Postural therapy
Have you ever been told that “your physical complaints belong with your age” or “you have to learn to live with your pain” or “the only solution for your pain is surgery”?
Your pain is not an inevitable result of age or genetics, but from wear and dysfunction caused by imbalance in your posture. By returning to its original design, the body can return to balance and vitality.
Your posture is a result of your movement pattern, your attitudes and the choices you have made in your life. The good news that you can achieve results quickly with focused effort.
What is it?
Founded by Pete Egoscue in the 70s, this method is now world leader in drug-free therapy against (chronic) body pain. This method, known around the world, helps people to improve their posture, restore their function and return to a pain-free and active life.
The human body is designed to move. Without proper movement and stimulation, our bodies will deteriorate and no longer function as they should. With stress, emotional tension and a lifestyle without much exercise, the body will develop dysfunctions, compensations and imbalances. It is then a matter of time before the body starts to protest in the form of pain.
Your posture also affects the performance of other body systems, including cardiovascular, digestive and respiratory systems. A better attitude will also have a positive influence on your emotional state of being.
How does it work?
This form of postural therapy brings the body back to its original functional design through light exercises and stretching.
Together with your Egoscue certified Postural Alignment Specialist you will develop a personal, tailor-made, e-cise menu based on functional research, your posture and your pain symptoms. The menu is adapted to your age, your wishes and your needs. Any physical limitations are taken into account.
These exercises make certain demands on the body that allow normal muscle function and interaction. This brings the body back into balance so that it can function normally and without pain. You will not only feel better, but also be more able to move with grace.
The focus is mainly on removing the cause of the complaint. Often the cause of a symptom lies elsewhere in the body. For example, a tilted pelvis can lead to shoulder pain. One of the basic principles of the body is that it works as a unit. That is why there are exercises for your whole body in your menu and not only for the place where you feel pain.
How long does it take for me to be able to see and feel results?
Our customers respond differently and according to different time schedules. That being said, the vast majority of clients already feel an improvement after their first visit! They report reduced pain, more exercise room, improved breathing and better mood. These changes become larger and more permanent as you progress with your daily exercise program. The immediate results of the exercises is an important motivating factor.
The body has an amazing ability to heal itself; you just have to give it a chance. Most people have taken a long time to develop dysfunction and pain. The road to sustainable healing will also need its time.
Postural therapy is a process, but one with a remarkable 95% success since its inception. It is not a quick solution. This process requires dedication and work on the part of the client.
What does a 95% success rate mean?
Over the years it has been shown that the success rate of this method is very high. By this we mean that at least 95% of the clients had a significant improvement (in intensity and / or frequency) of the symptoms.
To achieve this conversion rate, all conditions must be optimal.
– Do the e-cise menu every day (at least 5 days a week). This gives the body the chance to be ‘re-educated’ and start functioning as it should and no chance to fall back in old movement patterns.
– Regularly return for an update of the menu. This is important as the body (especially during this process) is constantly changing. The symptoms will change over time and the menu will have to be adjusted accordingly.
– Immediately report changes in symptoms but also in important aspects of your life. What seems irrelevant to you may well influence the recovery process. Think of mental or emotional aspects of your life. By discussing this, we can optimally adapt the exercise program to your (changing) circumstances.
What kind of pain can be relieved?
Migraine
Neck pain
Pain in your shoulder, elbow or wrist
Backache
Pelvic pain
Knee pain (among other things due to worn-out cartilage)
Plantar Fasciitis
Piriformis Syndrome
Balance disorders
Arthritis
and much more…
How often do I have to do my menu and how much time does it take daily?
Depending on your pain symptoms and your available time, a menu can be anything between 30 and 90 minutes. If you have a very busy life, you can also achieve 20 minutes of tangible results. It is the daily nudges that will make the difference.
It is advisable to do your menu every day, but at least 5 days a week for real progress. Soon, doing exercises becomes part of your daily ritual, just like brushing your teeth.
It is best to do your menu in the morning. That way your body will benefit most throughout the day. You can also choose to do the exercises in the evening if you are not a morning person.
There are always a few points to watch out for each e-cise for maximum effect, for example the specific positioning of the body. Therefore, you will need more time for your menu in the beginning. If you know how to do it, it will go faster. It is important to perform all exercises calmly and with attention. That way you will also develop more body-awareness and it will help you relax.
Is there scientific evidence of this method?
At the moment there are a number of studies on the effectiveness of this method. Unfortunately, these are long-term (longitudinal) studies and no results have been published yet. However, a study that was carried out a few years ago can be downloaded via this link.
In addition to scientific evidence, we find experiences of successfully treated clients even more important. Worldwide, hundreds of thousands of people have been successfully helped with this method for the past 40 years. In the US, and also in Japan, there are many clinics there are more and more. Now this method has also been transferred to the Netherlands.
Even more important is your own experience and process of recovery. If the method helps you to move and feel better, it works.
If you search for books from Pete Egoscue on Amazon.com you will see that the reviews of these books are very positive.
Are there any side effects?
Most Egoscue exercises are easy to follow from the therapist’s instructions and from written instructions and videos.
As with any physical exercise, it is important to pay attention to how the body responds so that pain is not encouraged or increased.
Posture therapy based on this method is not a workout and not designed to be painful, but you may feel some stiffness after some of the exercises. This stiffness is most probably the result of the re-activation of muscles that have been sleeping for a long time.
Can this form of postural therapy be combined with other forms of therapy?
This method is not exclusive and can even be combined well with other forms of therapy. Especially the combination of deep connective tissue massage (Postural Integration, Rebalancing and MER) and postural exercises has proven to be particularly effective. These two methods mutually support and reinforce each other.
If you are also in therapy with a physiotherapist, chiropractor and the like, let us know. It may be useful to consult with the other therapist for possible adjustments to the respective programs.
I am a Postural Alignment Specialist certified by Egoscue University.
Pain Relief Through Postural Alignment Therapy
“Suffering is optional” Pete Egoscue