Posts Tagged ‘Posture’

Physical Therapy Information – Alexander Technique

August 22nd, 2010
Dr Alex B. Miguel asked:




An actor, F. M. Alexander (1869-1955) was responsible for the invention of the Alexander Technique, which is named after him. He toured Tasmania and Australia as part of a Shakespearean troupe. When he started having problems with his throat, he developed a method which has put his name down in history for posterity.

As Alexander’s throat started becoming hoarse, he began to visit all the doctors he could, wherever he was. It was all in vain for him. There was nothing physically wrong with him as far as they could see, and they could not treat him. Alexander was a stubborn man, and when doctors could not solve his problem, he took matters into his own hand. Thus was born the Alexander Technique.

Alexander worked alone, as no one would help him. He watched whatever he did, and observed his reflection in mirrors as much as he could to determine where he was going wrong. Continuing this practice for nine long years, he devised the Alexander Technique.

His diligence and hard work paid of for him. He recovered the use of his voice. In his eyes, it was as good as a miracle. As an actor, his voice was most important to him. When he formulated this technique, he called it the Primary Control method.

The Alexander Technique is built upon a simple hypothesis. According to Alexander, the upper body, i.e. the head, the neck and the torso are the major determining factors for function, posture, and movement. Anatomically, they control these features.

He realized through observations that the technique of Primary Control could be useful in solving a number of problems. If these body parts were compressed, it could not function to the best of its ability. In his case, because of his poor posture, his voice had become hoarse.

According to Alexander, the correct anatomical positioning of the head, neck, and the torso allows the body to function normally. Alexander Technique is now employed in physiotherapy clinic across the country. Both young and old are administered this technique. Anyone who wants to learn it is welcome to join.

Physiotherapists dealing with the Alexander Technique prefer teaching individuals rather than groups, though groups may also be taught. The routine however is to teach individuals rather than groups. The therapist, or practitioner, teaches the person physiotherapy techniques to help them function in better ways and use their body to the best of its ability.

Alexander Technique allows the body and i’s muscles to relax through the practice of physiotherapy. This enables a person to return their body to it’s original, anatomically correct posture. Since the technique works upon the entire body and affect the whole form, it positively affects the entire body structure.

Physiotherapy has several areas. Alexander Technique is a specialized form of therapy. Though it only deals with correct posturing of the body, several other problems are also addressed along with it. For those with severe disabilities or medical conditions, this technique is not employed. as there are other forms of therapy which may prove more useful. For minor problems, however, Alexander Technique is like a miracle cure.



Butalbital APAP Caffeine, Fioricet, Tramadol

All About Repetitive Strain Injury

August 19th, 2010
Jeff Foster asked:




Repetitive strain injury is an all too common problem that many people are actually quite unfamiliar with.

Also referred to as repetitive stress injury, this type of affliction is a result of the overuse of certain body parts while undergoing some type of constant much activity. As an example, someone who plays a musical instrument may begin to develop RSI.

With repetitive strain injuries, the muscles and the tendons that are located in the arms and the back are aggravated due to prolonged overuse. This particular disorder is associated with many different names, but the bottom line is that the pain can become chronic and if not treated and corrected can be difficult to cure.

Another common type of activity or occupational related activity where repetitive stress injury if frequently found is with assembly line workers. Because of the nature of the repetitiveness of their job, these people tend to be affected the most by this disorder.

Companies can adjust work environments and take measures to eliminate repetitive strain injuries with their employees by encouraging and educating their workforce on the use of proper posture, along with ensuring that stressful movements only occur for short times with regular breaks.

For those who are already afflicted with a case of RSI, stretching and strengthening the area of the body affected can go a long way toward the elimination of the pain.

There are many different types of repetitive stress injuries. Probably the most familiar being that of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. Repetitive stress injury is a grouping type of condition that also includes Tendonitis, DeQuervain’s syndrome, as well as many other different individualized afflictions.

If you think that you may be experiencing some form of repetitive stress injury, it’s important for you to speak with your doctor.

Symptoms include recurring pain in a localized area of your body that you commonly use. Tingling or numbness in an area of your body that you regularly use may also be a warning sign that you should sooner rather than later.

Also, the muscles of the affected area may feel fatigued, and you may also find that you have a lack of strength present. It’s also important to note that these types symptoms in and of themselves don’t necessarily mean that the problem lies in the area where you are experiencing pain or numbness. As a case in point, a numbness of the hand may be the result of pinched nerves in your shoulder.

Since there are many different types of RSI, there are many different treatments used to relieve the specific symptoms. Options include physical therapy that directed at helping you to strengthen the area that is afflicted.

Immediate and temporary relief from RSI can usually be accomplished with the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen. Ibuprofen is used to reduce swelling which can reduce pain.

Keeping your body strengthened and flexible is a big key in both prevention and treatment.

Ultimately avoiding prolonged activity of repetitive stressful movements is your best defense against RSI. At the very least you should be vigilant in taking shorter more frequent breaks if your occupation requires this type of activity.

Healing a case of RSI will take patience and persistence on your part in order to make a full recovery, so be sure to put forth your best efforts.



The Ultram online