Posture plays an important role in the function of the jaw, neck, and upper back. Poor postural habits can increase muscle strain, alter jaw mechanics, contribute to headaches, and perpetuate symptoms associated with temporomandibular disorders (TMD).
Improving Movement Through Education & Awareness
Postural training is an important component of comprehensive physical therapy. Rather than simply treating pain, we help patients identify movement patterns and daily habits that contribute to ongoing symptoms and teach strategies to reduce unnecessary stress on the jaw and cervical spine.
What Postural Training Includes
Your physical therapist evaluates your posture during sitting, standing, walking, and functional activities to identify contributing factors. Education and exercise are then tailored to your individual needs and integrated into your overall treatment plan.
Patients also learn ergonomic principles for work, driving, sleeping, and other daily activities that may influence jaw function and muscle tension.
Goals of Postural Training
- Reduce stress on the temporomandibular joints and surrounding muscles
- Improve cervical spine alignment and mobility
- Decrease muscle tension in the neck, shoulders, and upper back
- Improve body mechanics during daily activities
- Reduce headache frequency related to postural dysfunction
- Support long-term improvements achieved through physical therapy
Long-Term Success
Many patients experience meaningful symptom improvement during treatment, but maintaining those gains often depends on the habits practiced at home, at work, and throughout daily life. Postural training provides patients with practical tools to help reduce symptom recurrence and support long-term musculoskeletal health.
When combined with manual therapy, therapeutic exercise, and patient education, postural training becomes an important part of a comprehensive rehabilitation program.