Hi! Since this is my first post for “treatment Thursday”, I figured I would introduce myself first. I’m Brianna, but most people call me Bri. I am a former gymnast and springboard diver, and I’ve always had a passion for sports, working out, and the medical field. I actually was born with a connective tissue disorder, so to keep it simple, it means I got injured a lot more easily than my peers. To date, I’ve had 11 surgeries (10 orthopedic)—- many of these surgeries were as a young kid and teen, and combined with my natural love for healthcare, it led me to finding my passion for a career: physical therapy! I pursued my doctorate in PT and now have been a clinician for just about seven years.
So, since I wanted to at least give you a background on me today, let’s now keep it simple for my first treatment Thursday tip! POSTURE!
You naturally should have a slight curve in your lower back when standing. If your back curves in too much, we call it increased lordosis. If your back is too flat, it doesn’t have enough lordosis (arch). While everybody’s “normal” is unique to them, the general average person should have the slight curve. If you find yourself slouching often (whether sitting or standing), this can affect all the surrounding muscles of your back, core, and even your hips and shoulders! One suggestion, while not individual medical advice but rather a general tip, is to focus on core activation. This brings me to abdominal bracing. Always check with your own medical provider before any new exercise, but it’s a very gentle exercise to engage your core. You want to be sure you’re breathing regularly and not holding your breath. You want to draw your belly button in toward your spine (so if you’re laying on your back, you’re squeezing your belly button in and down toward the bed or table you’re on to flatten your back, then relax). I love this exercise because it is gentle and can be done anywhere to help support your back to prevent or treat pain along with your individual program.
Continue following along for more treatment Thursday