Postural imbalance occurs when the body’s alignment deviates from its natural, neutral position, causing uneven distribution of weight and stress across muscles, joints, and connective tissues. This misalignment can develop gradually from prolonged sitting, repetitive movements, or compensatory patterns following injury. Over time, these imbalances lead to discomfort, reduced function, and increased risk of further injury.
Your body is designed to move efficiently when properly aligned. When posture shifts out of balance, certain muscles become overactive while others weaken, creating a cycle that perpetuates pain and dysfunction.
Understanding the structures involved helps explain why postural imbalance affects your entire body:
Postural imbalances develop through various pathways, often combining multiple factors:
Certain factors increase your likelihood of experiencing postural dysfunction:
Postural imbalance manifests through various physical complaints and functional limitations:
At Physiocare, we address postural imbalance through evidence-based treatments that retrain your body’s natural alignment and movement patterns. Our comprehensive approach combines advanced manual techniques with neuromuscular re-education to restore balance, reduce pain, and prevent recurrence.
DNS (Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization)
DNS retrains the nervous system to activate core stabilizers automatically during movement, restoring developmental patterns that support optimal posture. This approach teaches your body to stabilize the spine reflexively, creating lasting postural improvements without constant conscious effort.
Red Cord Therapy (Neurac)
Neurac therapy uses suspension and vibration to identify and correct weak links in your kinetic chain that contribute to postural imbalance. This treatment activates deep stabilizing muscles while reducing compensation patterns, allowing your body to rediscover efficient, pain-free movement.
Mulligan Mobilizations
These gentle, pain-free joint mobilizations improve spinal and extremity alignment by addressing positional faults that restrict movement. Mulligan techniques restore normal joint mechanics, immediately improving posture and reducing discomfort during daily activities.
Maitland Mobilizations
Graded joint mobilizations reduce stiffness and restore normal movement in areas affected by postural strain. This precise manual therapy improves joint mobility and reduces protective muscle tension, allowing easier maintenance of proper alignment.
Myofascial Release
Sustained pressure releases tension in fascial tissues that pull the body into misalignment. By addressing restrictions in the connective tissue network, myofascial release allows muscles to return to their optimal resting length, supporting better posture naturally.
Anatomy Trains-Informed Fascial Work
This approach treats postural imbalance by addressing continuous fascial pathways that transmit tension throughout the body. Rather than isolated treatment, this method releases restrictions along entire kinetic chains, creating comprehensive postural improvements that address root causes.
TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation)
TENS reduces muscle tension and pain that perpetuate poor postural habits. By providing pain relief, this modality allows patients to participate more fully in corrective exercises and movement retraining.
IFC (Interferential Current Therapy)
Deep-penetrating electrical currents reduce inflammation and muscle spasm in postural muscles. IFC therapy promotes healing in chronically tight areas, allowing them to relax and function properly within balanced alignment.
Laser Therapy
Laser therapy accelerates tissue healing and reduces inflammation in areas stressed by postural imbalance. Photobiomodulation promotes cellular repair, helping overtaxed muscles and joints recover while supporting corrective treatment.
Accu Stim (Microcurrent Therapy)
Microcurrent stimulation promotes tissue healing at the cellular level and reduces pain in chronically strained postural muscles. This gentle therapy supports recovery without discomfort, allowing progressive strengthening of weakened areas.
Dolphin Neurostim (Microcurrent)
Dolphin Neurostim combines microcurrent with acupressure point stimulation to release trigger points and reduce nervous system hypersensitivity. This treatment calms overactive muscles contributing to postural dysfunction while promoting natural pain relief.
NIS (Neuro Integration System)
NIS addresses neurological dysfunction affecting postural control by restoring optimal communication between the brain and musculoskeletal system. This approach identifies and corrects signaling errors that cause muscles to fire improperly, leading to imbalance.
Physiotherapy addresses the underlying neuromuscular and biomechanical factors perpetuating postural dysfunction. Through targeted assessment and treatment, we identify specific weaknesses, restrictions, and compensation patterns unique to your body. Our therapists guide you through corrective exercises and movement retraining that create lasting change.
Unlike temporary solutions, physiotherapy retrains how your nervous system controls posture automatically. We don’t just stretch tight muscles—we teach your body new patterns that support balanced alignment naturally throughout daily activities, creating sustainable improvement.
Assessment: Comprehensive postural analysis identifies specific imbalances, weak areas, and movement patterns contributing to your condition.
Personalized Plan: Your therapist designs a treatment strategy targeting your unique postural faults and functional goals.
Evidence-Based Treatment: Progressive combination of manual therapy, neuromuscular retraining, and corrective exercises restore balanced alignment.
Recovery & Prevention: Education and home strategies ensure lasting results and prevent recurrence in your work and daily life.
Our team holds advanced certifications in specialized techniques like DNS, Neurac, and Anatomy Trains fascial approaches—training that goes far beyond standard physiotherapy education. We combine these evidence-based methods with compassionate, patient-centered care that addresses your unique needs and goals.
With six convenient locations across Ottawa, accessing expert physiotherapy in Ottawa has never been easier. We understand that postural change takes time and guidance, which is why we partner with you throughout your recovery journey, providing the support and expertise you deserve.
No—our treatments are designed to be comfortable and progressive. Most patients find sessions relieving, and we adjust techniques to your tolerance while still achieving results.
Previous experiences vary widely depending on approach and expertise. Our specialized techniques like DNS and Neurac specifically target neuromuscular patterns that general exercises may miss.
No referral is necessary. You can book directly with us, and our registered physiotherapists will conduct a thorough assessment to begin your care.
Many patients notice changes within the first few sessions, though lasting correction typically develops over several weeks as new patterns become automatic through consistent treatment.
Yes—forward head posture and upper crossed syndrome commonly trigger tension headaches. Correcting alignment often provides significant headache relief as muscular strain reduces.
Postural imbalance is highly correctable with proper treatment and retraining. Your nervous system can learn new, healthier patterns at any age with guided physiotherapy intervention.
Most patients achieve lasting results and graduate to independent maintenance. We equip you with strategies to sustain improvements, with periodic check-ins as needed.
Absolutely—slouched positions compress the chest cavity and restrict diaphragm movement. Improved alignment often enhances breathing capacity and reduces fatigue noticeably.
Generic exercises can't address your specific imbalances and compensation patterns. We identify exactly which muscles need strengthening or releasing in your body for effective, personalized correction.
Earlier intervention prevents complications and achieves faster results. Would it be unreasonable to address your posture before chronic pain develops or worsens significantly?
Prateeksha Viradiya –Physiotherapist at Physiocare in Ottawa Prateeksha Viradiya completed…
Avneet Kaur – Registered Physiotherapist with Master's in Physiotherapy Experienced…
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EXCELLENT Based on 455 reviews Posted on Jack ScriveTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. After working a desk job for over 45 years, I got a very bad posture and lots of pain. I originally saw Gunjan Vermani, she was very thorough in her initial examination and came up with a plan that fit my condition perfectly. I then saw Mehul Patel, another great therapist. He is now treating my condition. All the staff are very kind and pleasant which make for a very friendly atmosphere.Posted on Marisela CastilloTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Vijay gave very good service , very nice and friendly people.Posted on Tracey SametzTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. The team at Physiocare create a strong and professional healing environment. The best physio team I have ever experienced 💜Posted on Jocelyne MoskalukTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Where to start! I came to this clinic hopeful of progress on an ongoing injury that went undiagnosed for 5 years and was referred by my neurologist as what felt like my last resort considering it was a 50 min drive one way and I had to attend twice a week. I was afraid it was going to be the same outcome as all the other past experts I've consulted for my very particular situation. Vani and her amazing team have really done a lot of positive in my life these last few months. I have nothing but amazing things to say about this clinic and the employees working here. You immediately feel cared for from the moment you step in to the moment you pay and walk out. Something very incredible happened in my last visit that I gladly want to share. I am a privacy expert in the Federal Government for the last 20 years and consistently stress the importance of privacy protection and raising awareness around this area. While I was on the traction machine, I overheard one of the employees raising awareness to their staff in a meeting on this particular subject and this made my heart happy. They indeed take privacy protection and privacy breaches very seriously. She did it in an utmost professional manner including citing the act. This is very important to me and I know it is for everyone else as it should. Just know that this is your place full stop. I don't think there is any other better place. To all the staff: thank you all for your amazing services. You are indeed #1 and your professionalism outshines anything. Keep smiling and helping us getting better one appointment at a time.Posted on Abir BarakaTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I had a wonderful experience with Marwa’s osteopath services. She is highly professional and made me feel at ease right away. Her technique was both effective and comforting, helping me feel relaxed and well cared for throughout the session. I definitely plan to book another appointment with her, highly recommended!Posted on Joanna van HaastrechtTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Very professional and caring therapists. Nishika and staff are wonderful.Posted on Alpesh GujjarTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I’ve been going to Physiocare for the past 4 years whenever I need physiotherapy, and they’ve always been great. Dr. Vijay and Dr. Mehul have both been a big help over the years. On my recent visit, Dr. Vijay treated my neck pain and did an excellent job—I'm feeling much better now. The staff is always friendly, and the clinic is clean and well-maintained. Highly recommend Physiocare for anyone looking for quality physiotherapy treatment.Posted on Maureen PatrickTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I was very pleased with the care I received, and have follow up appointments already booked.
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