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A posture assessment evaluates a patient’s posture to identify any distortions that may cause pain or discomfort. Health professionals may conduct the assessment and recommend exercises to correct poor posture. A gait analysis may also be performed to determine if a person’s walking or running pattern is efficient. Corrective measures may include strength training, flexibility exercises, and the use of posture braces or ergonomic furniture.
A posture assessment is a series of tests or activities designed to show a professional whether a patient’s posture is distorted, often causing pain or discomfort in daily activities. Physical therapists, trainers, doctors, and other health professionals are often qualified to conduct a posture assessment and provide recommendations for correcting poor posture that could be causing problems throughout the body. Athletes often undergo a posture evaluation to make sure their bodies are functioning as efficiently as possible; whether athletes experience frequent or chronic pain while running or otherwise moving, an assessment of their posture can reveal the causes of that pain.
A person doing a posture assessment may ask a patient to stand up normally, then assess problem areas. From there, the patient may be asked to do a series of stretches to demonstrate flexibility and normal motion. If problem areas exist, the person performing the posture assessment will take note, then have the patient perform several strength exercises intended to reveal weak areas of the body. From there a plan can be developed to address problem areas and build strength in areas that are causing pain or lack support.
A gait analysis may or may not be part of a posture assessment. The person making the assessment will be the judge of whether or not it is necessary. A gait analysis aims to determine whether a person’s normal walking or running pattern is efficient or if it is causing pain or misalignment throughout the body. Runners often undergo gait analysis to ensure that their running strides do not cause pain during long-running events. Such an analysis may focus on joint movement and foot pronation, which occurs when the feet tend to point in or out rather than straight forward as they should.
Posture correction processes developed after a posture assessment may include strength training exercises, focusing especially on the core muscles that support the spine. Your stomach muscles, lower back muscles, groin muscles, and hips will most likely be the focus of such a workout, and your flexibility will also be stressed. Tight muscles can pull tendons and bones throughout the body, getting them out of alignment and causing poor posture and pain throughout the body. Weaker muscles are more likely to tire quickly, which means they’re more likely to tighten up and cause alignment problems. Corrective posture braces or ergonomic furniture may also be recommended to help correct poor posture.
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