Digital Posture Analysis
We use the PosturePrint™ digital imaging analysis software. The purpose of this analysis is to inform you about your particular postural problem. We believe that this knowledge will give you a platform from which to take corrective steps to improve your health through improved posture.
What Is Normal Posture?
In normal posture, the head, ribcage and pelvis are perfectly centered on each other. Optimal postural balance is shown by the alignment of the postural parts along the black line in the figure below. From the front, the spine is perfectly aligned with gravity but from the side, the spine has three curves which support your body weight and allow for movement. A person with abnormal posture will have altered spinal alignment and function. Your exercise program will emphasize correction of faulty posture.
Normal Abnormal
Optimal Human Posture and Spinal Alignment Abnormal Human Posture and Spinal Alignment
Here it can be seen that “Posture is a window into the shape of the spine”.
What Is Abnormal Posture?
Abnormal posture is deviation from the optimal posture. There are three simple regions of human posture and each region has two types of displacements:
Three Postural Regions: Two Types of Displacements:
1) Region one is the head, 1) A turning displacement called Rotation,
2) Region two is the Ribcage, 2) A shifting displacement called Translation.
3) Region three is the Pelvis
Figure 4 depicts the Rotation displacements and Figure 5 depicts the Translation displacements of the head, ribcage, and pelvis. Abnormal posture is caused by accidents (car accidents, falls, sports injuries), poor postural habits, and poor workplace ergonomics. Check your family and friends for obvious postural displacements in Figures 4 and 5.
Figure 4. Figure 5.
In 1986, a healthcare provider who is also a mathematician and engineer, determined all the rotations and translations of the head, ribcage and pelvis. Figures 4 and 5 demonstrate these. You should notice that for the posture of each region there are 6 Rotations and 6 Translations (count the number of displacements in each row for each figure) for a total of 12 abnormal postures per region, and a total of 36 abnormal displacements (12 + 12 + 12). The number 36 is for individual displacements and the majority of patients present with multiple postural displacements in each region. Here is where it can get a little complicated. It was shown that there are 387 Million ways to combine the 36 abnormal human postures depicted in Figures 4 and 5.[19,20] Abnormal posture(s) may not be clear from a quick glance. Therefore, in-depth scrutiny in the form of computerized analysis needs to be performed (this is why we use the PosturePrint™). Thus, no-one should perform postural exercises unless directed by and under supervision of a healthcare provider.