A Good posture and stance reflect a proper state of mind- Morihei Ueshiba
Good Posture in Kids
Good posture is defined as the proper alignment of body structures (like joints, muscles, ligaments, etc.) while walking sitting, standing, or doing any activities.
To maintain a good posture, all the body structures like muscles, ligaments, and joints must be in harmony. If any of them has an injury, overuse, weakness, tightness, or any kind of muscular imbalance. It can deviate the body into postural imbalance or postural problems.
Importance of Good posture in kids
Initially, the kids’ bones are made up of cartilage. So, these bones are soft and flexible. During development cartilage is slowly replaced with calcium and bones become hard.
Keeping a check on kids’ posture is very important as their bones, ligaments and muscles are in the developing stage.
During this process of development, if the deviation is left in kids, it becomes a permanent deviation or deformity.
So, keeping a good posture is important in kids so that the development of bones, ligaments, and muscles will be in perfect shape.
Nowadays as children are spending lots of time sitting watching TV or doing work on the computer and have less time for outdoor games/Activities or physical exercise. The chances of the postural deviation are high so keeping a check on their posture is more important.
Types of Postural problems in Kids
Scoliosis
Scoliosis is a condition in which the spine curves to the side. It can occur in children of all ages, but it is mostly diagnosed during puberty.
Kyphosis
Kyphosis is a condition in which the upper spine is excessively rounded. This can result in a “hunchback” appearance and can affect children who spend a lot of time sitting or slouching.
Lordosis
Lordosis is a condition in which the lower spine is excessively curved. This can lead to an exaggerated “swayback” appearance and can affect children who spend a lot of time sitting or slouching.
Flatback Syndrome
The flatback syndrome is a condition in which the natural curve of the lower back is lost, resulting in a flat appearance. This can be caused by poor posture or by spending a lot of time sitting or slouching.
Plagiocephaly
Plagiocephaly is a condition when the shape of the head is disformed, usually caused by prolonged pressure on one side of the head. This can happen when a baby spends a lot of time lying on their back, which is the recommended position for sleeping to reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
Poor posture in children can lead to several problems with physical activities, including.
Reduced endurance and stamina.
Children who slouch or hunch their shoulders may experience muscle strain and fatigue, which may prevent them from exercising.
Reduced flexibility and range of motion.
Poor posture can lead tight muscles and restrict their movement, making it difficult for children to perform certain movements or stretches.
Reduced coordination and balance.
Poor posture can lead to an imbalance in the body, making it harder for children to maintain their balance and coordination during physical activities.
Increased risk of injury
Poor posture can put extra stress on the muscles and joints, making children more susceptible to injury during physical activity.
Reduced Performance
Poor posture can impede breathing and blood circulation, leading to fatigue and reduced performance in sports and other physical activities.
Difficulty in playing sports.
Children with poor posture may have difficulty in participating sports such as basketball, soccer, and gymnastics.
Benefits of Posture Correction in Kids
Development
Good posture helps to ensure good alignment of the spine and joints, which is important for the healthy development of the skeletal and muscle systems.
Confidence
A good posture can help kids feel more confident and self-assured, as they look and feel more balanced and in control of their body.
Performance
Good posture can improve breathing and digestion, as well as enhance overall physical performance in activities such as sports and exercise.
Pain Prevention
Poor posture can lead to pain and discomfort in the neck, back, and shoulders and can contribute to the development of chronic conditions such as scoliosis. By promoting good posture, you can help to prevent these issues from developing at an early stage.
Learning
Good posture can improve the focus and concentration of children, allowing them to learn better and study efficiently.
Overall, good posture helps kids to maintain there physical and mental health.
Posture Correction Devices
Are posture Correctors a good long-term option?
Posture correctors are not intended to be a long-term treatment option for poor posture. They are an aid that supports your joints and gives you a gentle reminder to sit up straight and keep your shoulders back. They will help you take the stress off your joints and have less pain.
Side effects of Posture Correctors
There are real side effects if you do wear a posture corrector for too long. If your body becomes accustomed to the brace you can weaken your core muscles and cause even more injury and damage to your body. Your body will compensate for the new weak muscles by placing more stress on your joints.
Ref – vivehealth.com
It’s important to address these symptoms early, A physiotherapist can help in diagnosing and treating these postural problems easily and can help in developing good posture by educating them on proper alignment, exercises, and stretches to strengthen the muscles that support good posture.
For the treatment of postural problems combined efforts are needed. A tailor-made exercise plan with changes according to the kid’s needs.
As Physioveda we have been working on posture correction since 2014.
We work on the muscular imbalances in Kids. Even we have to work on the surroundings of the kids.
