Do you have pain that keeps coming back in the same body area? Have you received treatment for the same problem repeatedly, only to find that it keeps coming back? If so, the problem might be a postural predisposition to muscle fatigue and pain in those areas.
Many people are surprised to learn that it is unusual to be completely symmetrical. For example, one eye may be narrower, or an ear might be slightly low, or one side of the body may be more developed than the other. Likewise, our standing and sitting posture can be asymmetrical. These postural problems can result from unequal leg lengths, abnormalities from birth, compensation from previous injury, repeated poor positioning at work, and other causes.
When posture causes us to stand or sit in an asymmetrical way, we will not be bearing our weight against gravity efficiently. The less efficiently we stand, move and sit, the more muscle energy we use in this struggle. This excessive use of muscle energy against gravity leads to fatigue, tightness, and muscle ache. Usually this will occur in the same areas of the body on a repeating basis.
Postural balancing is the process of improving our standing and sitting posture, and this helps us more efficiently use our muscle energy against gravity.
To detect postural imbalance, we begin with a history and physical examination. If postural imbalance is detected, X-rays may be required.
To improve posture, treatment might include Osteopathic manipulation, heel lifts, seated lifts, and custom made arch supports.
The success of this approach is tremendous. Many patients receive permanent relief from pain problems that previously required weekly or monthly maintenance visits to various therapists.