A posture analysis is when an assessment of someone’s posture is done to determine any poor postural habits that can result in injury, as well as look for any signs of injuries already caused by it. It is important for doctors and other health experts to conduct these patient evaluations to ascertain what might be causing the postural strain, and how it can be remedied by a specific treatment program. This evaluation can also help the patient develop an ergonomic work space so that the user can sit in an upright posture and prevent any further issues from posture.
Extensive studies have been conducted regarding human posture in an attempt to determine just how much posture can impact one’s health. Scientists have discovered that a neutral posture puts the least amount of strain on one’s joints. On the other hand, slouching or slumping can shift joints out of alignment or cause muscles to overcompensate, leading to injuries over time. When conducting a posture analysis, the patient is asked to stand and sit naturally and may be asked to perform a series of basic movements. The patient may be photographed for reference purposes, and is also observed to find postural problems like slumping when sitting.
From the results of this analysis, one can find the origins of injuries to muscle and joints, and can find bad posture that is causing muscle pain. Patients are then educated on how to correct bad posture and may be given some simple tips to improve posture that they can incorporate into their lives immediately. Such activities include physical therapy, as well as a list of corrective exercises they can do at home, along with periodic visits to the doctor to check up on the patient’s progress.
Physiotherapists often provide this kind of service as well. Physical therapists can perform a posture analysis, often as soon as they meet with a patient, to find what issues need fixing, and how, over the course of their therapy sessions. Other posture experts, like an ergonomics consultant, can take into consideration any postural aberrations when working with clients, to help make their clients’ spaces as posture friendly and comfortable as possible. These include adjusting seat and desk height to limit slouching, and rearranging objects so people will not have to strain or maneuver their bodies awkwardly to get around the room.
When one is receiving a posture analysis, users often make the mistake of trying to “fix” their posture so as not to look bad and impress the doctor. Thus, their posture may change significantly to put on a show, but unfortunately this only harms the patient in the long run. It is important to assume one’s normal positions as naturally as possible for the most accurate representation of how you would actually sit and stand. It is only then that the doctor or physical therapist can give you the best treatment possible and help you identify postural problems and how to fix them.
Sometimes, postural analysis can be as simple as self-identifying when you are slowly starting to drift into bad posture, and consciously adjusting your body to an upright posture if you already know how. However, if you are unsure of what good posture is and how to attain it, please see a doctor or medical expert first before attempting anything on your own.