A Brain Connection
Did you know that your mood is unconsciously linked to your posture and vice versa? We all know that when we’re sad or upset, we tend to slouch our shoulders forward and look down toward the ground. It’s just our natural way to enter a protective state…a bit of human nature. However, after many times of taking this posture when experiencing these negative emotions, the brain forms a link between the two and may begin presenting negative emotions in response to poor posture. While this seems like an odd reaction, it’s a proven concept called Embodied Cognition. That’s why maintaining a strong, healthy posture is so important for promoting positive mental health.
How to Improve Posture
Chiropractic Services
We may be a bit of bias, but here at Florida Injury & Wellness Center in Wesley Chapel, we believe regular chiropractic services are the best way to build and maintain good posture. A qualified chiropractor can identify problem areas along your spine that may inhibit your ability to attain proper posture, then treat those areas with gentle and effective decompression and adjustments.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is a great complementary treatment for those with poor posture, as it opens up the chakras and allows positive energy to flow throughout the body. Acupuncture also increases blood flow and promotes healing of the muscles and joints, so if pain or inflammation is preventing good posture, acupuncture can aid in its relief.
Massage Therapy
The benefits of massage are a clear complement to retraining your back muscles and spine to maintain a better posture. Massage brings blood and vital nutrients to tense, overworked areas to promote healing and relief. Experienced massage therapists are trained to find and manipulate trigger points to release myofascial tissue and reshape the musculature, helping the spine align properly without discomfort. Plus, massages just feel awesome!
Physical Therapy
In some cases, poor posture may require physical therapy services in order to improve. If the slouched posture is due to an injury or medical condition, physical therapists may want to work with the patient to safely regain range of motion and function in the impaired area. Physical therapy encourages the use of muscle groups that may not be engaged regularly, breaking up adhesions and promoting healthy form.
Raise Your Environment
A nifty trick to encourage you to raise your head and extend your shoulders back is to simply lift everything around you. From your computer monitor to your TV to the photos hanging on your walls, pick everything up a few inches to force you to avoid a slouched position.
Set Reminders
While these treatments and tips for attaining good posture sound great, let’s face it…habits are hard to break! Frequent and consistent reminders to modify your posture are necessary to achieve this goal. Lucky for you, you probably already have the perfect tool to help you remember to practice good posture – your phone. By using the built-in calendar or alarm apps, you can set yourself repeating reminders to check your posture throughout the day.
Banish Negativity
Embodied Cognition should make it clear that our bodies and minds respond to negativity, and not in a good way. Just negative thoughts can have a devastating effect on a person’s mental, physical, and emotional health. Make it a practice to banish negative influences from your life and not engage in negative rhetoric with others. Surround yourself with positive people, places, and things that bring you joy and comfort. These will not only make you happier, they can also improve your health and encourage other good behaviors.
Services for Good Posture
If you live in Tampa or Wesley Chapel and your posture could use some work, contact Florida Injury & Wellness Center at 813-491-7509 or online to schedule an appointment for our life-changing chiropractic, acupuncture, massage therapy, and physical therapy services. Our state-of-the-art equipment paired with years of real-world experience will make your journey to better posture, and better health, much easier.
