Fear of stooping (kyphophobia)

Kyphophobia is a fear of stooping or bending over. Someone with this fear may avoid picking things up from the floor, tying shoelaces or reaching into low cupboards, and may even feel uneasy watching others bend down. If bending causes pain, stiffness or dizziness, it is sensible to check that with a GP.

About this phobia

The word links to the Greek kyphos, meaning bent or hunched, the same root as kyphosis, a forward curve of the upper spine. It is rarely reported and is mostly found on phobia lists. In some cases the fear may grow out of a past back injury or a worry about falling.

What it feels like

• Squatting stiffly or asking others to pick things up
• A rush of worry when needing to bend down quickly
• Fear of losing balance or being unable to straighten up

Explore more unusual fears in the rare phobias A to Z, or browse the common phobias.

Common questions

Can a fear of bending over come from a back injury?

It can. After pain or an injury, the body and mind can stay on guard long after healing, and bending can start to feel risky. A GP or physiotherapist can check the physical side, which can make the fear easier to work with.

How can you help?

I use hypnotherapy and NLP to change how your mind responds to the thing you fear, so the old alarm stops going off. Sessions are one to one over Zoom, and you get a recording of the hypnosis to listen to afterwards.

How many sessions will I need?

Many clients notice a real difference after one 90 minute session. If the fear goes back a long way, three sessions gives us room to make the change stick.

Ready to start?

Book a £49 consultation call and we’ll talk through your fear, or take the free suitability test first.

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