PT Link Physical Therapy

Proper posture is easy to maintain once you begin to strengthen the muscles that support the spinal column. Many people start to restore their posture by taking long deep breaths and remembering to sit up straight. For those measures to take effect, the muscles that support the head, neck, shoulders, and spine need to be strengthened and toned. There are several exercises that can be used to strengthen and tone these muscles. As your strength increases, maintaining your posture will be easy to do. Chest Opener The chest opener is performed by standing up straight and placing your hands behind your back. Clasp your hands together and lift your hands as high as you can behind your back without bending forward. When you first clasp your hands together, hold the position for 10 to 15 seconds. Slowly begin to raise and lower your hands, releasing them every few seconds or so. Perform this exercise for one or two minutes. This exercise opens the chest, making it easier to breathe and

Back injuries are one of the top causes of missed work in the United States. Improper lifting, stress, and athletic/workout injuries are all common causes of stress on the lower portion of your back. If you want to reduce your risk of injuring your back, or any other body part for that matter, you need to protect your lower back and your risk of an injury will decrease. If you have questions on how to perform certain exercises or have concerns, visit a physical therapist and have them guide you through a workout. Warm-Up Before Raising Your Intensity Warming up for 5 to 10 minutes before you ease into your workout, is the best way to prevent muscle injury, especially in the core and lower back areas. Stretching, walking on a treadmill, or mild calisthenics are all acceptable forms of warm-up exercises. During your warm-up time, the exercises you use will begin to stretch the muscles and connective tissues. This increases circulation to the muscles giving them access to th