The human body is designed to move. In order to replenish and maintain themselves, bones, muscles, and connective tissues all require the stimulation that movement provides. Without proper movement and stimulation, our bodies deteriorate and cease to function as they should.
We have become increasingly dependent on modern transportation, appliances, and technology. Consequently, we are no longer using our bodies in a way that maintains the skeleton and muscles as they were designed to be maintained. Even athletes are subject to limited motion when they train for a specific athletic endeavor at the expense of performing a balanced variety of activities.
As a result of limited activity, the musculoskeletal system is unable to naturally sustain itself. Bodies can learn to compromise, but not without consequences-sometimes painful ones. Most people are using their bodies in a far more limited way than their ancestors did. This lack of proper motion interferes with the body's ability to perform, both physically and mentally.
When the integrity of structural or postural muscles is compromised, the whole skeletal system is affected. The hip girdle changes its tilt, the back changes its curve, and the whole body begins to compensate, creating misalignments. These misalignments lead to abnormal wear and tear in the joints (this is why people end up "needing" knee, hip and shoulder replacements). After time, misalignments can cause musculoskeletal breakdowns, injury, and pain. Misalignments also affect the performance of other body systems, including the cardiovascular, digestive and respiratory systems.
Some of the symptoms treated by Postural Alignment Therapy include neck and back pain, joint pain, migraines, TMJD, nerve pain, carpal tunnel, plantar fasciitis, shin splints and more.
Postural Alignment Therapy is a results-orientated method designed to
We have become increasingly dependent on modern transportation, appliances, and technology. Consequently, we are no longer using our bodies in a way that maintains the skeleton and muscles as they were designed to be maintained. Even athletes are subject to limited motion when they train for a specific athletic endeavor at the expense of performing a balanced variety of activities.
As a result of limited activity, the musculoskeletal system is unable to naturally sustain itself. Bodies can learn to compromise, but not without consequences-sometimes painful ones. Most people are using their bodies in a far more limited way than their ancestors did. This lack of proper motion interferes with the body's ability to perform, both physically and mentally.
When the integrity of structural or postural muscles is compromised, the whole skeletal system is affected. The hip girdle changes its tilt, the back changes its curve, and the whole body begins to compensate, creating misalignments. These misalignments lead to abnormal wear and tear in the joints (this is why people end up "needing" knee, hip and shoulder replacements). After time, misalignments can cause musculoskeletal breakdowns, injury, and pain. Misalignments also affect the performance of other body systems, including the cardiovascular, digestive and respiratory systems.
Some of the symptoms treated by Postural Alignment Therapy include neck and back pain, joint pain, migraines, TMJD, nerve pain, carpal tunnel, plantar fasciitis, shin splints and more.
Postural Alignment Therapy is a results-orientated method designed to
- Identify anatomical dysfunction and limitations
- Restore and maintain the body's full range of motion
- Provide a method for overcoming physical limitations
- Develop optimum levels of physical and mental wellness
- Promote well-being through empowerment
- Enhance performance of professional and recreational athletes
How does Postural Alignment Therapy work?
Bones do what muscles tell them to do. Postural Alignment Therapy uses muscles to reposition the skeleton to its original functional design.
Postural Alignment Practitioners assemble a series of exercises designed to reposition, strengthen and stretch specific muscles to correct dysfunctions specific to an individual. These exercises make certain demands on the body that enable normal muscle function and interaction. This, in turn, realigns the body so that it can function normally and without pain.
Postural Alignment Practitioners assemble a series of exercises designed to reposition, strengthen and stretch specific muscles to correct dysfunctions specific to an individual. These exercises make certain demands on the body that enable normal muscle function and interaction. This, in turn, realigns the body so that it can function normally and without pain.
Postural Alignment Therapy Sessions
Complimentary Postural Assessment
Receive a free postural assessment and learn more about how aligning your posture may help to reduce pain and limitations during this complimentary 15 minute consult. Can be done in-person, via video chat, or e-mail.
Only use the "Schedule now" button for an in-person consult. For video chat or e-mail consult, please contact Amber via e-mail.
Only use the "Schedule now" button for an in-person consult. For video chat or e-mail consult, please contact Amber via e-mail.
Initial Postural Assessment
Learn how your posture is related to your pain and find out if postural therapy is right for you.
Can be done in-person or via video chat.
Initial Assessment Includes:
Allow 90-120 minutes for initial assessment. Duration varies based on exercise menu given and if you've received a free posture assessment prior.
Can be done in-person or via video chat.
Initial Assessment Includes:
- Time to get to know each other
- Paperwork Review: health history, lifestyle, pain chart, etc.
- Postural Assessment: a combination of standing posture, gait, and functional testing
- Posture Photos: a visual tool for both education and progress tracking
- Education of Postural Alignment Therapy process, design posture, etc.
- Expectations and Requirements
- Goal setting and selection of appropriate program menu of exercises
Allow 90-120 minutes for initial assessment. Duration varies based on exercise menu given and if you've received a free posture assessment prior.
Individualized Follow-up Sessions
If you decide Postural Alignment Therapy is for you, we ask for your full commitment to yourself and your program. Though you may feel a decrease in your pain after your initial assessment we require you to commit to a package, this will allow your posture to be continuously assessed and your menu of exercises adapted to your body's changes, ensuring you get the best results possible.
A package of PAT sessions is the most efficient and effective option for those who really want to eliminate pain, regain function and alignment, develop the healthy habit of movement, and gain life-long tools for self-care.
What you can expect from Postural Alignment Therapy Packages
A package of PAT sessions is the most efficient and effective option for those who really want to eliminate pain, regain function and alignment, develop the healthy habit of movement, and gain life-long tools for self-care.
What you can expect from Postural Alignment Therapy Packages
- Individualized approach to your wellness and healing
- Reassess posture and adapt program based on your body's changes
- Continuous accountability
- Decrease in pain and limitations
- Improve balance, range of motion and movement
- Reach athletic performance based goals
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Postural Alignment therapy (PAT)?
Postural Alignment Therapy was discovered by Pete Egoscue in the 70’s. It has the belief that both chronic and acute pain are due to misalignment in the body. When compensations and dysfunctions are present, then pain, limitations and injury are likely to occur. Postural Alignment Therapy restores the body back to its designed posture which brings you back an active, pain free lifestyle.
How does postural alignment therapy work?
Postural alignment Therapy uses gentle corrective exercises to realign the 8 major load joints returning the body to its natural anatomical position.
Restoring alignment and balance allows the body to naturally regenerate and heal itself while improving overall health. It looks at the body as a whole and focuses on eliminating the cause of pain and dysfunction rather than treating symptoms which creates effective and lasting results.
Restoring alignment and balance allows the body to naturally regenerate and heal itself while improving overall health. It looks at the body as a whole and focuses on eliminating the cause of pain and dysfunction rather than treating symptoms which creates effective and lasting results.
How is PAT any different than yoga or physical therapy?
Unlike physical therapy or yoga, Able Bodies tailors your program to eliminate your specific structural dysfunctions and compensations, focusing on the source of the pain not the symptom of the pain.
Can I still see my chiropractor, physical therapist, massage therapist?
Yes, Postural Alignment Therapy can be used with many different healing modalities. It can both complement and enhance the work that is being done by others. For example if you are seeing a chiropractor the exercises are retraining your body to be in a better position which can make the adjustments easier for the Dr. and the exercises will help your body to hold the adjustments longer. On the other hand, the exercises are designed to give you a lifelong tool to keep your own body in alignment and not need to depend on other people.
HOw long will it take to see results?
Each individual is different our body will respond at its own pace, in its own way. We take what the body is ready to give without forcing things it’s not yet ready for. Many people feel different after the first visit. Sometimes pain symptoms disappear quickly in 1-8 visits and sometimes it takes longer.
HOW OFTEN DO I NEED TO SO MY EXERCISES?
The exercise menu is typically done once daily. In some cases, it will be done more than once a day.
HOW LONG IS AN EXERCISE MENU?
The exercise menu and program is very much individualized from person to person. That being said, the average menu is an hour long. However, some people will have a shorter menu while other people may have a 2 hour menu.
DO I HAVE TO DO MY EXERCISE MENU IN ORDER FROM START TO FINISH?
Yes, you need to do your exercise menu at least once a day in order from start to finish. The sequencing of the exercises is important. Outside of that requirement, you are always welcome to do any exercises that feel beneficial to your body throughout the day.
IS IT NORMAL TO FEEL SORE AFTER COMPLETING MY EXERCISES?
Yes, muscle soreness is normal as we reawaken different muscles and the body begins to adjust to moving in a new position. Soreness is different than pain. If you are experiencing pain, then communicate that right away so we can make any necessary adjustments to the menu.
What is the cost?
Postural Alignment Therapy is an investment. The first part of that investment is your time, energy, and commitment to self. You are the key to this process. It is a partnership in which we both have an active role.
The second part is the financial investment in your overall health. You gain life-long tools for Self-Care which is the core of your wellbeing. The program allows a unique kind of connection and collaboration which allows me to be available to you outside of scheduled sessions via e-mail or phone to check-in, receive and respond to feedback regarding exercise menus, answer questions and be a support during the process as things come up related to our work. As a team, communication is a vital part of this process.
The second part is the financial investment in your overall health. You gain life-long tools for Self-Care which is the core of your wellbeing. The program allows a unique kind of connection and collaboration which allows me to be available to you outside of scheduled sessions via e-mail or phone to check-in, receive and respond to feedback regarding exercise menus, answer questions and be a support during the process as things come up related to our work. As a team, communication is a vital part of this process.
is postural alignment therapy covered by insurance?
Postural Alignment Therapy is not covered directly by insurance because it is non-medical. If you have a Health Savings Account or Flexible Spending Account you can look into using that to pay for Postural Alignment Therapy.
do i need to purchase special equipment?
Special equipment is not required, most exercises can be done with with items found around your home such as a chair, wall, floor, yoga strap, and towel.
I DON'T LIVE NEAR BECKER, CAN YOU STILL HELP ME?
Absolutely, PAT works very well over video chat systems such as Skype. With internet access I can help you no matter the distance.
What should i wear to my initial assessment?
For your initial assessment your Postural Alignment Practitioner will need to be able to see these 8 load bearing joints: shoulders, hips, knees, and ankles.
The ideal attire for viewing these areas are shorts without a shirt for men and a sports bra and shorts for women.
Your comfort is my priority, if you believe a tank top or shirt will make you more comfortable we can certainly work with that.
The ideal attire for viewing these areas are shorts without a shirt for men and a sports bra and shorts for women.
Your comfort is my priority, if you believe a tank top or shirt will make you more comfortable we can certainly work with that.