Posture

“There’s no such thing as perfect posture — your next posture is your best posture.”

Understanding posture

The most important thing you can do for your posture is to change positions regularly. Staying in one position for too long — even a “good” one — can cause stiffness and discomfort.

Many neurological conditions, such as Parkinson’s disease, can cause changes in posture. If these changes aren’t managed early, they can sometimes lead to longer-term, or even irreversible problems.

Why posture matters

Holding a poor posture for long periods can affect the alignment of your joints and muscles. This could lead to:

  • Back or neck pain
  • Reduced flexibility or stiffness
  • Difficulty with movement and mobility
  • Loss of independence over time

Poor posture can also affect other parts of your health, including:

  • Breathing – your lungs may not expand as fully, making it harder to take deep breaths
  • Circulation and digestion – slouched positions can slow these down
  • Nerves – pressure on nerves can lead to pain, tingling, or weakness
  • General wellbeing – poor posture can make you feel more tired and less comfortable
  • Pressure areas – poor posture can contribute to the development of pressure areas  

What can I do to help myself?

Simple movement and posture exercises can help prevent stiffness and maintain your flexibility and comfort. We encourage you to:

  • Change position often — aim to move or stand up every 30–60 minutes if possible
  • Do gentle stretches for your trunk, neck, and shoulders
  • Stay active with regular movement that feels safe and comfortable for you
  • Seek advice from your physiotherapist if you notice increasing stiffness or discomfort

Below, we’ve demonstrated a few exercises you can try to help keep your spine and posture healthy. Remember: small, frequent stretches throughout the day are more effective than one long session. Listen to your body — gentle movement should feel good, not painful.

Exercise 1
Exercise 2
Exercise 3