The Link Between Posture and Breathing: How Physiotherapy Improves Both

Most people think of posture as just the way we sit or stand, and breathing as something automatic. But the two are closely connected. Poor posture can restrict your ability to breathe deeply and efficiently, while better posture can make breathing easier and improve overall wellbeing. Physiotherapy plays an important role in restoring both.

How Posture Affects Breathing

When posture is poor, such as slouching at a desk or rounding the shoulders forward, the chest and ribcage become compressed. This reduces the space the lungs have to expand and forces the body to rely more on shallow chest breathing instead of deep, diaphragmatic breathing.

Over time, this can lead to:

• Shortness of breath or the feeling of not getting a full breath

• Increased tension in the neck and shoulders

• Reduced oxygen delivery, leaving you more fatigued

• Stress on the diaphragm and poor breathing patterns

The Benefits of Improving Posture for Breathing

When posture is corrected, the chest opens, the spine aligns more naturally, and the diaphragm has room to move freely. This allows for deeper, more efficient breathing that supports better oxygen exchange and reduces unnecessary strain on the body.

Good posture promotes:

• Stronger, deeper breaths

• Reduced muscle tension in the neck, shoulders, and upper back

• Improved focus and energy levels

• Better resilience in sports, exercise, and daily activities

How Physiotherapy Helps

Physiotherapists are trained to identify how posture and breathing patterns are linked. Treatment may include:

Postural assessment and correction - identifying poor movement or sitting habits and guiding healthier alignment.

Breathing retraining - teaching techniques that encourage diaphragmatic breathing and reduce reliance on shallow chest breathing.

Manual therapy - releasing tight muscles in the chest, back, and neck that restrict breathing.

Strengthening and mobility exercises - targeting the core, spine, and ribcage to support better posture and lung expansion.

Workplace and lifestyle advice - ensuring daily environments support healthy breathing and posture.

By combining posture correction with breathing techniques, physiotherapy helps improve both physical performance and everyday comfort.

Breathe Easier With Urban Physiotherapy

If you’ve noticed shortness of breath, tension in your shoulders, or struggle to maintain good posture at work, physiotherapy may be the answer. At Urban Physiotherapy in North Sydney, our team provides tailored programs to improve posture, retrain breathing, and restore full, efficient movement.

Book your appointment today and take the first step toward better posture, better breathing, and better health. https://urban-physiotherapy.au2.cliniko.com/bookings?business_id=423637795941128200#service