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Assessment


Posture is analysed during sitting, lying, walking and standing and helps to identify anatomical asymmetries, causes of musculoskeletal pain, joint restrictions and general discomfort.

What happens?


In a standing position, the practitioner observes the body through different body-planes (front, back and side). When assessing from the side, a plumbline is used through an individuals ears, mid-point of shoulder, waist, knee and ankle. The ideal posture must follow through this line.

What Else?


Weight distribution will also be performed to identify the amount of pressure an individual is placing on their sides (left or right). A difference above 5lb is deemed as significant which has implications on joint capsules, ligaments and muscles when standing, walking or running.

What is a natural posture?

Ideal posture is where your body is balanced from front to back, left to right and top to bottom. This happens when your ears, shoulders, hips, knees and ankles are stacked on top of one another in perfect alignment which allows you to function efficiently – pain-free.

The most common problem’s caused by inadequate posture are back pain, neck pain, shoulder pain and headache. There are many postural signs your practitioner at SMSM Therapy observes during your analysis which are:

Sway-back Posture – Forward pelvis which causes forward pelvic rotation.
Kyphosis – Lordosis Posture – Excessive curvature of your upper and lower back.
Flat Back Posture –  Lacking curvature of both upper and lower back.
Handedness Posture – A lower hand on one side which is caused by a misaligned the spine.

Many people go through life with particular habits which may adapt to asymmetrical body alignments. Typical examples of these would be regularly sitting in an office or carrying single strapped bags on one shoulder. These positions can create ripples throughout your spinal structure not only affecting one part of your spine but changing length, tone, strength in other parts too. For this reason, regularly reminding yourself to improve your posture could save your spine for the better.

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