Blog Post

How Manual Therapy Can Help Seniors With Postural Imbalances

November 19, 2024
As we age, maintaining good posture and balance becomes increasingly challenging. Many seniors experience postural imbalances due to muscle weakness, joint stiffness, reduced flexibility, and neurological or sensory decline. 

At Good Health Group Clinic, our multidisciplinary  approach combines the expertise of remedial therapist Sam Noh, who also performs dry needling, myotherapist Ian Selvarajoo, and chiropractor Dr. Tanja Nishibata to address these issues through manual therapy, tailored to meet each client's unique needs.

Understanding Postural Imbalance in Seniors

Postural imbalances often result from factors like muscle weakness, joint stiffness, reduced flexibility, neurological changes, and sensory decline. Addressing these issues holistically is essential to improving balance, reducing pain, and enhancing overall quality of life for seniors.
Common symptoms of muscular imbalances include chronic pain, limited range of motion, poor posture, muscle tightness or weakness, fatigue during exercise, instability, and asymmetrical movement patterns. These imbalances can stem from causes such as repetitive movements, sedentary lifestyles, poor posture, improper exercise form, injuries, muscle overuse, age-related changes, neurological conditions, and even gait abnormalities or poor footwear.

How Our Manual Therapies Help

Manual therapy offers significant benefits for correcting these imbalances. Remedial massage therapy, performed by Sam Noh, focuses on relieving muscle tension, reducing pain, and improving circulation. In addition, Sam's use of dry needling targets specific trigger points to release muscle tightness and improve mobility, providing further relief from chronic pain and muscular tension. These therapies target tight muscles, enhancing flexibility, mobility, and proper movement patterns to support better posture. Scientific evidence highlights their effectiveness in reducing musculoskeletal pain and increasing range of motion.


Ian Selvarajoo, our myotherapist, utilises techniques such as trigger point therapy, stretching, dry needling, and exercise prescription to correct muscle imbalances and reduce pain. Myotherapy offers a holistic approach to musculoskeletal health by combining manual techniques with tailored exercise plans to strengthen weak muscles, improve stability, and relieve chronic tension.


Dr. Tanja Nishibata, our chiropractor, focuses on spinal alignment, joint health, and nervous system optimisation. Chiropractic care can improve alignment, enhance muscle control and coordination, and reduce fall risks by addressing spinal misalignments and optimising nervous system function. Research supports its role in improving balance, reducing pain, and correcting postural issues through spinal adjustments and joint mobilisation.

The Power of a Multidisciplinary Manual Therapy Approach

Our approach is rooted in collaboration and personalised care plans tailored to each client’s needs. We combine remedial massage, dry needling, myotherapy, and chiropractic care to address muscle imbalances holistically and improve posture, mobility, and overall well-being. Whether you are seeking to regain mobility, reduce pain, or improve posture, our comprehensive manual therapy approach, led by our experienced practitioners in Good Health Group Clinic, can make a significant difference in your quality of life.

Reference

  1. International Journal of Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork. Studies on the effectiveness of massage therapy for reducing muscle stiffness and enhancing flexibility.
  2. Journal of Pain. Research highlighting massage therapy’s role in pain reduction and muscle relaxation.
  3. Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies. Evidence supporting myotherapy’s effectiveness in reducing musculoskeletal pain through trigger point therapy and dry needling.
  4. Manual Therapy. Research on myotherapy’s impact on musculoskeletal health through combined techniques.
  5. Spine Journal. Evidence on the benefits of chiropractic care for spinal alignment and postural correction.
  6. Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics. Systematic reviews highlighting chiropractic care’s impact on balance and fall prevention in seniors.
  7. Journal of Multidisciplinary Healthcare. Reviews on the benefits of combining manual therapies for improved postural control and mobility.
  8. Age and Ageing Journal. Research supporting exercise therapy’s role in enhancing muscle strength and balance in older adults.

Blogs

Can You Train After Dry Needling? Here’s What You Need to Know

November 19, 2024
Dry needling is a popular therapy used to r elieve muscle tension , reduce pain , and improve mobility by targeting trigger points. If you’ve just had a dry needling session, you might be wondering, “Can I train right after treatment?” At Good Health Group Clinic, we often hear this question from athletes and active individuals, so let’s explore the best practices for post-needling activity. Dry needling creates micro-trauma to the targeted muscles, which stimulates blood flow , reduces tension , and r eleases trigger points . This can leave the treated muscles feeling sore , heavy , or fatigued for a short period . Despite this temporary discomfort, research indicates that engaging in exercise after dry needling can have positive outcomes when done correctly. Studies have shown that combining dry needling with exercise may lead to enhanced therapeutic effects, such as improved pain relief and greater muscle function. For example, research published in the Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy demonstrated significant benefits for individuals with patellofemoral pain syndrome who exercised following dry needling compared to those who exercised alone. This suggests that light or moderate activity after treatment can be a powerful part of your recovery process.

The Importance of Strengthening the Iliopsoas Muscle in Seniors

November 5, 2024
As we age, maintaining mobility and balance becomes increasingly crucial for preserving independence and quality of life. One common issue seniors face is difficulty in raising their knees, often leading to postural imbalances and an increased risk of falls. A key factor contributing to this problem is weakness in the iliopsoas muscle, a deep-seated muscle group essential for hip flexion and stability. In this article, we'll explore why strengthening the iliopsoas muscle is vital for the elderly, backed by scientific evidence, and how the psoas march exercise can effectively reduce symptoms.

The Hidden Link Between Shoulder Internal Rotation and Tennis Elbow

November 5, 2024
Tennis elbow is more than just an athlete's ailment; it's a common condition that can affect anyone engaging in repetitive arm movements . While the pain centres around the elbow, the root cause may be higher up - in the shoulder. Specifically, shoulder internal rotation can place excessive stress on the arm muscles and tendons, leading to or worsening tennis elbow symptoms. Understanding this connection is key to effective treatment and prevention. In this article, we'll explore how shoulder internal rotation contributes to tennis elbow and how targeted interventions can provide relief.

How Regular Treatment Helped Manage TMJ and Upper Back Issues

November 3, 2024
For many people, the daily demands of life—work, family, and other responsibilities—can lead to physical tension and chronic pain. In this case, a 51-year-old mother of seven and full-time homemaker found herself struggling with persistent TMJ (temporomandibular joint) syndrome and upper back pain. These issues were compounded by the physical and emotional stresses of her busy household, impacting her ability to move comfortably and perform daily tasks without pain. Through consistent treatments and a carefully designed exercise plan at Good Health Group Clinic , she has seen a significant reduction in her neck and shoulder pain. Now, she visits Sam once every two weeks to manage her symptoms and maintain her progress.

Hydration and Muscle Health: Why Staying Hydrated is Important for Everyone

October 25, 2024
Staying hydrated is important for your overall health and well-being. Whether you're an athlete, enjoy regular exercise, or just go about your daily routine, keeping your body hydrated helps with everything from regulating your temperature to keeping your muscles and joints working smoothly. In this article, we’ll explain how staying hydrated affects your muscles, why it’s important for everyone, and share some simple tips and strategies, especially for those who are active or play sports.

Why Are Women Treated for Neck and Shoulder Pain More Often Than Men?

October 25, 2024
Did you know that women are treated for neck and shoulder pain up to 10 times more often than men? This isn’t just a coincidence, there are several reasons why women experience neck pain more frequently. From biological differences to lifestyle factors, understanding why this happens can help you manage or even prevent neck pain. In this article, we’ll explore the common causes of neck pain in women and how professionals like psychologists, psychotherapists, counselors, and naturopaths can play a role in treatment.

A Journey to Pain-Free Movement

October 20, 2024
At Good Health Group Clinic, we work with many clients who are determined to stay active despite the challenges of age or injury. One of our recent clients, an 87-year-old man, is a great example of perseverance. A passionate golfer and cyclist, he had undergone bilateral hip replacements but was committed to playing 18 holes of golf twice a week and cycling 20-30km on weekends.  However, pain and limping after golf began to interfere with his ability to stay active. This is his story of recovery through a structured post-treatment plan and dedicated exercises, guided by Sam.

Nutrition Tips for Better Muscle Recovery

October 11, 2024
After an intense workout, your muscles need the right nutrients to repair, grow stronger, and recover. Two of the most important elements for muscle recovery are protein and carbohydrates . Let’s dive into how each plays a crucial role in helping your muscles bounce back.

Why you might have tightness on one side of your Body?

October 11, 2024
Many clients at Good Health Group Clinic often complain about tightness, tension, or discomfort on one side of their body , typically in the hips, lower back , or hamstrings . These issues are often due to a postural imbalance called the Left Anterior Interior Chain (AIC) pattern. The Left AIC pattern happens when the left side of the pelvis rotates forward, creating compensatory imbalances, usually in the right glutes and hamstrings . This is a common pattern because most people are naturally right-side dominant, which subtly shifts their postural alignment over time. If not addressed, this imbalance can lead to chronic discomfort, pain, and even movement restrictions. If you're experiencing one-sided tightness, our treatments at Good Health Group Clinic , including remedial massage, myotherapy, chiropractic adjustments, and dry needling , can help restore balance and relieve discomfort.

Why Warm-Ups Are Essential and How to Do Them Right

September 27, 2024
At Good Health Group Clinic, we see firsthand how a proper warm-up can make all the difference in preventing injuries and boosting performance. Whether you’re an athlete or just someone looking to stay active, warming up before physical activity is a must. But why are warm-ups so crucial, and what’s the best way to do them? Why Are Warm-Ups Important? Warm-ups prepare your body for exercise by increasing blood flow, loosening your joints, and priming your nervous system. This means that your muscles are more flexible, more coordinated, and better able to handle the physical demands of your workout or game. According to recent studies, muscles contain temperature-sensitive proteins that respond to heat during a warm-up. These proteins help muscles contract more efficiently, reducing the chance of injury​. When you warm up properly, you are also improving your coordination and strength, which can help you perform at your best. How to Warm Up Effectively We recommend spending at least 30 minutes on your warm-up before starting any high-intensity activity or sport. A well-rounded warm-up includes: Dynamic Stretches : Focus on exercises like leg swings, bum kicks, and lunging rotations to activate your muscles and improve range of motion. Active Running Drills : Start with slow jogging and gradually build up to sprinting. Incorporate change-of-direction drills and jumping exercises to mimic movements you’ll use in your sport. Sport-Specific Skills : Practice movements relevant to your activity, such as ball skills for team sports or agility drills for sports like football or soccer. Make sure to finish your warm-up with about five minutes to relax before your workout or game starts.
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