Frequently Asked Questions
about postural therapists

Can postural exercise therapists help people who sit in an office for most of the day?

The prevalence of sit-reliant jobs is wreaking havoc for many people in terms of their posture and its effects on their general health. Postural exercise and rehab specialists are actually excellent choices for counteracting the harm done by too much sitting. Muscles are composed of several groups, and sitting tends to only use some of these, leaving others mostly dormant. The result is that some muscles become overused while others become weak, and we compensate for this imbalance –though we often don't even realize it-- by sitting, standing, and moving with less than optimal execution. Postural rehab therapists intend to restore correct balance and teach patients how to maintain great posture whether on the go or stuck in a cubicle.

Can't regular exercise deliver the same benefits?

A regular regimen of exercise is a great way to train your body to perform well and can have far-reaching physical, mental, and psychological benefits. But the distinct practices and movements taught by postural exercise and rehab specialists are precisely tuned to help correct the posture and joints, and cannot be delivered through the process of regular exercising. Moreover, the specific training of a postural exercise specialist can lend accuracy and efficiency to moves, ensuring you receive the best therapeutic and training service possible.

Can postural exercise specialists help with my arthritis?

While each case is different, many people find the services of a postural exercise and rehabilitation expert to be very rewarding for pain and limitation of movement associated with arthritis. A quick discussion with a therapist can help you determine if the help of a postural expert is the best option for you.

Do therapists in this field help people sleep better?

Posture isn't only a component of waking life, but is present as we sleep too. Postural exercise and rehabilitation specialists are often able to help people achieve better sleep through correct positioning and training. Meet with an expert to find out about how you can get more restful, refreshing sleep.

I've heard of medicine balls – how are postural exercise balls or "Swiss balls" different?

Medicine balls are effective exercise tools that are often used for working the abdomen, arms, and legs, and are a good choice for adding to any regular exercise regimen. Postural exercise balls, however, are large, typically fourteen to thirty-four inches across, and are made of a thin film of puncture-resistant PVC plastic. The balls are lightweight, and rather than being lifted or manipulated in the air, they are placed on the floor or against a vertical surface such as a doorway or wall to allow for interaction with the midsection. These balls are often used in yoga, Pilates, and other popular alternative exercise routines, but are specifically developed for use with the help of postural exercise therapists.

Are all the techniques of postural exercise and rehabilitation specialists based on use of an exercise ball?

No. Exercise balls play an important role in the work of postural exercise and rehabilitation therapists, but are by no means the sole method of achieving results. Typically, postural exercise specialists will introduce a range of activities for patients to perform, including various stretches, extensions, and repetitive movements.

How are postural exercise and rehabilitation specialists trained? Are they medical doctors?

While some specialists do indeed practice postural therapies as part of an overarching medical profession, either traditional or alternative, many of them train specifically for postural exercise, sometimes with the inclusion of related fields such as ergonomics and physical therapy. Training, as well as licensing programs, are extensive, and involve a challenging course load of academic and clinical practice hours. Some postural exercise and rehab specialists may practice as an extension of a concentration in massage or other therapy modality. You should always feel welcome to inquire about a trainer's background before committing to a session or series of treatments.