Postural Analysis
Contributors
David McQuillan (2008). Otago Polytechnic: Massage Therapy]
Introduction to postural analysis
A client’s posture provides much information regarding the natural state of their tissues. Through postural analysis it is possible to determine which areas of their body are under more strain than others, and which muscle groups are causing this strain.
In this learning module you will learn about
- The importance of musculoskeletal balance
- Causes of postural imbalance
- Postural and phasic muscles
- Upper-crossed and lower-crossed syndromes. The section titled a society of flexion addicts is also worth reading, but the rest of the article is not really relevant at this stage.
- For more reading on this topic the Janda approach to chronic musculoskeletal pain is highly recommended. Some of it might be a bit over your head, but file it away for future reference.
References
Chek, P. (2005). Intelligent Stretching For Pain Reduction, Improved Performance and Posture. Retrieved August 10, 2006 from http://www.ptonthenet.com/articleprint.aspx?ArticleID=2401&m=17965.
Dalton, E. (2002). Retrieved August 12, 2008 from http://erikdalton.com/articlepainpuzzle.htm#Upper%20and%20lower%20crossed%20syndromes.
Friberg, O. (1983). Clinical symptoms and biomechanics of lumbar spine and hip joint in leg length inequality. Spine. 1983 8(6):643-51.
Hanna, T. (1988). Somatics – reawakening the mind’s control of movement, flexibility, and health. Massacheusetts, USA: Perseus Books Group.
Kaltenborn, F. (1980). Mobilization of the extremity joints. Oslo: Olaf Novlis Bokhandel.
Marieb, E. (2004). Human Anatomy and Physiology (6th ed.) CA, USA: Pearson Benjamin Cummings.
Page, P., Frank, C. (2007). The Janda approach to chronic musculoskeletal pain. Retrieved August 12, 2008 from http://www.google.co.nz/url?sa=t&ct=res&cd=17&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jbpub.com%2Fsamples%2F0763732524%2FThe%2520Janda%2520Approach.doc&ei=HA-hSOCOG4ie6gOzqKg7&usg=AFQjCNEZKUFmgMPmWfnmLZW-ivtyzXQ3Mg&sig2=q9374Kg9Aqyjs3Zv5wZnsA
