Global postural reeducation (RPG) consists of exercises and postures used within physiotherapy to combat spinal changes such as scoliosis, hunchback and hyperlordosis, in addition to other health problems such as headache, knee, hip, and even changes such as flatfoot, for example.
In this treatment, the physiotherapist analyzes the entire posture of the person and indicates the exercises he needs to perform to strengthen the weaker muscles and stretch the muscles, tendons and ligaments necessary to realign the whole body.
Main benefits of RPG
The benefits of global postural reeducation can be seen from the first sessions, where the person becomes more aware of his body posture, which is already a stimulus for him to strive to maintain good posture during his day-to-day. Other benefits are:
- Combat back pain and realign the spine; Eliminate sciatica; Cure torticollis; Correct knee positioning; Improve breathing and trunk movement in people with ankylosing spondylitis; Solve spinal problems such as herniated disc; Contribute to the treatment of joint changes such as chronic hip pain; Eliminate headache caused by excess tension in the back and neck muscles; Eliminate headache and jaw pain caused by changes in the joint jaw; Correct the flat foot, for allowing a better realignment of the forces of gravity; Improve breathing by allowing a greater amplitude of the respiratory muscles; Improve the position of the head, which in many cases is more forward, than the ideal; Improve the shoulder positioning, which in many cases is more forward facing.
In RPG exercises are indicated taking into account the needs of each person and therefore the prescription is individual, with no general recommendation because each person has unique characteristics that must be taken into account. Each session lasts approximately 1 hour and is individual.
What are RPG exercises
There are 8 global postural reeducation exercises that are actually postures in which the person needs to stand still for a few minutes. Are they:
- Frog on the ground with open armsFrog on the ground with closed armsFrog in the air with open armsFrog in the air with closed arms, Standing against the wall, Standing in the center, Sitting with anterior inclination Standing with anterior inclination
During these exercises, the physiotherapist usually asks the person to contract the abdominal and keep the back against the stretcher, but without lifting the ribs. In addition, stimuli are made that lead the person to maintain the posture of the RPG for some 4 to 7 minutes, without losing the strength to keep the shoulders supported on the stretcher and feet close together, for example.
The treatment time varies from one person to another, but after 3 or 4 sessions it is possible to see if the treatment is being beneficial or not. Scoliosis and hyperkyphosis can be corrected, with approximately 8 RPG sessions, but when the spine is too 'crooked' more sessions may be needed.
How is the treatment with RPG
In an RPG session, the physiotherapist will indicate which position the person should be standing for at least 3 minutes. In this posture, it may be necessary to make small adjustments such as adjusting the breathing and the person has to make an effort to keep the muscles still in the indicated position.
As a way of progression, the physiotherapist can encourage the person to do against his hand, to make it difficult to remain in the posture, which makes correct positioning even more challenging.
Sometimes, during an RPG session, other exercises are indicated that are indicated for the treatment of pain or injuries that the person presents, in addition to manipulations and myofascial therapy, which is why this is a technique that can only be performed by physiotherapists.
