Postural & Spinal Dysfunction

Postural disorders are a broad term used to describe anything that is outside of the standard anatomical posture. Examples of disorders are, but not limited to:

• Spinal curvatures (scoliosis, hyper-kyphosis, hyper-lordosis, etc)
• Pokey chin posture (forward head position)
• Knees that point inwards, outwards or may be hyperextended
• Excessive rotation of limbs (particularly seen at the hips leading to the feet pointing inwards)
• Flat foot or disorders of the foot arch.

Many people can live with these conditions without any outward signs of issues. However, many postural disorders coincide with postural asymmetry, postural compensations or poor balance due to alterations in the centre of gravity and base of support. Even minimal postural disorders can be a marker for weak or imbalanced muscles groups.

Can an osteopath realign the spine?

The Osteopath will use different techniques like stretching, massage, physical manipulation and articulation to relieve tension, mobilise joints and enhance blood and nerve flow to tissues, to assist the body’s own healing mechanisms. Although a lot of conditions such as spinal curvatures cannot be fully corrected, osteopath may assist to alleviate symptoms whilst perhaps also slowing the progression of these conditions. Increasing postural strength and control can increase your capabilities to move more efficiently in space, therefore, preserving energy and reducing muscle fatigue.

The clinic is able to offer professional, friendly assessment, diagnosis, treatment and prevention of postural disorders. As with all conditions your lifestyle, diet, exercise regime will be discussed in order to provide accurate advice to further improve your functioning and quality of life caused by your postural disorder.