The Posture-Brain Connection: A Deep Dive Education

Have you ever pondered the intricate relationship between posture and brain function?

It's a question that often leaves us contemplating: which influences the other—posture or brain health?

In personal training, physical therapy, and coaching, our primary aim is to alleviate pain and enhance mobility while emphasizing the significance of maintaining good posture.

But here was my revelation: the biomechanical correction of posture almost never sticks, leaving us to wonder why.

Is it solely due to lifestyle habits, or could there be deeper neurological factors at play?

I want to share with you how posture intricately intertwines with brain function, shedding light on an areas that is highly focused on by all health professionals.

The Posture-Brain Connection: A Closer Look

Picture this: the familiar sight of a gym-goer with a posture reminiscent of our ancient ancestors—legs externally rotated, upper body internally rotated.

Traditional assessments would identify muscle tightness, prescribing stretches and lifestyle changes as remedies.

Yet, our attempts often always fall short. They leave better, but return in the same position they always do. 

We urge clients to sit less, move more, but the reality is, who truly desires pain or discomfort? It takes my back to my collegiate pitching days when my coach would tell me to throw strikes after I walked a few (to many) batters—obvious advice, yet not always easy to execute.

I finally understood through all these postural challenges I found my big health revelation related to the brain: posture serves as a window into our brain's function.

Through applied neurology, we uncover that postural deviations may hint at underlying cerebral issues, guiding us to targeted neural interventions that effectively change our posture.

The Circular Argument I can see already, is it a Posture or Brain Problem?

Consider this scenario: individuals grappling with maintaining a neutral lifting position or executing sports movements optimally.

These struggles often stem from deficits in the brainstem's PMRF region (Ponto Medullary Reticular Formation)) is located in the brainstem., impacting posture, movement, and pain perception.

How we affectively engage the PMRF will be addressed in another blog post, coming soon.

As coaches and trainers witness persistent postural deviations, the temptation to compromise lingers. Yet, compromise only perpetuates dysfunction, hindering progress and compromising results.

Redefining Success: The Power of Perspective

When clients falter in achieving optimal posture, it's not a reflection of their efforts, but rather a call to action for us.

It's about shifting our mindset, challenging our old educational paradigms and recognizing the underlying neurological nuances at play.

Applied neurology equips us with the tools strengthen our brain function, focusing on training the brain-body connection to move us forward into this new education evolution.

Identifying Postural Clues: Insights into Brain Function

Postural irregularities serve as a light house, signaling potential issues within the PMRF and cerebellum.

From rounded backs to asymmetrical hips, these cues guide us towards tailored interventions, enhancing posture and neurological function.

Think about it; How would this benefit your older clients with balance, posture and movement?

But here's the million-dollar question: why do certain disciplines—gymnasts, ballerinas, yogis—exhibit impeccable posture? Is it their biomechanical training prowess or their brain's innate sense of safety moving through those positions?

Applied neurology simplifies the brain body connection and gives you the  neuro drills that everyone can benefit from towards optimal brain-body integration.

If you are looking for more information on how you can learn through our education, click here. 

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