The Egoscue method consists of the materialization of a series of postures and gentle extensions focused on relieving back pain. A plausible and non-invasive alternative for those who after their routine of life begin to present discomfort in the back and neck.
Physiotherapist Pete Egoscue, creator of this method, bases his technique on very specific postural therapies that include personalized exercises and extensions. Its objective is for the person to learn to reduce back pain, moderate or chronic, from home.
Origin and Characteristics of the Egoscue Method
The therapy created by the American Pete Egoscue, inspired by his own chronic pain, treats muscle restoration and bone realignment, so that pain relief is reflected throughout the body. Egoscue’s theory highlights the body as a machine that can heal and renew itself.
To apply the method, therapists certified by the Egoscue Institute must examine the body and detect misaligned joints, vertebrae or muscles that do not allow good mobilization. In order to incorporate specific exercises into therapy, which generally consist of movements that lack complexity and can be carried out on a daily basis.
When is it recommended?
You can do some of the exercises in this method if you have pain in your neck, lower back, hips, knees, joints, and even a migraine. It turns out that Pete Egoscue’s methodology starts from the premise that it is the way we treat ailments that can translate into quality of life.
In any case, it must always be considered that diseases must have a multi-dimensional approach. Many times, a single therapy is not enough.
What are the Benefits of the Egoscue method?
Routine and well-executed physical activity not only affects the image, but also the health and mood of those who practice it. Egoscue exercises provide a natural approach and long-term physical relief. Unlike drugs or surgery, the approach is recovery without the intervention of external agents.
Some of the benefits of this positional therapy include the following:
- Help de-stress muscles with excessive workload and tension, as well as strengthen weaker and smaller ones.
- Provide the body with the alternative to heal naturally and get rid of pain in a sustainable way.
- The group of stretches and exercises of this method seek to correct musculoskeletal misalignments, helping in turn to regain symmetry and balance.
How can you practice?
The sequence becomes relevant during the execution of the Egoscue method. And we are not only referring to the exercises indicated for a specific person. Starting the routine with the right joint and area of the body is also essential.
Suppose you have a discomfort in the knee, but at the same time, the upper part of the body is tense. Thus, the first thing that must be addressed is the discomfort of tension in the upper part, since thoracic rotation helps the body to move, including the knee.
Egoscue Method Exercises
The type of exercise to be carried out will depend on the pain. However, keep in mind that keeping an order is the best way to perform movements and stretches.
1. To correct misaligned shoulders
When your shoulders are misaligned, your neck and back also suffer. And in some cases, it is an indication that there is another misalignment in the body.
One of the Egoscue exercises to treat misaligned shoulders is to perform lifts while standing. These must be firm and synchronized; first of the arms and then of the legs.
Then, circles are performed with the arms and it ends by turning the trunk, on each side, while the legs remain firm. In this way, you work to regain your body’s natural balance and range of motion.
2. To address plantar fasciitis
The plantar fasciitis causes few short hours standing from becoming an ordeal. To alleviate this situation, the Egoscue method recommends leaving your feet bare while you sit in a chair with a back and place one leg crossed over the opposite knee. At this point, you should interlock your fingers between the toes of your crossed foot.
Then, you twist your torso while arching your lower back, trying to maintain body control during the movements. With the help of your hand, you make your foot make a rotation, forming a circle in an anti-clockwise direction. Then in the opposite direction.
3. For wrist pain
This technique is ideal for alleviating carpal tunnel conditions, for sports such as tennis or baseball, for example. To carry out the exercise you must lie down facing the ceiling, bending your knees and placing your feet aligned to the sides of the body.
At this point, you should let your knees relax and lean out to the sides, bringing the soles of your feet together. Put your hands on top of your chest and make sure to close your elbows. From that position slide your hands and lower them towards the ground, passing over your head. Place them back on your chest and do 3 sets of 8 reps.
When to seek professional help?
When it comes to physical therapy exercises, it is best to seek professional help. Even more so if you suffer from a chronic illness whose origin is an accident.
Today there are many experts who have Egoscue training. On the other hand, if it is about minor ailments or preventive exercises, those described can be carried out autonomously.
Back pain? The Egoscue method could be the solution
This therapy aims to relieve chronic or moderate back pain. Its inventor believes that if certain exercises are performed, a reduction in discomfort can be achieved, by correcting misaligned shoulders, treating plantar fasciitis and reducing wrist pain.
Now, although the exercises can be done at home, consider professional help when your back pain is caused by an accident. And remember that the approach by a multidisciplinary team will always be more effective than that based on a single technique.
