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The Role of Adhesive Tape in Osteopathic Posture Alignment

Patients are sometimes surprised to learn how very little it takes to follow the suggestions of their osteopath at home. Even as there is a lot of gadgetry currently on the market, ostensibly to appeal to the alternative health aficionado who is looking to make healthy changes without prescription medication or invasive procedures, the fact that some tools may be purchased for pennies is a surprise to a good many. Perhaps one of the cheapest tools you will ever invest any money in is adhesive tape. The odds are good that you already have some in your desk or drawer.

The role of adhesive tape in osteopathic posture alignment has been well documented, and when practitioners of osteopathic medicine recommend the use of this device, patients are at first taken aback. Should a cure or pain relief measure not cost a bit more money? Actually though, there is little need to spend a lot of money if you are able to make do with a lot less. To learn how to use adhesive tape and fix your posture problems at the same time, follow the directions your osteopath gives you; most likely, they look something like this:

* Enlist the help of a friend of family member. This assistant will be an integral part in helping you with the tape and it is her or his critical eye that you will rely on when it comes to actually properly applying the adhesive tape.

* Stand up as straight as you can. There may be some pain and it may feel a bit awkward at first, but to some that is what it feels like to stand up with perfect posture for the first time in many months.

* You helper now has the opportunity to place tape across your shoulder, then from shoulder to hip, and from there across your hips. The tighter the tape is applied, the better for the sake of your purpose.

It is a good idea to apply heavy duty duct tape and actually do so on the skin and not over the clothes. When you return to slumping as opposed to standing or sitting up straight, there will be a distinctly uncomfortable pull on your skin and body hair. This is a cheap and yet quite effective reminder to employ a good posture.

This procedure should be employed when suggested by your osteopath but also in between treatments to ensure that the posture your osteopath works so hard on correcting is being supported at home as well. In the short term, this is a powerful reminder that helps in the aftermath of spinal alignments and musculoskeletal manipulations; in the long run, this little trick may actually help you avoid the need for additional treatments or the worsening of other health issues that might be worsened by an incorrect posture.

Even if your specialist does not expressly recommends the use of adhesive tape for an at home follow up, it is a good idea to discuss this idea with him. Who knows, you might actually give your doctor some ideas!