Abnormal Body Posture: Seeking Solutions for Rehabilitation

Abnormal body posture?

Hello Doctor,
I hope you can take the time to read the following description.
It provides some background on the difficulties I am currently facing with my body and mind.
Thank you for your attention.

To summarize: My body posture during any movement has been abnormal for many years.
This "posture" essentially encompasses all movements I make while alive.
I can clearly feel that my current way of moving is not normal compared to how I used to move.
This issue has troubled me for many years.
Although I am still young, being 25 years old, this has become even more distressing for me, as it has caused practical difficulties in my daily life and has also affected my mental well-being.
I remember the first time I felt this "poor posture" was during the summer vacation in middle school when I sprained my ankle.
After the injury, I did not rest properly and continued to walk around.
Although I wasn't walking excessively, I relied on my left foot to walk since my right foot was injured.
After some time, even though my right foot healed, I began to feel that my walking sensation was somewhat different from before.
At that time, it wasn't very noticeable and did not significantly impact my life.
In high school, I continued to engage in intense activities like running and playing sports, so I didn't pay much attention to it and did not seek medical help.
During my junior and senior years of high school, I experienced four episodes of pneumothorax, affecting both my left and right lungs.
The last two episodes required surgical intervention.
During these pneumothorax episodes, I primarily relied on the unaffected side (hands, feet, body) for movement.
Even after recovering from pneumothorax, I felt that my body posture had changed compared to before.
As the episodes increased, I noticed my posture becoming increasingly strange.
After my last surgery, I distinctly felt that almost every movement I made was different from how it used to be.
Additionally, I became very fearful of a recurrence, which led me to avoid most forms of exercise (except for walking).
This issue has troubled me for about seven to eight years.
Recently, as I have just entered the workforce, my anxiety has increased, and my physical condition has not improved.
This has prompted me to seek medical assistance.
Is it possible to address issues like mine? Have there been similar cases in the past? Thank you.

Mick, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2023/12/03

Dr. Li Weiqiang reply Rehabilitation

It seems that the issues stemming from your right ankle, along with prolonged improper walking posture, have caused discomfort throughout your body.
Additionally, having experienced pneumothorax four times has contributed to overall musculoskeletal discomfort.
I recommend that you consult a rehabilitation physician to first examine your right foot, and then focus on strengthening the necessary areas and training your posture.

Reply Date: 2023/12/03

More Info

It sounds like you have been dealing with a complex set of physical issues for several years, which have significantly impacted your posture and overall well-being. Your history of injuries, surgeries, and the subsequent changes in your body mechanics can indeed lead to abnormal postures and movement patterns. Let's break down your situation and explore potential solutions for rehabilitation.

Firstly, it’s important to understand that abnormal body posture can arise from various factors, including previous injuries, surgeries, and compensatory movement patterns. In your case, the ankle sprain and multiple pneumothoraces have likely led to altered biomechanics. When one side of the body is favored due to pain or weakness, it can create imbalances that affect posture and movement. Over time, these compensations can become ingrained, leading to chronic discomfort and further postural deviations.

Given your age and the duration of your symptoms, it is crucial to address these issues proactively. Here are some steps you might consider:
1. Consult a Specialist: Start by consulting with a physical therapist or a rehabilitation specialist who can assess your posture, movement patterns, and any underlying muscular imbalances. They can provide a tailored rehabilitation program that addresses your specific needs.

2. Physical Therapy: Engaging in physical therapy can help you regain proper movement patterns and strengthen the muscles that may have weakened due to disuse or compensatory strategies. A therapist can guide you through exercises that focus on improving flexibility, strength, and coordination.

3. Postural Training: Learning about proper posture and body mechanics is essential. A physical therapist can teach you how to maintain good posture during daily activities and exercises, which can help alleviate discomfort and prevent further issues.

4. Strengthening Exercises: Focus on strengthening the core and stabilizing muscles. A strong core is vital for maintaining good posture and supporting the spine. Exercises like planks, bridges, and pelvic tilts can be beneficial.

5. Stretching and Flexibility: Incorporate stretching into your routine to improve flexibility, especially in areas that may be tight due to altered movement patterns. Stretching the hip flexors, hamstrings, and back muscles can help restore balance.

6. Mind-Body Techniques: Consider integrating mind-body practices such as yoga or Pilates. These disciplines emphasize body awareness, alignment, and controlled movements, which can be beneficial for improving posture and reducing anxiety.

7. Gradual Return to Activity: As you work on your rehabilitation, gradually reintroduce physical activities that you enjoy. This can help rebuild confidence in your body and improve your overall physical condition.

8. Mental Health Support: Since you mentioned experiencing increased anxiety, it might be helpful to seek support from a mental health professional. Addressing the psychological aspects of your condition can be just as important as the physical rehabilitation.

In conclusion, your situation is not uncommon, and many individuals experience similar challenges after injuries or surgeries. With the right support and a structured rehabilitation plan, it is possible to improve your posture and overall function. Remember, recovery is often a gradual process, and consistency is key. Don’t hesitate to reach out for professional help to guide you on this journey.

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