What Is Global Postural Reeducation?

Global postural reeducation or GPR is based on individualized processes adapted to the needs of each patient to improve their abilities at both the primary and total body levels.

If you’ve heard of global postural reeducation, but you don’t know what it is, we’ll bring you up to speed here.

First, you need to keep in mind that it is a therapeutic method that allows you to evaluate, diagnose and treat any type of pathology that in one way or another affects the musculoskeletal system.

To let you know a little more about this therapeutic approach, we’ll share everything you need to know below.

What is Global Postural Reduction?

Also known as GPR, global postural reeducation is based on its main goals, which primarily include manual treatment of postural changes.

The practitioner is also responsible for dealing with situations that cause some kind of pain or discomfort to the patient.

This method is innovative because it is a progressive and gentle treatment, so it can be applied to anyone, no matter how old they are.

Moreover , the global postural reeducation methodology respects the capacities of each person, recognizing that each pathology is different and that each individual develops at their own pace.

The popularity of GPR treatments is based on the fact that each of them is completely personalized. In addition, the therapy is based on each person’s specific circumstances, addressing the symptoms that are causing problems.

The principles of global postural reeducation

This innovative therapeutic method is based on the main principles that protect its essence. Of these, the following principles stand out.

Overall health

The term “overall health” in relation to the body means that all processes are related to each other.

This is taken into account throughout the procedure, from diagnosis and initial evaluation to treatment and management of pain.

Causality

To treat the pathologies that affect the musculoskeletal system, it is necessary to find the underlying causes of the problem.

From there, one must act, not only by paying attention to its consequences, but above all by addressing the sources of these problems.

The basic elements of global postural reeducation

Global postural reeducation has a number of important basic elements that characterize this form of therapy.

1. Another perspective on the musculature

The entire musculature of the body is re-conceptualized as a chain.

This means that they are interrelated. If any part of it is affected, then the effects will affect the entire muscle chain or system.

2. The distribution of the musculature

The muscular system is divided into static and dynamic muscles. Each of them has different characteristics:

• Static muscles have little effectiveness if they are rigid or hypertonic.
• The effectiveness of the dynamic muscles will diminish when they are damaged.

3. Re-education of the whole stature

Global postural reeducation aims to strengthen the body and return the joints to their natural state. The idea is to prevent gravity from compressing the joints through exercises or stretching.

We cannot overlook the fact that all types of pathologies that affect the musculoskeletal system also affect breathing in one way or another .

Each individualized treatment consists of a number of sets of stretching exercises that gradually evolve.

They start at a stage where there is almost no resistance. These stretches then continue until the muscles are stretched. This is carried out progressively, always taking into account the patient’s capacities.

The main basis of this method is the manual therapeutic process, which does not generate sudden or unexpected movements for the patient, but gradually increases in intensity.

Global postural reeducation has spread worldwide thanks to the great benefits it has to offer.