Things to know about Posture assessment (infographic)

Article by: Ashwini Rao

The position that a person holds their body while they sit, stand or while lying down. In current situation and working lifestyle, most of the people are suffering from one or the other issues; be it a back pain or a knee pain or other issues related to spinal cord. All these are only due to improper posture while we sit, stand or lie down.

Posture Assessment

Posture assessment is nothing but a posture analysis wherein the person’s posture will be examined and then find out if there is any imbalance in the body that might be causing discomfort and pain. When you maintain a right posture, your body functions well. When you hold a proper posture, your weight I evenly distributed that allows your joints, muscles, and spine to work effortlessly. If the alignment is not perfect, then you might end up facing pain or injury.

Ideal posture
Pelvis is natural
Balanced muscles
Earlobes are situated right above the shoulders
Natural curvature of the spine
The anterior superior iliac spine is above the pubic tubercle

Following are considered to be the abnormal posture.

Kyphosis
Lordosis
Military posture
Scoliosis
Swayback posture
Flatback posture

Who can avail the benefits of postural assessment?

As people age, they eventually become weak and at some point of time they also start altering their positions to make them comfort. However, they do not notice that sitting entire day in a bad posture or forgetting to change the posture or exercise and relax might lead to other problem too.

In Posture analysis, such bad habits are noticed and awareness is given on how to change them. If you’re a type of person who has a problem of recurring pain, this posture assessment is very much beneficial for you.

How posture assessment is done?

Physiotherapists can help you a lot in improving your posture. They provide you with hand-on treatment; assist you with the customized exercises to achieve your natural posture again. Through their proper assessment, you will be able to retain your natural level. Following are the postural assessment that the physiotherapists usually check.

Posterior view
Medio-lateral view
Basic postures
Scapula movements
Neck stretches

Additional Tips

Check out the healthy posture while you’re at work

When you are working for long hours make sure to keep your head at the eye level.
Try to pull your mouse closer and avoid using touch pads.
Try to breathe from the belly.
Take adequate breaks.
While you sit on chair, make sure to keep your feet flat on the floor and shoulder-width apart.
Make sure you while reading you do not squint or strain.
While sitting, make sure you do not cross your legs
To keep your spine at an optimum position, position your knees 90 degrees above the ankle.