Aligned

You have to die a few times before you can really live.

W. Osle

One of the most important things about body mechanics and posture is alignment. Alignment refers to how the head, shoulders, spine, hips, knees and ankles relate and line up with each other. Proper alignment of the body puts less stress on the spine, and most joints of the body, and helps you have good posture. It also protects the joints of the body from wear and tear, and assists in maintaining a balanced use of muscles and other soft tissues.

Many of our physical problems are caused by the long term misalignment, misuse or lack of use of our body. Especially sitting for long periods each day impacts on our physical health. On the other hand, knowing how to move, sit and stand properly can help you stay active, pain-free and able to perform well in physical activity.
The health benefits of regular exercise and physical activity are tremendous regardless of age, sex or physical ability. However, the importance of optimal body alignment can never be over emphasized. Harm might occur during strenuous but poorly executed exercise sessions. Poor mechanics or overuse can lead to injuries, and in certain cases when a chronic condition is present, some exercises can do more harm than good. Maintaining proper alignment in both activity and standing or sitting, is crucial. If a pathology is present, even practices like Pilates and yoga that aim to teach alignment might need to be modified to avoid putting stress on the body. If you are new to one of these practices, it is also crucial to be patient and go slow. This doesn’t mean that you are not doing enough. Less is more. Joyful exercise is more beneficial to intense exercise.

I intend to assist you understand why your body is hurting, and what changes you need to make to reach your goals. I am here to help you change the way you use your body by initially creating an awareness of the things you are doing that are currently overloading structures (probably because of misalignment) and creating pain. If you are diagnosed with scoliosis, or other spinal condition, I can help you understand how to alter the tone and behavior of certain muscles, so that they have the tools to stretch/move/stay still in ways that are optimal for their spine and reduce pain and tension. I am simply a facilitator in your own healing process as you transform to live with a healthier, more active body. The greatest success occurs when you are an active participant in your exercise program and I do expect your commitment.