ChiroCure Clinic is open during the x-mas period and we do not close over new year!
See ChiroCure Clinics Dec 2019 and Jan 2020 Clinic hours below.
Author
Dr Tania Leski
Chiropractor @ ChiroCure Clinic
See ChiroCure Clinics Dec 2019 and Jan 2020 Clinic hours below.
Dr Tania Leski
Chiropractor @ ChiroCure Clinic
Posture will often result in the upper back muscles becoming increasingly tense and tight due to the constant strain of having shoulders positioned anteriorly forward, and the thoracic curve will be increased on imaging. This will often cause the chest muscles to become shortened and the shoulder region to tighten and curve due to constantly incorrectly held posture.
Risk FactorsThough those with a sedentary lifestyle are most at risk for the condition, it is not uncommon to find Upper Crossed Syndrome in athletes, particularly swimmers and weight lifters.
|
SymptomsHeadaches, neck pain and pain in the jaw may point to a case of UCS.
The effects of this condition can harm performance, reducing range of movement and inhibiting the ability to breathe fully due to the reduction of space in the abdomen. |
Targeted Strength Training
Strength training is a form of exercise that is completed with either body eight, resistance or free hand weights, and aims to increase muscle mass and strength, tighten and tone your body as well as improve your musculoskeletal health. Musculoskeletal health is the health of your bones and muscles, and the elements that bind those together (tendons and ligaments) – these elements directly impact upon your posture. When your joints are not moving properly or are misaligned, this can directly impact upon your muscle strength and tightness in specific muscle groups, creating bad posture or ineffective movement patterns, which can then lead to pain and discomfort for you, the patient. Targeting strength training on these weak muscle groups will help improve joint function and posture for longer. The biggest consideration when thinking about strength training is technique – inappropriate or bad technique will send you backwards, and potentially cause harm and injury.
If you are unsure on where to start, want some pointers on technique, or want to look get the most out of your chiropractic care, please visit: www.pbltraining.com.au and talk to Louise McDonald about personal training.
Louise McDonald has a Bachelor of Nursing, Certificate 3 and 4 in Fitness and works from the St Kilda area. She is currently offering a free assessment for a short time only.
10 X 60 MINUTE Remedial Massage Pack
Pay $85 per visit (normally $95)
Save $100
5 X 60 MINUTE Myotherapy & Dry Needling Pack
Pay $115 per visit (normally $125)
Save $50
5 X 60 MINUTE Remedial Massage Pack
Pay $90 per visit (normally $95)
Save $25
Feet and Ankles: Patients with a pronated, unnaturally rotated or collapsed foot arch will have a joint imbalance occurring in their tibia, femur, ankle joints and pelvis. Misalignment in any of the foot or ankle joints will often cause lumbar discomfort, chronic low back pain or pelvic weakness.
Shoulders: Patients with rounded, flared or uneven shoulders will often have misalignments occurring in their rib joints, clavicle, sternum or shoulder. Misalignment in the shoulders can often be seen during a posture scan. Patients with shoulder dysfunction will often experience upper and middle back pain, headaches, low energy and stiffness. Consistent extremity adjustments in this area can provide quick and effective relief. |
Hands and wrists: Patients with misalignment in their hands and wrist may experience joint swelling, tingling, numbness, shooting nerve pain or stiffness. Adjusting the bones in the hand or wrist can bring about instant relief.
Knees and elbows: Just like the hands and wrists, an adjustment in the elbows and knees can result in relief for acute pain, joint swelling, tennis elbow, golfers elbow, clicking, patella dysfunction and meniscus injury.
|
How to do it: Find yourself a doorway, bend your arm out to the side forming a 90 degree angle with your shoulder and elbow. With the same foot as the bent arm, step forward to create a stretch in the front of your shoulder/chest region. Hold for 30-40 seconds and repeat 3x per day on each side. Ensure body is relaxed. Keep breathing throughout the stretch.
2. Triple Extension Isometrics (with resistant band)
Start by standing upright in the extended position. Keeping your arms long, neck relaxed and shoulder blades down towards your back pocket. Increase the tension from the band by stepping backwards until you find a challenging yet manageable level. Keep your chin tucked in to avoid the jaw from jutting forward. |
Begin lying on your back with your feet bent up at hip-width apart. Begin by contracting your glutes first, raising your hips to the roof until a straight line is achieved from your knees, hips and shoulders. Return back to start position from there. Perform 12-15 repetitions 3 x per day. To get more out of the exercise, count 2 seconds as you raise your hips, hold for 2 seconds at the top and lower back down over 4 seconds.
4. Kneeling Hip Flexor Stretch
Place one foot in front of you and one foot behind you, make sure that your hips are square and that your back foot is in line with your front foot. When in a stable position, attempt to tuck your pelvis under (posteriorly tilt your pelvis) and contract your glut muscles simultaneously (on the same side as the back knee). If this isn’t enough, keep your pelvis tucked under and slowly move your hip away from back foot. Hold the position for 30-40 seconds 3 x per day. Remain relaxed. The stretch may be uncomfortable but by no means painful. |
|
Dr Rachel Duncan is passionate in providing a high standard of treatment and care to her patients.
Her passion comes from her understanding of human physiology and the natural and gentle application of functional Chiropractic techniques. Dr Rachels goal is to ensure that individual patient needs are met through a holistic approach. As part of her ethos she delivers her treatments using a mixture of manual diversified adjusting, activator technique, pelvic blocking, soft tissue therapies and functional rehabilitation. |
Are you stuck behind a desk while slugging away at work all day long – five days a week?
If this sounds like you, there is a likely chance you might be suffering from what I like to call “desk posture”. Its typically characterised with your head projected anteriorly, your shoulders hunched forward, your hips feeling tight and your spine stooped over. Our chiropractors can assess and treat your spine to correct postural distortion causing your syndrome.
Other than the obvious physical appearance, what does this mean?
Decades ago, Vladimir Janda, a pioneer in physical medicine and rehabilitation, described this as the “Upper Cross Syndrome” (UCS) and “Lower Cross Syndrome” (LCS). While the body is amazingly robust and resilient, over time these postures can take a toll on the body. Problems may begin to arise involving the shoulder, neck, lower back, hips, knees and even the head and jaw joints.
Upper cross syndromeIn the UCS, your upper back muscles become increasingly tense due to the constant strain of having your shoulders forward and positioned anteriorly, while your chest & shoulder region becomes shortened or tightened due to this constantly held posture.
|
Lower cross syndromeIn the LCS, your glutes have become underactive or weakened due to remaining in a sustained lengthened position. This is also often accompanied with a tight or stiff hip due to the prolonged shortening of the muscles crossing the hip joint.
|