There are a variety of causes that can contribute to back pain, neck pain and related forms of pain, and one of the most well-known and common is posture. Bad posture is often a key cause of pain in these areas, but there are also several ways you can go about fixing your posture if it's out of whack - and massage therapy is one great resource here.
At Body Balance Massage and Float, we're proud to offer numerous massage therapy techniques, including options like deep tissue massage, sports massage and more. What exactly is bad posture, what are some of its causes and effects, and how does massage therapy often help correct it (along with other approaches)? Here's a simple rundown.
While specific definitions of bad posture will vary based on individual health needs and goals, bad posture can generally be defined as any body position in which the musculoskeletal system is misaligned. Poor sitting or standing habits are typical causes of this, but injuries and medical conditions can also contribute to bad posture - for example, scoliosis (a form of spine curvature) can lead to chronic bad posture.
From a medical perspective, doctors would describe bad posture as any situation that leads to increased pressure on the joints and ligaments, particularly in the neck, upper back, lower back and legs.
There are also several known causes of bad posture, including:
Sitting improperly: The single most common cause of bad posture is actually sitting improperly - think slouching, using a chair that doesn't provide adequate support, or simply not paying enough attention to how you're positioned.
Lack of exercise: When it comes to your musculoskeletal system, staying active is key for keeping all components in alignment. Not exercising regularly can lead to increased pressure on joints and ligaments, causing bad posture.
Muscle tension: Muscle tension is a common cause of poor posture, and this can often be due to stress or even an underlying medical condition.
Stress and mental health issues: In other cases, learned postural habits can often be caused by stress or mental health issues, like depression.
Massage therapy is one of the most well-known and effective ways to correct bad posture - often in tandem with other approaches such as stretching and exercise. Various massage techniques can help improve posture by increasing flexibility and range of motion, as well as strengthening weakened muscles.
Deep tissue massage therapy is one of the most popular options available for improving posture, as it helps to break down muscle knots and tension while also improving circulation - both of which can help correct alignment issues. Sports massage is another great option, as it's designed to target specific areas of the body - usually including the neck and shoulders, which are often prone to bad posture.
Finally, manual therapy techniques like myofascial release can also be helpful for restoring correct postural alignment, as it helps to improve flexibility in tight muscles and relaxes tissue that has become hardened due to stress or tension.
Massage therapy can be a great resource for correcting bad posture, and it's important to take the time to find the right therapist who is experienced in helping treat this type of issue. With the right care and treatment plan, many people are able to reduce or even eliminate pain by improving their posture - allowing them to get back to living life with greater ease.
At Body Balance Massage and Float, we have a team of experienced massage therapy specialists who can help you develop a plan for correcting your posture and reducing pain. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you get back on track!