When you are injured or maintain bad posture for a long time, your body goes through a process of neurophysiological adaptation. It is important to understand that muscles only work optimally when they contract and activate to their optimal length.
If you have a knee injury that prevents you from bending it for a few weeks. You keep your knee in a bent position throughout the acute phase of the injury because of the pain associated with the movement. During this time your body adapts to this new position. The muscles in the back of the thigh (the hamstrings group) become shortened and those in the front of the thigh (quadriceps and vastus group) become lengthened. The tissues literally change their structure to accommodate the new position, and your brain also begins to recognize this new position.
Unlike a rigid structure, such as a chair, the body is not designed to function in a single position. It is designed for dynamic movement and control during this movement. The best way to prevent injury, pain and fatigue is to use the body in the way it was designed for. Obviously, our society has changed so much that many people can’t avoid sitting for long periods of time, but that doesn’t mean they can’t take advantage of a greater understanding of how the body works.
Set a periodic alarm on your phone to remind yourself to get up, stretch and move every 45 minutes. Get up, drink some water, practice some general mobility. Likewise, if you need to stand for long periods at work, use the alarm to remind yourself to squat and stretch or simply sit and breathe for a minute or two every hour. This will be extremely beneficial.
Visit your chiropractor regularly for an inspection. If you have already developed significant changes in your spine, an initial period of intensive care is recommended to help you adjust more quickly, after which you will benefit greatly from a check-up every two weeks, depending on the amount of stress you subject your body to during the week. Chiropractic adjustments help the body resist chronic tissue strain by helping the joints of the spine and pelvis maintain proper movement and balance.
Plan in your week a simple movement routine. Do this a minimum of 3 days a week and you can also incorporate it into your regular exercise warm-up or relaxation. Want some tips on how to develop a movement routine? Check out some of our reels! Another way to develop a routine is to observe children’s movements. Children move with almost perfect balance and form because they are in the process of developing the proper control and balance needed by any human being to function optimally!
In conclusion, the importance of maintaining good posture cannot be overstated. When we neglect our posture, whether due to injury or prolonged periods of poor positioning, our bodies undergo neurophysiological adaptations that can lead to imbalances and discomfort. The human body is designed for dynamic movement and control, and understanding how it works is crucial for preventing injuries, pain, and fatigue. Implementing simple strategies like taking regular movement breaks, seeking chiropractic care, and incorporating movement routines into our lives can go a long way in helping us maintain optimal posture and overall well-being. By respecting our body’s natural design, we can promote better health and function, allowing us to lead more fulfilling lives.