Stand Tall, Stay Strong: Why Posture Is Your Secret Superpower

We’ve all been told to “sit up straight” or “stop slouching,” but posture isn’t just about looking confident — it’s about how your body functions and feels every day. At Living Well Physical Therapy & Performance, we see how poor posture can contribute to aches, pains, and even long-term injuries, and we also see how improving posture can transform the way our patients move, work, and play.

What Is “Good” Posture?

Good posture is more than just keeping your shoulders back — it’s about proper alignment of your head, spine, and pelvis so your muscles and joints are under the least amount of stress.

  • Standing posture: Ears over shoulders, shoulders over hips, hips over knees and ankles.

  • Sitting posture: Feet flat, hips and knees at 90°, shoulders relaxed, back supported.

  • Dynamic posture: How you hold your body when you move — walking, bending, lifting, or swinging a golf club.

Why Posture Matters

Poor posture doesn’t just make you look tired — it can:

  • Increase tension in your neck, shoulders, and back.

  • Cause or worsen headaches.

  • Lead to joint wear and tear over time.

  • Limit breathing efficiency and core stability.

Common Posture Mistakes We See

  1. Forward head posture: Head drifting in front of the shoulders.

  2. Rounded shoulders: Upper back muscles overstretched, chest muscles tight.

  3. Slouched lower back: Weak core and glutes not supporting your spine.

How Physical Therapy Can Help

At Living Well Physical Therapy & Performance, we do more than tell you to “sit up straight.” We identify the why behind your posture problems and create a plan to fix it:

  • Postural strength training for your core, upper back, and shoulders.

  • Stretching tight areas like chest and hip flexors.

  • Ergonomic education to make your work or study setup spine-friendly.

  • Movement retraining so you move well without having to constantly “think” about it.

If you’ve been dealing with nagging neck pain, low back discomfort, or just want to improve your posture for better health and performance, we’re here to help.
Book your FREE Discovery call with one of our Doctors of Physical Therapy here at Living Well Physical Therapy & Performance and start moving — and standing — your best.

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