Total Body Posture
Your happiest smile includes a healthy bite position that corrects and supports the total posture of the body.
A perfect posture makes the human body super-efficient, capable of undertaking any type of activity with little expenditure of energy. A perfect posture noticeably reduces the possibility that this bio-machine (the human body) might break down in some way (for example, through sports injuries, ailments, lack of concentration, development of chronic illnesses, etc.).
The position and way the teeth fit together affects the top of the cervical spine, where C-1 and C-2 are located. C-1 and C-2 are the only 2 spinal segments that have only 2 points of contact with each other and the rest of the system. All other vertebral segments have 3 points of contact. As it turns out, the third point of contact for the upper 2 cervical components are the teeth and bite. If the bite system is corrupted or deficient the whole body will compensate in a negative fashion leading to among other things hyperlordosis, hyperkyphosis, scoliosis, compression of discs, twisting of the pelvis, and more. The analogy would be a short third leg of a stool that would cause imbalance and instability in that stool. Without symmetry of the body, health is compromised.
Doctors tell us that diseases that are generated through the years in our body are essentially a consequence of a combination of three factors: genetics, diet and lifestyle (sedentary lifestyle, stress, the environment where we live, etc.).
This is an actual patient of Dr. Buck. The left side xray is before treatment. The right xray shows the effect on the cervical spine within a few month of active treatment with a neuromuscular orthosis which aligns the lower jaw to a more physiologic posture. The improved lordotic curvature on the right is in response to the orthotic therapy. Many TMJ patients report neck pain and symptoms which often resolve due to the positive impact on the cervical spine from orthotic treatments.
But, there is a fourth key factor that determines the progress of aging and disease. This fourth factor is determined by postural conditions.
If your skull is not sufficiently supported by the teeth, it tends to press on the spine pushing it down.
With age, the body tends to collapse and twist on itself like a wrung cloth if it is not sufficiently supported by a proper support of the bite system.
If the skull is not properly supported, it tends to push down (literally to sink) narrowing the space available to the spine that consequently curves (it is for this reason that scoliosis, lordosis or kyphosis arise).
With a body like that your life expectancy decreases because certainly in this collapsing process the underlying structures (organs, nerves, arteries, veins) tend to compress and to work badly creating numerous physical, and psychological symptoms such as chronic fatigue, anxiety, panic attacks, insomnia, headaches, pain in the neck ….
In all of our treatments for both TMJ and orthodontics, Dr. Buck will plan a course of care that will correct and support body posture. We also work with leading structural specialists in the fields of Physical Therapy, Chiropractic, Craniosacral and massage that can adjunctively help the body posture to unravel while we are treating the bite system.
The balancing process and the return into symmetry will literally involve a revolution in your body: the body will become widely more elastic, the center of gravity will lower, your balance will improve dramatically, respiration will become deeper, the diaphragm will work much better and all the muscles will work in symmetry.
Total Body Posture Treatment
Total body posture correction treatment is a comprehensive approach aimed at improving overall posture and alignment throughout the body. It addresses musculoskeletal imbalances, compensations, and structural issues that contribute to poor posture, discomfort, and pain. This treatment typically involves a combination of manual therapy techniques, therapeutic exercises, ergonomic modifications, and education to optimize posture and alleviate associated symptoms.
Treatment Process
The treatment begins with a thorough assessment by a qualified healthcare professional, such as a physical therapist, chiropractor, or osteopath. This assessment may include evaluating the alignment of the spine, pelvis, shoulders, and other key areas of the body, as well as identifying areas of muscle weakness, tightness, or imbalance.
Based on the assessment findings, a personalized treatment plan is developed to address the individual’s specific needs and goals.
Treatment may include:
- Manual therapy techniques: Hands-on techniques such as joint mobilization, soft tissue mobilization, and myofascial release are used to address joint restrictions, muscle tightness, and tissue adhesions that contribute to poor posture.
- Therapeutic exercises: Specific exercises are prescribed to target weak muscles, improve flexibility, and promote better alignment. These exercises may include strengthening exercises for the core, back, and postural muscles, as well as stretching and mobility exercises to improve flexibility and range of motion.
- Ergonomic modifications: Recommendations may be provided to optimize the individual’s work, home, and leisure environments to support better posture. This may include adjusting workstation setup, changing seating arrangements, or using supportive pillows or cushions.
- Education and self-management strategies: Education plays a crucial role in total body posture correction treatment. Patients are taught proper body mechanics, posture awareness, and relaxation techniques to maintain optimal alignment throughout daily activities. They may also receive guidance on lifestyle modifications, such as regular movement breaks and proper lifting techniques, to prevent posture-related problems.
- Progress monitoring and adjustments: As the individual progresses through treatment, ongoing assessment and adjustments are made to the treatment plan as needed. This ensures that the interventions are effectively addressing the underlying issues and helping the individual achieve their posture correction goals.
Overall, total body posture correction treatment aims to address the root causes of poor posture and provide comprehensive support to help individuals achieve and maintain better alignment, comfort, and function throughout their daily activities.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Who can benefit from total body posture correction treatment?
Total body posture correction treatment can benefit individuals of all ages who experience posture-related issues, such as rounded shoulders, forward head posture, or swayback. It is especially beneficial for those with chronic pain, musculoskeletal conditions, or injuries related to poor posture.
What are the common causes of poor posture?
Poor posture can be caused by various factors, including sedentary lifestyle habits, prolonged sitting or standing, muscle weakness or imbalance, improper ergonomics, spinal misalignments, and certain medical conditions.
Is total body posture correction treatment painful?
While some manual therapy techniques may cause mild discomfort initially, total body posture correction treatment is generally not painful. The goal is to alleviate pain and discomfort associated with poor posture, not exacerbate it. Patients may experience some soreness as they engage in therapeutic exercises and make postural changes, but this is usually temporary and diminishes over time.
How long does it take to see results from total body posture correction treatment?
The timeline for seeing results from total body posture correction treatment varies depending on the individual’s condition, severity of posture issues, and adherence to the treatment plan. Some patients may experience improvements in posture and symptoms within a few weeks, while others may require several months of consistent treatment to achieve significant changes.
Can total body posture correction treatment prevent future posture-related problems?
Yes, total body posture correction treatment focuses on addressing the underlying causes of poor posture and providing education and strategies to maintain optimal alignment. By strengthening muscles, improving flexibility, and adopting proper body mechanics, individuals can reduce their risk of developing future posture-related problems.
Are there any risks associated with total body posture correction treatment?
Total body posture correction treatment is generally safe when performed by qualified healthcare professionals. However, as with any therapeutic intervention, there may be some risks, such as temporary soreness or discomfort. It’s essential to follow the guidance of your healthcare provider and communicate any concerns or adverse effects experienced during treatment.