Massage for Postural Imbalances in Bradford

Posture problems are usually a matter of balance between muscle groups. Some muscles become tight and overactive, and their opposites become long and weak. Rounded shoulders, a forward head and a tilted pelvis are the common results, and they can lead to headaches, neck ache and lower back pain. At WellCare Medical in Bradford, massage therapy for postural imbalances loosens the muscles that pull you out of position, so strengthening the weaker ones becomes easier.

• Rounded shoulders and forward head. Tight chest, front-of-shoulder and upper-neck muscles, with tired muscles between the shoulder blades. Common with desk and phone use.
• Tilted pelvis and arched lower back. Tight hip flexors and lower-back muscles, with underused gluteal and abdominal muscles. Common in people who sit most of the day.
• Leaning to one side. Tightness on one side of the lower back or hip, often from carrying a child or bag on the same side or favouring an old injury.

Massage cannot hold you in a new position, but it removes much of what stops you from getting there. Your massage therapist may work on:

• the chest and front of the shoulders, to let the shoulders sit back
• the muscles at the base of the skull and the sides of the neck
• the muscles along the spine and around the ribs, to free the mid-back
• the hip flexors, thighs and deep hip muscles
• the lower back and the side of the trunk

Sessions end with one or two stretches for the areas treated and simple cues to use at your desk or in the car.

• sitting and standing upright takes less effort
• deeper, easier breathing as the ribs and mid-back loosen
• less neck and shoulder fatigue by the end of the day
• lower back and hips that feel less compressed after sitting

These changes last longest when you also strengthen the muscles that support the new position.

Your RMT looks at how you stand and sit, checks the length and tenderness of the key muscle groups, and asks about your work set-up and daily routine. They explain what they found and agree on a treatment plan with you before starting.

A sudden change in posture, a visible spinal curve that is getting worse, or back pain with numbness, weakness, fever or unexplained weight loss should be assessed by a doctor.

Posture responds best to a combined plan: massage for the tight areas, physiotherapy for postural problems and muscle imbalances to build strength, and chiropractic treatment for poor posture for stiff spinal joints. If your feet affect your alignment, ask about custom orthotics (a family doctor's referral is recommended). See also our main page on massage therapy in Bradford.