The Egoscue method consists in the materialization of a series of soft postures and extensions focused on relieving back pain. A plausible and non-invasive alternative for those who, after the daily routine, start to experience back and neck discomfort.
Physiotherapist Pete Egoscue, creator of this method, he bases his technique on very specific postural therapies including exercises and customized extensions. Its goal is for the person to learn how to reduce moderate or chronic back pain from home.
Origin and characteristics of the Egoscue model
The therapy created by the American pete selfishinspired by her own chronic pain, treats muscle recovery and bone realignment, so the pain relief is reflected throughout the body. Egoscue’s theory highlights the body as a machine that can heal and renew itself.
To apply the method, therapists certified by the Egoscue Institute must examine the body and detect misaligned joints, vertebrae or muscles that do not allow good mobilization. To incorporate into therapy specific exercises which, in general, consist of movements without complexity and which can be performed daily.
When is it recommended?
You can perform some of the exercises in this method if you have pain in your neck, lower back, hips, knees, joints and also with migraine. It turns out that Pete Egoscue’s methodology is based on the premise that it is how we treat ailments that can translate into quality of life.
In any case, it should always be considered that diseases must have a multidimensional approach. Many times, a single therapy is not enough.
What are the advantages of the Egoscue method?
Routine and well-performed physical activity not only affects the image, but also the health and mood of the person who practices it. Egoscue’s exercises provide a natural approach and long-term physical relief. Unlike drugs or surgery, The approach is recovery without the intervention of external agents.
Some of the benefits of this postural therapy include the following:
- Helps muscles reduce stress with excessive workload and tension, as well as strengthening the weakest and smallest volume.
- Give the body the alternative to heal naturally and get rid of the pain sustainably.
- The group of stretches and exercises in this method seek to correct musculoskeletal misalignments, in turn helping to restore symmetry and balance.
How can you practice?
The sequence becomes relevant during the execution of the Egoscue method. And we are not referring only to the exercises indicated for a specific person. It’s also imperative that you start the routine with the right joint and area of ​​the body.
Suppose you have a sore knee, but your upper body is tense. That being the case, the first thing to address is the discomfort of upper body tension, as thoracic rotation helps the body move, including the knee.
Egoscue method exercises
The type of exercise to be performed will depend on the pain. However, keep in mind that keeping an order is the best way to perform the movements and stretches.
1. To correct misaligned shoulders
When your shoulders are misaligned, your neck and back suffer as well. And in some cases, it’s an indication that there’s another misalignment in the body.
One of Egoscue’s exercises to treat misaligned shoulders is to perform standing raises. These must be firm and synchronized; First of the arms and then of the legs.
Then circles are made with the arms and the trunk is turned to each side, while the legs remain still. In this way we work to recover the body’s natural balance and mobility.
2. To address plantar fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis makes a few hours of standing become an ordeal. To alleviate this situation, the Egoscue method recommends leaving your feet bare while sitting in a chair with a back and place one leg crossed over the opposite knee. At this point, you should interlace the fingers of your hand between the toes of the crossed foot.
Then, twist your torso as you arch your lower back, trying to maintain control of your body throughout the movements. With the help of your hand, rotate your foot forming a circle counterclockwise. Then in the opposite direction.
3. For wrist pain
This technique is ideal for relieving carpal tunnel conditions, due to playing a sport such as tennis or baseball, for example. To perform the exercise, lie down facing the ceiling, bending the knees and placing the feet aligned to the sides of the body.
At this point, you should let your knees relax and lean out to the sidesbringing the soles of the feet together. Place your hands above your chest and be sure to lock your elbows. From that position slide your hands and lower them towards the floor, passing over your head. Put them back on your chest and perform 3 sets of 8 repetitions.
When to seek professional help?
When it comes to physiotherapy exercises, It is best to seek professional help. Even more if you suffer from some chronic discomfort whose origin is an accident.
Today there are many experts who have an Egoscue background. If, on the other hand, we are dealing with minor ailments or preventive exercises, those described can be carried out independently.
Backache? The Egoscue method could be the solution
This therapy aims to relieve chronic or moderate back pain.. Its inventor believes that if certain exercises are performed, discomfort can be reduced by correcting misaligned shoulders, treating plantar fasciitis and reducing wrist pain.
Now, although the exercises can be done at home, consider getting professional help when your back pain is caused by an accident. And he reminds us that the approach of a multidisciplinary team will always be more effective than one based on a single technique.
The post Egoscue: Postural Therapy for Back Pain Relief first appeared in research-school.