Postural Restoration
What is it?
Postural restoration is a physical therapy technique that aims to restore a more neutral posture for individuals. The goal of postural restoration training is to allow patients to independently find a neutral position in the pelvis, spine, and rib cage. Finding a more neutral position will allow injured areas of the body to heal faster and more efficiently. Postural Restoration uses manual treatments by a therapist and specific exercises to help patients use their body in a more balanced state.
Signs and Symptoms
So how would you know if Postural Restoration would be helpful to you? The following are some common symptoms that Postural Restoration therapy would be used to help treat:
- Difficulty breathing, shortness of breath
- The feeling of being "out of alignment"
- Hip, pelvic, low back pain
- Abdominal, chest wall, and rib cage strains
- Cervical pain or headaches
- Knee and foot injuries
- Stress related muscle tension
- Shoulder impingement or tendonitis
Principles of Treatment
One of the main principles of Postural Restoration is the premise that all of us are right side dominant. Even left handed people use the right side of their body more, because it takes less effort to breathe and move. This right dominant tendency begins when we are infants and develops into a strong pattern as we grow older. When we use our right leg more, our left pelvis rotates forward. This anterior rotation (or anterior tilt) of the left pelvis sets off a chain of events through the spine, rib cage, pelvis and lower extremities that can lead to excessive stress and injury to any are of the body. An example of being right dominant is most of us will spend more time during the day standing on our right leg.
Another principle of postural restoration is the importance of breathing with the diaphragm. The diaphragm is a muscle in the abdominal cavity that contracts during the inhalation phase of breathing. When an individual has a posture that is imbalanced their rib cage and spine are in a position that does not allow them to correctly use the diaphragm during breathing. Improperly breathing with the diaphragm leads to other muscles being over used to assist in breathing. This leads to muscle stress and injury.
Intervention
Postural Restoration is a type of Physical Therapy that is used in conjunction with other forms of Treatment. Other therapy options include treatments for pain and muscle spasm, such as heat and massage. Pain and inflammation can also be treated with modalities such as Iontophoresis, ultrasound, and electrical stimulation. A specific home exercise program, strength training, or range of motion training may also be appropriate for a patient receiving Postural Restoration training.