Chiropractic Adjustments for Poor Posture or Uneven Gait in Bradford

The way you stand and the way you walk are connected. Rounded shoulders and a forward head load the neck and upper back, and a limp or an uneven stride sends extra stress through the hips, knees and lower back with every step. At WellCare Medical in Bradford, chiropractic adjustments for poor posture or an uneven gait restore movement in the joints from the spine to the feet, and exercise then helps the improvement hold in everyday life.

• shoes that wear down unevenly, or more on one side
• one hip or shoulder that sits higher than the other
• aching in the lower back, hips or knees after walking or standing
• a forward head and rounded shoulders, with neck and upper-back fatigue
• a feeling of being lopsided or of favouring one leg

An uneven gait often starts as a way of protecting an old ankle, knee or hip injury and then becomes a habit.

Stiff joints change the way load passes through the body. If an ankle or hip cannot move through its full range, the knee and the lower back make up the difference. Your chiropractor may use:

• adjustments and mobilization for the neck, upper back, lower back and pelvis
• adjustments for the hips, knees, ankles and feet where movement is restricted
• soft-tissue work for tight hip, calf and chest muscles
• strengthening for the core, gluteal and shoulder-blade muscles
• coaching on standing, sitting and walking, including stride and foot placement

Your chiropractor looks at your posture from the front, side and back, watches you walk, and tests the movement of your spine, hips, knees and ankles. They also look at your feet and at the wear on your shoes, so bring a pair you use often.

Flat feet, high arches or feet that roll in or out can affect alignment all the way up. If that applies to you, we may recommend custom orthotics, which are prescribed by our chiropractor. A family doctor's referral is recommended, and many benefit plans require one, so check your plan.

See your doctor about a new limp without a clear cause, foot drop, frequent tripping or falls, a sudden change in the way you walk, or a spinal curve that is getting worse.

Posture and gait usually improve fastest with a mix of treatments. See chiropractic treatment for poor posture, massage for postural imbalances and physiotherapy for mobility and balance. Our chiropractor in Bradford will suggest the combination that suits you.