Postural assessment is the process of evaluating a person’s body alignment and positioning in order to identify any potential problems or imbalances that may be contributing to musculoskeletal pain or discomfort. A postural assessment can be conducted by a variety of healthcare professionals, including physiotherapists.

There are several steps involved in conducting a postural assessment:

Observing the person’s posture: The first step in a postural assessment is to simply observe the person’s posture while they are standing or sitting. This might involve looking at how the person stands, sits, or moves, as well as any areas of tension or discomfort they may be experiencing.

Measuring key landmarks: The next step is to measure key landmarks on the person’s body in order to identify any imbalances or asymmetries. This might involve measuring the distance between the person’s feet, the angle of their pelvis, or the alignment of their spine.

Assessing movement patterns: In addition to observing the person’s static posture, it is also important to assess their movement patterns. This might involve watching the person walk, bend, or reach for objects, and looking for any areas of discomfort or difficulty.

Identifying potential problems: Once the postural assessment is complete, the healthcare professional will use the information gathered to identify any potential problems or imbalances that may be contributing to the person’s pain or discomfort. This might involve identifying issues with muscle imbalances, poor spinal alignment, or weakness in certain muscle groups.

Developing a treatment plan: The final step in the postural assessment process is to develop a treatment plan to address any problems or imbalances identified during the assessment. This might involve recommending exercises, stretches, or other interventions to help improve the person’s posture and reduce their risk of future pain or discomfort.

Overall, postural assessment is an important tool for identifying and addressing problems that may be contributing to musculoskeletal pain or discomfort. By identifying and addressing these issues early on, it is possible to prevent more serious problems from developing and help people maintain a healthy and active lifestyle.