24 yr old m with major posture problems :(

[algag85]

If it helps it feels like my muscles are bunched up at the base of my spine/buttocks area. Maybe it is stemmed from hamstrings but they are so hard to stretch or strengthen. They get sore and feel strained usually afterwards. Could they be so tight or weak that light stretching wont work?

[algag85]

Well just for the record ive worked my lower muscles so much Im almost positive the root of my problem is in my neck or shoulder/traps. My neck makes a thumping sort of sound when I spin it I'm guessing do to tight muscles, and my right shoulder is lower than my left. My traps feel uneven and out of whack but working them feels wrong, it makes my neck uncomfortable. I'm gonna do my best to try and stabilize my neck hopefully I find some success.

[caz]

Have you ever thought of trying the Alexander Technique - it is fantastic for helping with postural problems. I've been taking lessons for about 2 years and it has really helped with my back pain - it hasn't cured me but I can manage my problem much better now.

[algag85]

Thanks I will look into that technique. I'm almost certain now its my hip flexors that are shortened causing all the problems, tilting my pelvis and all. Hamstrings feel shortened too but I'm not positive which is causing which. Also my hip flexors are tighter on one side but I don't know how to distinguish which so its hard to know which to stretch or both. I'm going yo try and buy a heating pad and ankle weights to strengthen the flexors. Unfortunately I have no health insurance or this would obviously be so much easier.
Thanks for the response.

[lampyloola]

I'm not a professional - but from everything I have read and experienced myself via physio and osteo, if you have tight muscles which cannot be stretched you probably need some "release" via massage - look for someone who practises myofascial release or trigger point therapy. Sports massage therapists use these techniques as do some physiotherapists. Ultra tight muscles may be "locked" into being contracted - and will react AGAINST stretching.

Alexander technique as someone suggested is also all about release, but works in a very gentle, quiet way, aiming to help you release tension and correct posture without forcing or stretching anything. If you are someone who experiences a lot of emotional tension - or are stressed - you might want to have some sports massage to get some release first, then do the more gentle work such as Alexander Technique which takes longer but is aimed at the cause of the issue.

Good luck.

[algag85]

Maybe someone can answer this for me. If my right shoulder, upper/mid right back and right side of neck are really tight and somewhat knotted, could it be my left hip flexor is tight causing this? My hips feel uneven one tight one weak or lengthened maybe but its hard to say which and I usually stretch both but that can't be right. Thanks for the responses. If I could afford the massage or physio I'd go believe me lol, just sorta struggling on my own for now.