What leads to pain in any of my joints?

Posture has a major influence on Pain. Pain can alter muscle function, creating reflex inhibition and changing our movement patterns. Pain and reflex inhibition change the sensory input to the muscles when there is damage to ligaments and capsules; it can also influence the ability of muscles to support the joint. We should also note that poor posture could be the source of many pain syndromes, as faulty postural relationships increase strain on supporting structure. Muscle imbalance and faulty joint alignment are common sources of pain. Pain is the ultimate motivator - the body will always move away from pain. It is these pain avoidance patterns that can continue to reinforce faulty movement within the nervous system.

When optimum muscle balance and joint alignment exists, the force required will be considerably less than in the presence of poor posture. It can be concluded that less energy will be required for movement with good posture when compared to that of poor posture, increasing energy efficiency and performance. As muscle balance and joint alignment changes, function also changes. It is these changes in function that can cause considerable wear and tear on joints and supporting structures. Many muscular-skeletal disorders - seen as just old age - have their roots in postural degeneration. Many elderly people shuffling along the street would greatly benefit from posture corrections.

 Our body adapts to poor posture creating a negative effect in the entire kinetic chain, from the work place (i.e., taxi drivers, computer operators, chair born, and all today’s labor saving devices etc)  If muscle ends are separated beyond normal, tonus is lessened or lost (thus the muscle becomes "weak")." With changes in muscle tonus and joint alignment, several syndromes can develop:

•  Head and shoulder girdle progresses forward.

•  Compression weakness: of these muscles can causes progression of forward head posture.

• Piriformis syndrome: nerve irritation associated with tightness, and referred pain across or down the back of the leg.

·     Joint instability: If an insecure area is under constant strain, in an effort to improve stability of the body, a build up of flesh tries to enwrap or splint it.  This becomes evident in Dowagers Hump.

Balance and Aesthetics

Posture has a large influence on aesthetics. As the fitness industry is still largely "aesthetically driven," it is important for us at Results Plus not to overlook the role posture plays in body appearance.  Clinical research that demonstrates poor posture changes alignment in the pelvis (in particular increases in anterior tilt), this affects the position of the abdominal viscera which, instead of sitting in the pelvic basin, (which we should) we apply pressure to the abdominal wall. As the abdominal wall stretches, the viscera (internal girdle) protrude outward, creating the "pot stomach" look many women and men have. You see pouches, and potbellies are not only from lack of activity, they stem from poor posture!

Programs designed to improve appearance without addressing postural changes will be limited in aesthetic benefits. This is open reason we perform corrective functional movements at Rp. Poor posture muscles must work more to counteract gravity's pull, expediting fatigue. Poor posture puts more strain on ligaments and abnormal strain on bones and may eventually lead to deformities. It interferes with functions such as respiration, heart action and digestion.

Not being kinesthetically aware of your every day seated / standing posture creates Imbalances. These imbalances also may result from occupational or recreational activities where there is persistent use of certain muscles without adequate exercise of opposing muscles. Imbalances affecting body alignment are important factors in many painful postural conditions. In conditions of poor posture, there is less efficient balance of the body over its base of support. This, in turn, affects not only static but also dynamic stability, each with their own implications for pain, dysfunction and increased risk of injury. Ask your Rp trainer to show you the most optimal position to stand and sit. Today most people sit in their efficient position…this is a position where the body adapts to its forced alignment. However…the efficient position is not the corrective optimal position, we all are striving for. Be pain free with perfect posture.

Dave Parise C.P.T.

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