By Riddhi Shroff 31/10/2024 Conditions

Postural Realignment

Are you worried about the effects of prolonged sitting? Why painkillers and visits to the GP are not the answer!

How are people who work 8 hours at a desk, 5 days a week, expected not to suffer with back, neck and shoulder pain? Isn’t this just part of the job and something that you need to live with?

Sitting down at a desk, spending long hours travelling or even standing for a long time as a routine part of your day, is not something that should be ignored or considered acceptable. One of the common misconceptions of physiotherapy is that you have to have an injury in order to be treated. This is absolutely not the case.

Does this sound familiar to you?

If it does, you’re certainly not alone. In the UK, it is estimated that around 80% of us spend up to 9 hours per day sitting at a desk. This certainly mirrors the numbers we see in clinic. There are many people who are struggling to find comfortable positions and understand exactly how they can change this for the better.

Left untreated, the effects of static posture can progressively worsen, which only increases the time it takes to make things better. Having a postural assessment prior to any pain or discomfort is a great way to take care of yourself for the longevity of your career or hobbies.

What exactly does it involve?

Postural realignment involves a postural assessment by one of our experienced physios. They are trained to know exactly what to look out for based on your occupation, goals or hobbies. They will provide advice and tailored exercises to help you improve your posture, relieve any pain and prevent any discomfort from recurring.

How Recover Physiotherapy Can Help

If you would like to find out more about how postural realignment can help you, speak to one of our friendly physios. Just click below to request a callback from a member of our team!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is postural realignment therapy?

Postural realignment therapy is a specialist physiotherapy approach focused on identifying and correcting musculoskeletal imbalances. An experienced therapist will conduct a thorough assessment to find the root causes of your poor posture, which are often linked to habits like prolonged desk work. Following this, you receive a personalised plan combining manual therapy, expert advice, and targeted exercises to restore your body’s natural alignment and alleviate discomfort.

Is a physiotherapist or a chiropractor better for posture?

While both professions address posture, physiotherapy offers a comprehensive and active approach. A physiotherapist focuses on the entire musculoskeletal system—not just the joints—by using manual therapy to release tight tissues and, importantly, prescribing specific exercises to strengthen weak muscles. This method empowers you with a long-term solution by correcting the underlying muscle imbalances and improving your movement patterns.

What are the most common postural problems?

The most frequent issue we see is ‘upper crossed syndrome’—the classic forward-head position and rounded shoulders associated with prolonged computer use and looking down at phones. Another common problem is an excessive inward curve of the lower back (hyperlordosis), often linked to weak core muscles and tight hip flexors from extensive sitting. These imbalances place sustained, uneven strain on your muscles and joints, which eventually leads to pain.

Is it ever too late to fix your posture?

It is almost never too late to make significant improvements to your posture and comfort. While long-standing habits can take time to address, physiotherapy is highly effective at any age for reducing pain and enhancing function. Our focus is on restoring mobility to stiff areas and building strength in the muscles that support you, which can dramatically improve your quality of life, even if you’ve had issues for decades.