You heard it on Good Morning America!! Is this for real?
What is it? Do you have it? What brings it on?
It really is a poke of fun at the fashion craze of carrying a big oversized purse or tote at the elbow of a bent arm. The "posh" portion refers to high priced designer bags seen on the elbows of the rich and famous. the medical portion of this term is "itis" or "inflammation of" and IS very real.
The first time I heard this term "poshitis" was just a couple months ago, never once in ALL those anatomy and physiology classes! Good for a giggle! But really also more fun than saying "hey, my elbow hurts!"
Is it really an issue? It appears beautiful purses will now joint the world of shoes for their notorious plots against the human body. Yes, it is possible to hold the bent elbow in position too long. Yes, it is possible for pain to progressively increase when the same purse is held in the same position...on same arm...day after day.
Is "poshitis" something that physical therapy can help? Yes, it can. Can I bill your insurance company for "poshitis"? Not a chance! I would have to revert to something much more dull and commonplace...like bicipital tendonitis.
Check out your elbow right now. Odds are pretty strong that it is bent, even if just resting at your side. Elbows are sneaky, they like to be bent and tend to avoid being stretched.
One way to avoid "poshitis" is to straighten your arm more often. Down by your side works well, but better yet, get that arm behind you. For example, turn your back to your desk or countertop, straighten your arm and put it behind you placing palm down on the surface. If your bicep has tightened then you will feel some stretching. This is good, hold it there at least ten seconds, and repeat two more times. You can do this stretch through out the day. Of course, an even better way to avoid "poshitis" is to own a variety of purses. Wear the long strap purse over your shoulder one day, a smaller short handled bag the next. The variety of purses will help keep your shoes company.
But please feel free to call me at 294-4989 for any other types of "itis" you might be experiencing.
