Posture Therapy
Postural alignment therapy consists of a programme of therapeutic exercises designed to retrain the biomechanical and neuromuscular systems of the body, and thus restore balance and function. The therapy process addresses the underlying mechanical disturbances in the body, it restores integrity and provides stability to the whole system.
The design of the human body is based on a grid
In the front view, the eight major load joints of the body;
The shoulders, hips, knees and ankles, should line up horizontally and vertically.
The feet and the kneecaps should be pointing straight ahead.
In the side view, the head should be upright.
The shoulders, hips, knees and ankles should sit on a plumb line
placed just in front of the ear lobe,
down to just in front of the ankle bone.
When the body deviates from this design, it is ‘out of alignment’
Misalignment of the major weight-bearing joints in the body results in undue stresses, eventually leading to wear, pain and limited ranges of movements.
The body is a highly integrated structure, it is renewed and regenerated by movement and the force of gravity. We are designed to move and our modern day lifestyles do not provide our bodies with enough positive stimulation to maintain full function.
The bones of the human skeleton are supported, held and moved by muscles. When somewhere in the body, muscles are over working or under working and not performing as they were designed to, postural misalignment will result. Muscular imbalances leave the body vulnerable to injury.
Extended periods of inactivity cause the posture muscles of the body to become either weak and elongated or tight and contracted. Tight contracted muscles can adaptively shorten over time, and will contribute to pulling joints out of alignment.
Intensive activity can also contribute to postural misalignment: repetitive working or sporting activities can set up specific muscular imbalances in the body which over time will lead to dysfunction and compensations throughout its kinetic chain.
The body needs an environment that will provide it with a wide variety of balanced and positive movements
Postural alignment therapy redresses the balance it provides the body with correct neurological stimuli and by treating the whole body it targets the cause of pain.
When there is dysfunction in any area of the body it will compensate. In order to remain upright and mobile, it will recruit any part of the musculoskeletal system it needs to. It will begin to utilize muscles for movement that were primarily designed for support, its support system then becomes compromised.
The body works as a unit, no one part will operate in isolation. Frequently the site of pain is a symptom of dysfunction elsewhere. Back pain, shoulder pain, wrist and even foot pain for example, can often be a symptom of improper engagement of the hip and pelvic musculature. By changing what is happening at the hips, the symptomatic pains will be relieved.
When the body moves back into alignment, and undue stresses begin to release, the internal organs will return to optimal function and noticeable improvements can often be found in the cardiovascular, respiratory and digestive systems.
Clients report the added effects of feeling taller, straighter, more relaxed and at the same time have far more energy.
All of this contributes to an enhanced quality of life.
And a life that is PAIN FREE
Postural Alignment Therapy is suitable for everyone, people of all ages and all abilities can take part in a programme and benefit.
The therapy can help with most types of musculoskeletal pain and injury. It can offer an alternative to manipulation, surgery or chemical intervention. Whilst it offers a complete alternative to other modalities, such as osteopathy, chiropractic and physiotherapy, It can also work well with them too.
Postural Alignment Therapy offers self responsibility and a permanent and easy to manage solution to pain and disability.
The Therapy Process
First Consultation Involves
- A client questionnaire, including any relevant medical history and details of current activities
- Recording pain symptoms and movement restrictions
- A posture assessment
- Postural photographs
- The compilation of a therapeutic exercise programme
Follow up consultations
typically will include :
- Reviewing the improved levels of movement and pain
- A re-evaluation of the programme and programme progressions
- Postural photographs and postural re-assessment.
- Typically treatment will involve 6 consultations this can vary from 3 to 10 depending upon the individual needs of each client.
- Some clients will enjoy working with maintenance or advanced programmes.
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