Posture therapy is a valuable approach for addressing chronic pain and improving overall body function. However, its applications and contraindications need careful consideration to ensure it is the right fit for each individual's recovery journey. This article provides a starting point for understanding when posture therapy might be appropriate and when it may not be the best option.

Acute Injury and Surgical Scenarios

If you have recently experienced a severe injury requiring acute surgical reconstruction, posture therapy is likely not the best protocol at this exact moment. Similarly, if you've just undergone surgery and have several weeks or months of prescribed physical rehabilitation ahead, it's advisable to complete your physical therapy regimen before starting posture therapy. Your body will benefit from the initial healing process guided by your physical therapist. Once cleared for other forms of exercise, posture therapy can be an excellent complement to your recovery.

If you are preparing for a joint replacement or another type of surgery affecting soft tissue, incorporating posture therapy beforehand can be beneficial. Engaging in posture therapy before surgery helps to align the joints and improve overall body function, setting a better foundation for recovery.

“Age-Related” Chronic Pain

Chronic pain often increases with age, but it is essential to challenge the notion that pain is a normal part of aging. While there is a higher incidence of low-back pain among older adults, it is not inevitable. Functional body maintenance plays a significant role in preventing chronic pain. I've helped clients from young children to elderly adults achieve pain relief through posture therapy, regardless of age.

Consider the story of one of Jon’s first clients. A man in his late 60s with almost no disc tissue at the L5-S1 level. Despite being told that surgery wasn’t even a good option, he experienced significant pain relief through posture therapy after just a few weeks, ultimately avoiding surgery. Age alone was not the cause of his pain; it was the lack of functional movement.

Chronic Conditions with High Response Rates

Many chronic conditions respond well to posture therapy. Here are some examples:

• General pain in major load-bearing joints: ankles, knees, hips, spine, and shoulders

• Sciatica and other types of nerve impingements

• Tendonitis and bursitis

• Carpal and ulnar tunnel syndrome

• Non-necrotizing fasciitis, including plantar fasciitis

• Shin splints

• Pain associated with bunions and other types of bone spurs or calluses

• Bulging and herniated discs, stenosis, and spondylolisthesis

• General aches and pains attributed to age or wear-and-tear

Comorbidities That Affect Response Rate

Certain comorbidities can affect the response rate to posture therapy. While progress is possible, these conditions often mean a longer treatment period. Some examples include:

• History of severe physical injuries

• Previous joint replacement surgeries

• Previous surgeries affecting soft tissue

• Fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome

• Auto-immune disorders like lupus or rheumatoid arthritis

• Depression, especially treatment-resistant depression

• Post-traumatic stress

• Functional neurological disorders

People with these comorbidities often face a more challenging recovery journey. Additionally, those who have been in chronic pain for so long that they cannot remember life without pain may also experience a slower response to treatment.

Managing Posture Therapy Expectations

Posture therapy can significantly improve alignment and function, but it requires commitment and time. Consistent effort is needed to retrain the body and correct dysfunctional movement patterns. While some individuals experience rapid improvements, others may take months or even years to see significant progress. It's essential to maintain realistic expectations and stay committed to the therapy process.

Conclusion

Proper application of posture therapy can lead to significant improvements in chronic pain and overall body function. By understanding its appropriate uses and limitations, individuals can make informed decisions about incorporating posture therapy into their recovery journey. For those facing more complex challenges or slower progress, exploring additional therapies, such as Posturedelic therapy, may provide further benefits.