Bad Posture? Fix it with the Starfish Stretch!
If you’re worried about your posture it’s not your fault. Our crazy culture leaves us no choice but to be stuck on our screens for everything.
Patients are telling us that they need a solution because they’re starting to develop a hump and the neck pain and headaches make it hard to focus. It hurts when they even try to sit up straight!
Poor posture causes your shoulders to internally rotate.
Internal rotation happens when your shoulders and arms rotate towards the centre of your body or “in”. As this happens your upper back rounds forward resulting in forward head posture.
To see feel how it affects you try this experiment:
- Sit with your palms face down on your lap and notice your posture, your breathing and how your energy feels. Where is your head? How do you feel? Energized or down?
- Now turn your palms up so the back of your hands are resting on your lap.
We’ll bet you’re sitting taller, breathing deeper and feeling lighter. Isn’t it amazing how much difference a subtle change in position can make?
Posture is a powerful tool to change how you feel.
That’s why we’re dedicated to creating VERY manageable and effective corrective stretches that are good for all levels. This one is a favourite of many- it’s called The Starfish Stretch.
You can do it in bed or on a yoga mat on the floor.
It will open your chest and un-round your shoulders without strain. It will gently correct your shoulder position and then you can strengthen the area to keep it that way. (Try this exercise)
Don’t underestimate the power of this uncomplicated stretch when it comes to reversing very bad posture.
Even a few minutes a day has helped many of our patients eliminate tension in the centre of their chest, reverse a frozen shoulder, minimize headaches and more.
Start with 1 minute and work your way up to 10min.
You can do this with pillows under your head and arms if that’s more comfortable. As you progress you may even choose to use a Ten Minute Cushion for a more advanced stretch. You’ll notice improvements in the way you look and feel withn a week!
Consistency over intensity…that’s the goal.
Don’t worry about pushing yourself too hard, just make a habit out of doing this stretch to open yourself up after a day rounded over your computer.
Twice a day, morning and night is ideal.
Keep in mind, if you’re suffering from bad posture or any of it’s many ill effects, specific spinal adjustments are the first step to correcting it.
When spinal joints are locked they can’t let go of the tension they’re holding. That’s why it’s hard to make yourself sit up straight. Once you’re they’re corrected with specific adjustments The Starfish Stretch will ensure they don’t lock up again.
Get in touch with us if you’re suffering with bad posture, we’re experts at correcting it.
Have questions?
Contact us and we’ll be happy to answer them.
