In this episode of the Help Me Understand podcast, I sit down with Dr. Derya, a physical therapist certified by the Postural Restoration Institute, to chat about posture and why it’s not as simple as “stand up straight!” We dive into how our modern habits—like being glued to our screens—affect not just how we look, but how we feel. Dr. Derya talks about understanding posture as something fluid and adaptable, not rigid. She explains the PRI approach, which is all about restoring natural movement patterns and getting to the root of discomfort instead of just managing symptoms. We also talk through practical ways to improve your posture and why a holistic view of the body is so crucial for healing.
Takeaways:
- True healing comes from addressing root causes, not just treating symptoms.
- Posture isn’t a fixed position—it’s dynamic and adaptable.
- Modern lifestyles contribute to poor posture and discomfort (yes, I'm looking at you, phone screens!).
- Understanding your habitual movement patterns is key to improving how you feel.
- The visual system (how we use our eyes) plays a big role in how we hold ourselves.
- The diaphragm is more than a breathing muscle; it has a major influence on posture.
- PRI focuses on restoring natural movement, not just spot-treating pain.
- A holistic approach is essential for effective rehabilitation.
- Spot treating often misses the bigger patterns underneath.
- Awareness of how we move can make a huge difference in our overall health.
Resources:
- Dr. Derya's IG: @drderyaanderson
- Dr. Derya's website: myessentialpt.com
- Postural Restoration Institute website: posturalrestoration.com
- Sign up for my weekly letter:
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