I Tried It: Posture Therapy

I spend hours at my computer, hunched over the keyboard. When I’m chasing a deadline, good posture is usually the last thing on my mind. I also ask a lot of my body in the gym, and the combination of the two can lead to aches and pains. I wondered: Would improving my posture help me stay on task and injury-free?

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I set up an evaluation with Maryann Berry, who offers posture alignment therapy to reduce chronic pain, prevent injury, and improve overall health.

Maryann arrived at my house for an initial evaluation. I’d thought I’d pass with flying colors but was surprised to discover my left shoulder was higher than the right, my shoulder girdle and torso were twisted, and my shoulders rounded forward.

The keyboard time was taking its toll.

Maryann gave me a series of five easy, low-key exercises to do every day, using things around the house: an ottoman, the bar countertop, and my yoga mat.

I started to look forward to the exercises, which involved lying on my back for six minutes with my knees on an ottoman at 90 degrees and lying on my stomach with my hands propped up on yoga blocks while I slowly brought my heels toward my hamstrings.

When Maryann came back in two weeks, she saw significant improvement in my shoulder and torso alignment, and I felt none of the usual soreness in my back. And the best part is, I’m even remembering to sit straight at my desk—most of the time.

I Tried It: Posture Therapy

Photo by Jay Reilly