The body moves and functions as a dynamic, integrated system. Postural balance and optimal movement strategies rely on appropriate muscle activation, the ability of the connective tissue and neural structures to glide, synchronized postural reflexes, and good proprioception. The nervous system coordinates movement, regulates muscle tone, determines our perception of pain, influences circulation, and modulates inflammatory responses.

Nerves carry sensory information from the body and the environment to the central nervous system (CNS). The CNS then interprets this incoming information and sends nerve impulses to the body to make postural adjustments and generate coordinated movement. The cerebellum in the brain stores ‘movement programs’ which are accessed when we need to perform a specific task. The more we practice a task, the more automatic it becomes. We don’t forget how to ride a bicycle because the cerebellum has stored this ‘movement program.’ This is beneficial when the ‘program’ is appropriate. Compensatory movement patterns during injury may be appropriate to offload the area and prevent further tissue damage; however, problems arise if the compensatory movement strategy continues after the injury has healed.

Our habitual postures and compensatory patterns become stored as programs in the cerebellum. Over time, there are also cumulative soft tissue changes resulting in chronic muscle tension, loss of connective tissue mobility, and excessive load on joints. Muscles may either become inhibited or overactivated. Altered biomechanics and inappropriate loading can eventually cause tissue injury or physical symptoms.

A Postural Balance treatment identifies and corrects neuromusculoskeletal imbalances, maladaptive muscle recruitment patterns, fascial restriction, abnormal neurodynamics, strength deficits, postural compensations, and a variety of other contributing factors in order to restore optimal movement strategies and physical health.

Anna may also use functional, proprioceptive wedges in your shoes to support the balance. These are rubber inserts placed in the shoe that are used for a short period of time while the body is learning new movement strategies.