Treatment 3 – Understanding Posture, Body Mechanics, and Patient Awareness

Session Goal: Help patients understand how posture and movement affect sub-acute low back pain, especially under military demands. Focus on awareness and education before introducing movement correction.

1. Explain the Connection Between Posture, Body Mechanics, and Pain

   • Sub-acute low back pain = pain lasting 1–3 months; tissues are still healing.

   • Poor posture and movement patterns increase stress on healing tissues.

   • Proper posture and mechanics reduce re-injury and speed recovery.

   • Active duty tasks (gear carry, long standing, heavy lifting) amplify these stresses.

     • Therapist Tip
        Use relatable examples: “Imagine your spine like a suspension bridge—if one cable is off balance, everything feels that strain.”
       

2. Define and Demonstrate Good Posture

   • Standing: ears, shoulders, hips, and ankles aligned (plum line).

   • Sitting: lumbar support, hips slightly higher than knees, feet flat on the floor.

   • Posture is dynamic—it adjusts as you move and carrying weight can alter our posture.

   • Avoid slouching or rigid posture; both increase muscle fatigue.

     • Demonstration

       • Have the patient find neutral standing posture with gentle tactile cueing (hand on sternum or hips).

       • Head neutral, shoulders back, engage core activation.
         

3. Introduce Basic Body Mechanics Principles

   • Use larger muscle groups (legs, glutes) instead of smaller spinal muscles.

   • Keep loads close to the body; avoid twisting while lifting.

   • Maintain neutral spine (preserve natural curves).

   • Engage the core before lifting or bending (stability before mobility).

     • Demonstration

       • Practice modified hip hinge technique if appropriate on the pain scale:

         • Bend at hips, spine neutral, chest up, core engaged.

         • Show contrast between rounding vs. neutral spine.
           

4. Discuss How This Relates to Massage Therapy

   • Posture awareness helps sustain the benefits of massage.

   • Massage reduces tightness that restricts proper movement.

   • Encourage patients to notice how they sit or stand post-session—comfort often improves.

     • Suggested Therapist Script
        “After today’s session, notice how your body feels when you sit or stand upright—your muscles should feel less effort when posture is aligned.”
       

5. Assign Simple Take-Home Awareness Practice

   • Choose one setting to observe posture (work desk, standing guard, vehicle seat).

   • Practice one alignment cue per day (e.g., “ears over shoulders”).

• • Spend 1–2 minutes each day practicing hip hinge in front of a mirror.