above WILL NOT RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. You have to do all three or you will fall back into your old habits.
In Reply to: Re: Posture posted by NA [114.32] on March 08, 2005 at 04:44:21:
Hi NA,
Not very expensive if you do it yourself. Probably a lot more pricey if someone supplies a custom made one.
In Reply to: Re: Posture posted by Walt Stoll [93.1465] on March 08, 2005 at 09:01:02:
Feldenkrais is not in the archives
In Reply to: Normal experience posted by Lincoln [2274.218] on March 08, 2005 at 10:59:02:
Thanks, Lincoln!
Wonderfu advice!
Walt
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