Good posture occurs when you stand, sit, and lie in positions that put the least amount of strain on your muscles and ligaments. It promotes proper body alignment, which helps you avoid pain in your joints, muscles, and back. If you’re looking to improve your posture, physical therapists suggest following these tips. 

How to Improve Your Posture

1. Sit Up Straight at Your Desk

Many people slouch while they work, but this position strains the muscles and joints. Instead, sit back in your chair and bend your knees at a right angle, keeping them at the same level or slightly higher than your hips. To maintain your spine’s natural curve, physical therapists recommend putting a lumbar roll or rolled-up towel behind the middle of your back. 

2. Drive Closer to Your Steering Wheel 

While leaning back in the driver’s seat may be comfortable, it’s not good for your posture. Support your back by moving the seat close enough to the steering wheel so your knees can bend.

Just like when you’re sitting at your desk, keep your knees at the same level or slightly higher than your hips, and place a lumbar roll or rolled-up towel behind your mid-back. 

3. Change Your Sleeping Habits

Avoid sleeping on your stomach, as this position strains your back and spine. Instead, sleep on your back with a small pillow under your neck. Or, you can sleep on your side with your knees bent slightly and a pillow under your head that’s level with your spine.

Also, if you have a soft mattress, swap it for a firmer one, which will support your spine’s natural shape much more effectively. 

To maintain excellent posture and keep your body comfortable and healthy, turn to the team at Hands-On Health Massage & Physical Therapy. Based in High Point, NC, these physical therapists will help you design a personalized plan to improve your posture and reduce pain. Along with postural realignment techniques, they use a variety of other treatments including deep tissue massages, lymphatic balancing, and active isolated stretching. Learn more about the practice online, and call (336) 906-2040 to schedule an appointment.