Last updated on January 17th, 2019

3 Muscles to Lengthen for Better Posture

To achieve better posture you must address three foundational components. Think of them as three must have ingredients to make an apple pie.

Without these three ingredients you will fail to make anything resembling an apple pie and the same is true to make your posture better. The three key foundational components for improving posture are:

  • lengthening or strengthening
  • alignment
  • self-empowerment

The “how” in addressing each one varies therefore we will focus on the concepts only. Because each concept is complex we will only focus on lengthening in this article. Incorporate them all in a concerted effort will result in a significant long-lasting difference.

Lengthening

Let’s discuss one basic ingredient in improving posture – “lengthening”. It’s a critical ingredient as it addresses tissues shortened in poor posture presentations. Shortening develops out of accidents and injuries directly to those areas. It is a compensatory response to some other kind of imbalance in the body. After years of working with clients to correct their posture I have concluded 3 muscle groups that need to be evaluated and assessed for their proper length and function. Consequently, posture correction sessions with my clients emphasize heavily on the following muscle groups:

1. Scalene anterior/posterior/middle

2. Pectoralis major and minor

3. Psoas/iliopsoas muscles

Here they are with a brief description of each.

Scalene anterior, posterior and middle

The nerve supply that the brain communicates through exits from the C3-C6 (brachial plexus). Their function is elevate the first rib and bend the neck to the same side (anterior and middle scalene). It elevates the second rib and tilts the neck to the same side (posterior scalene). Theses muscles assist in inspiration. As the anterior group work together from both sides you get flexion of the head. Failure to be in their proper length or chronically short develops a head tilt or forward head translation. Therefore, muscle lengthening sessions performed by a trained practitioner of this area reduce poor muscular habits.

Pectoralis major and minor

The pectorals predominantly control the movement of the arm. The contractions of the pectoralis major pulls on the upper arm to create lateral, vertical, or rotational motion. The breaststroke or chopping wood is an example of this movement.

The pectoralis minor pulls the shoulder blade towards the front of your body (anteriorly) and down (inferiorly) toward the ribs. The pectorals play a part in deep inhalation. The pectoralis minor is commonly overlooked. It is presumed a stretch to pectoralis major stretches the minor. A comprehensive group of “pec” stretches need to be performed. I would recommend putting more emphasis on the pectoralis minor. Work with a practitioner who understands the biomechanics of the pectoralis muscle.

Psoas, iliacus a.ka. iliopsoas

The “hip flexor” muscles psoas and iliacus grouped together are referenced as the iliopsoas muscle. Together the iliopsoas flexes the hip joint as in walking. The iliopsoas straightens the torso as in doing sit-ups. Breaking them down separately we can see the intricacy and importance of their individual function.  The psoas major’s contribution is flexion in the hip joint. On the lumbar spine, unilateral contraction bends the torso laterally. Bilateral contraction raises the torso from it’s back position. The iliacus contributes to flexing of the thigh on the pelvis and the forward tilting of the pelvis.

Short hip flexors manifest as postural distortions. It is excessive low back curvature (sway back), forward hips, “short” leg syndrome, twisting of the torso and an antalgic lean. Again, muscle lengthening sessions performed by a trained practitioner and stretching of this area reduce poor muscular habits.

The Bottom line

Correct posture by first evaluating the health of these 3 muscle groups:

  1. Scalene anterior, posterior and middle
  2. Pectoralis major and minor
  3. Psoas and iliacus

Establish a base line by assessing current length and function. To gain better posture focus on these muscles using stretches.  Work in concert with a practitioner who specializes in muscle lengthening and you will see great improvement. I know you will experience great results!

Dr. Paul Paez, DC, NRT, NET, CMT

National Board Certified Doctor of Chiropractic (DC), trained in clinical nutrition (NRT), neuro-emotional release (NET), and Massage Therapy (CMT). Dr. Paul holds the rare triple distinction of Certified Posture Expert, Certified Posture Neurologist and Certified Posture Ergonomist by the American Posture Institute. Posture Possible is the very best resource for posture information.