Posture Assessment
Remember - an altered posture, is not always “bad”
It is important that we understand, the vast majority of the population have an “altered” posture (we do not use the words poor/bad posture around here!), and many of these people do not experience pain or aggravation. HOWEVER, in the instance where an individual is experiencing pain or physiological issues, then reviewing the posture and rehabilitating specific areas, could significantly improve one’s pain.
Posture related problems we can help with
CONSTIPATION Due to sitting posture on the toilet, most sit in a position which is sub-optimal for an efficient bowel movement!
JOINT PAIN Neck, upper and low-back, shoulders, hips, knees and ankles.
CONSTRICTED NERVES Compromised availability and/or efficiency of free-movement in the joints and tissues.
ALTERED LUNG FUNCTION Unsuitable space in the diaphragm, reducing efficiency.
ALTERED CIRCULATION Particularly in the extremities, due to reduced free-movement.
POOR DIGESTION ‘slouched’ posture can place unnecessary, sustained pressure on the abdomen, causing acid reflux and heartburn.
HEADACHE & JAW PAIN Due to muscle imbalances and tension.
ALTERED SPINAL ALIGNMENT Due to muscle imbalances - yes! if you treat the muscle tissue, you can treat alignment!
INCONTINENCE Compromised space and breathing mechanisms can alter the abdominal and diaphragmatic pressures, leading to extreme downward pressure into the pelvic outlet.
Assessing and treating altered posture encompasses considerable knowledge in 3 areas:
(1) Bone/muscle/ joint anatomy
(2) Pathophysiology in Kinematics
(3) PEOPLE!
The body systems work in unison to keep the body, well, in unison. You may have your posture assessed due to neck pain and your Physiotherapist may begin treatment with your feet! Equally, understanding people [and life], is an important skill in the world of posture, particularly in a world of desk-based jobs, very busy parents and mental health problems being at an all time high.