Postural Strain Treatment
Over time, poor posture leads to damage of different structures in the head, neck, shoulder, chest and upper back regions. Postural Strain can also be called “Upper Crossed Syndrome”. Upper Crossed Syndrome is defined by a typical set of characteristics including:
- 5Overactive and strained neck muscles
- 5Tightness and shortening of the chest muscles
- 5Underused and weakened anterior neck muscles
- 5Underused and weakened back muscles
The condition gets its name by the “X” that forms when connecting the overactive and tight muscles, and the underactive/weak muscles.
What is postural strain?
Postural Strain is a condition that is caused by prolonged periods of poor posture (e.g. sitting at a computer, using a phone, sitting on the couch, driving), or repeated movements that are completed with poor postural mechanics (e.g. working in a factory, desk jobs, car mechanics, etc).
Symptoms of Postural Strain or Upper Crossed Syndrome
Stiffness/tightness in the neck, back and shoulders
Lower back pain
Hunched appearance
Reduced range of motion in the neck
Headaches
Poor mechanical respiration
Loss of vertical height
Fatigue
Digestive issues
What causes Postural Strain?
A variety of movements can cause postural strain or upper crossed syndrome, however; most cases develop due to prolonged poor posture. Common activities that promote poor posture include:
- 5Computer, laptop and phone use
- 5Driving
- 5Watching TV
- 5Abnormal postures at work; mechanics, working in a factory
- 5Reading
- 5Biking
Prevention
Maintaining a healthy active lifestyle, avoiding poor posture when able, and regularly stretching commonly tight muscles will help prevent upper crossed syndrome from starting.
How can physiotherapy help?
A Physiotherapist will complete an assessment to determine which muscles in your body are either tight and overactive or weak and underused. Physiotherapy treatment will help assist with pain, improve muscle flexibility and strength where applicable.
Your Physiotherapist will help get you back to your regular activities as quickly and efficiently as possible, while giving you information on how to prevent this injury from occurring again! Our physiotherapists are happy to work with your family physician or other health care professionals to deliver an integrated approach to your rehabilitation.
Why choose Pillars of Wellness?
At Pillars of Wellness, in Burlington, Ontario, we are proud to provide a truly integrated care approach that employs a variety of treatments to achieve a faster recovery. Our Burlington physiotherapy clinic offers various services chiropractic care, naturopathy, counselling, occupational therapy, yoga therapy, acupuncture, and holistic nutrition.
With multiple services and specialties in one place, you’ll get the best care possible — without having to look elsewhere. Pillars of Wellness is your one-stop-health solution, located right here in Burlington.
Last but not least, physiotherapy is typically covered under most extended health insurance plans. If you do not have coverage, or have exceeded your coverage limits, you can consult with our Chiropractor. All of our Chiropractor’s and Physiotherapist’s have skills and techniques to treat and manage postural strain and associated symptoms.
Flexibility and accommodation to make your appointment viable and fit to your schedule
Highly recommended for everyone who is looking for friendly, warm and very professional help in physiotherapy. Flexibility and accommodation to make your appointment viable and fit to your schedule. Warm, new and clean environment going very well together with informative and friendly, professional personnel. My therapy clinical notes, invoices and appointment reminders were also available on line and on time. Khizar, Nancy, Thank you.
Feeling better by the day. Thank you so much!
This is the first time I give a review. I cannot say enough about this clinic. They are really amazing. Friendly, great customer service and helped me with a condition I have for years. Feeling better by the day. Thank you so much!
I was very impressed by their customer service and professionalism
I recently used Pillars of Wellness services for my injuries. I was very impressed by their customer service and professionalism. The first time I came to do my assessment, the owner, the physiotherapist and the chiropractor sat with me to help me figure out the best way to feel better and faster. I spent 6 weeks with on-going treatment using different modalities. The end result was no more pain and I was able to move again!! Thank you so much for your help. I highly recommend this clinic to anyone.
Summing it up Pillars of Wellness is a well run top notch health clinic!
Lori and Laurent Pinci who run Pillars of Wellness along with their team are very professional and efficient. They make you feel welcome with a smile and kind words every time you walk through their doors. They truly care. We have not yet had the need to experience the many other services that Pillars of Wellness offers, but if we ever did, we definitely would not hesitate to use them.
I’m feeling very supported during my recovery….
On the advice of a friend, I reached out and booked a series of appointments with their occupational therapist, Lori; physiotherapist, Abida; and their naturopath, Dr. Galantai to help with recovering from a concussion. It has been an excellent experience! They are all incredible practitioners.
This is the first time I’ve ever experienced a longer term injury and their genuine, individualized care has really lessened my stress. I’m feeling very supported during my recovery and highly recommend their clinic. I credit my continual improvement to the holistic way I’m getting treatment for my symptoms and am very grateful.
I went to different clinics I finally found one worth going to.
Friendly, caring and professionals like nothing I have seen around Aldershot//Burlington. Attentive to the needs of their patients. They take the time to listen. Beautiful and well designed clinic that is extremely well maintained. I have had two car accidents in the last year and I went to different clinics I finally found one worth going to.
Before Your Visit
Frequently Asked Questions
What causes postural strain?
Poor posture, repetitive work, and prolonged sitting can strain muscles and joints.
How does physiotherapy treat postural strain?
Through corrective exercises, ergonomic advice, and manual therapy to restore alignment.
Can postural strain lead to chronic pain?
Yes, if left unaddressed, it can cause ongoing discomfort and dysfunction.
Will physiotherapy improve work posture?
Yes, therapists teach posture awareness and strengthening exercises to support better habits.
How soon does postural strain treatment work?
Many individuals feel relief after a few sessions, with long-term improvement over time.
