By Suja Jose, PT, DPT, Physical Therapist at RWJBarnabas Health Ambulatory Care Center
Good posture is an important part of healthy movement. Whether you're sitting at a desk, standing, walking, or exercising, the way you position your body can affect how your muscles and joints work together.
Poor posture doesn't always cause pain, but spending long periods in the same position or regularly using poor movement patterns may contribute to neck pain, back pain, shoulder discomfort, stiffness, and muscle tension.
How Can Good Posture Help?
Maintaining comfortable and balanced positions can help your body move more efficiently and reduce unnecessary strain on certain muscles and joints. Good posture can also support better movement during everyday activities, work, and exercise.
However, good posture doesn't mean holding your body in one “perfect” position all day. Changing positions and moving regularly are just as important.
How Can Physical Therapy Improve Posture?
Physical therapy can help identify the factors that may affect your posture and movement. A physical therapist can evaluate your strength, flexibility, mobility, balance, and movement patterns and create an exercise program based on your individual needs.
Treatment may include:
- Strengthening weak muscles
- Improving flexibility and joint mobility
- Teaching posture and movement awareness
- Improving core and upper-back strength
- Providing ergonomic recommendations for work and daily activities
- Teaching exercises to help reduce pain and improve movement
When Should You Consider Physical Therapy?
If poor posture is accompanied by persistent neck, back, or shoulder pain, stiffness, weakness, or difficulty with daily activities, a physical therapy evaluation may be beneficial.
A physical therapist can help you understand what's contributing to your symptoms and develop a personalized plan to help you move better, feel stronger, and stay active.
The Bottom Line
Good posture isn't about being perfectly straight all day. It's about having the strength, mobility, and movement habits to comfortably perform the activities you enjoy.
If posture-related pain or stiffness is affecting your daily life, physical therapy can be a valuable step toward improving your movement and overall function.
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The experienced and compassionate staff at Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center Rehabilitation Centers, with locations in West Orange and Livingston, offers adults and children the specialized care they need to resume an active life after surgery, injury or illness. Staff is committed to providing patients with the most advanced services in a safe, caring and soothing environment. For high-risk patients who are unable to visit in person, telehealth is an option. Patients do not need a prescription for physical therapy services.
For more information, or to schedule an appointment, call 973-322-7500.
Suja Jose, MS, PT, DPT, is a physical therapist at the RWJBarnabas Health Ambulatory Care Center. Suja has worked for more than 25 years outpatient rehabilitation. She specializes in orthopedic, post-surgical and general musculoskeletal physical therapy helping patients restore movement, reduce pain, and regain confidence in their daily activities. With a strong commitment to patient-centered treatment Suja combines clinical expertise with compassion, creating individualized programs that promote lasting recovery and improved quality of life. She holds certification for vestibular rehabilitation and. maintains a strong commitment to continuing education and interdisciplinary collaboration to ensure the highest standards of clinical excellence.
References:
Kisner, Carolyn, Lynn Allen Colby, and John Borstad. Therapeutic Exercise: Foundations and Techniques. 7th ed., F. A. Davis, 2022.
Marinko, Lee N., and Cynthia C. Norkin. "Posture", Joint structure & Function: A Comprehensive Analysis, 6th ed., F. A Davis, 2020.