Global Postural Re-education

GPR is a technique that addresses muscular imbalances and poor body alignment

Treatment

Treatment consists of a series of stretchings aimed at lengthening retracted muscle groups, without allowing postural compensations elsewhere in the body. These muscle are slowly stretched and elongated, reducing pain and muscular tension.

What To Expect

Following a detailed case history, the patient will be asked to remove some clothing so that a thorough postural examination can be undertaken. Women should wear shorts and sports bra or will be supplied with gowns.

Each session comprises a combination of stretches, standing, sitting or lying down. Patients are required to actively participate in these sessions by performing a series of isometric muscular contractions where the muscle is gently tightened without moving the joints.

The physiotherapist employs a series of gentle tractions to the spinal column and extremities and stretch muscles that have become tight or weak.

In order to maintain the effects of treatment, patients are instructed in an individually designed home exercise programme.

The number of weekly sessions required will depend on the severity of the problem, but good improvements are generally noted after three sessions.

Who Would Benefit?

As the GPR treatment is individually designed for each patient it can be applied to a wide variety of individuals and complaints. This means it is not only suitable for adults but also children.

A large number of complaints can be treated. These include:

• Poor Posture
• Low Back Pain
• Lack of Flexibility
• Joint Stiffness
• Sports Injuries
• Acute/Chronic Pain Conditions