By Riddhi Shroff 31/10/2024 Conditions

Postural Realignment

Are you worried about the effects of prolonged sitting?

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.

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.

Lesley Everett

07/05/2026

Following 4 sessions of massage, acupuncture and an exercise programme to carry out at home my back pain has greatly improved and I now feel able, following the advised exercise plan, to help alleviate future pain. The help I have had from Sophia has been excellent and I would not hesitate to return in future should I need to.

Dan Coman

27/04/2026

I’ve had a number of appointments with Leah Upton to help me with some neck and back pain. She’s always provided an excellent service, and I’ve noticed a huge improvement in my condition over the few months I’ve been seeing her. I’d recommend her.

Emily Browne

20/02/2026

I used Recover Physio after years of back pain. Sophia was amazing, very encouraging and patient with me. Within a year of going, my back pain is more manageable and I am confident in using the tools she gave me. All staff were really friendly and I would highly recommend them and Sophia. Thank you for everything!

John Barnes

16/10/2023

Great experience, back pain solved after first visit. plus plenty of advice to prevent it reoccurring. Prefer the Nest location for easy access and parking at the door.

William Boulton

14/10/2022

I went here for back pain and was treated expertly by one of the Physios Calum, who was really nice and helpful. After a few weeks I am back to normal with a plan for how to keep my strength up to avoid future injury

Linda Mortimer

22/09/2022

Earlier this year my husband was referred by Bupa to see a physio at Recover having experienced severe, intermittent back pain for some years. We were so lucky and found Callum, who has been simply amazing. Callum was able to put our minds at ease straight away. He carefully disseminated information from medical reports and an MRI in a way we could understand and in a context that did not cause us any anxiety or worry. All along the treatment path, Callum has reassured us, providing clear explanations of his findings and provided my husband with exercise plans to remedy the problems. We cannot recommend Callum highly enough and would have no doubt in visiting him should we have any further problems. We must also give a mention to the reception team at Recover who have always been so amenable in providing us with appointments at short notice. Many thanks again to Callum and Recover

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.