How To Conduct Postural Analysis

Well Rehab • November 20, 2020

Ever noticed how your mum will scold you for slouching or not standing straight?

 

That’s because having a good posture is important to balance your body’s weight over your feet, be it when you’re standing, sitting or moving. It also helps to maintain the correct form while exercising and strengthen your abilities in any sports activity.

 

Not only that but having a good posture also allows you to feel confident about yourself and certainly reduce the risk of having wry neck. Take runway models as an example. They must have a good posture to display any of the clothes or accessories they wear. That way, you can have a good impression of the products displayed.

 

Imagine a model who walks on the runway with a bad posture, you’ll start having doubts about the product and choice of display person. Same goes to having a bad posture while you’re standing, sitting or moving. It can affect your health in the long run.

 

The following are among the ill effects of a bad posture:

  • Early wear and tear of your muscles and joints
  • Improper blood circulation
  • Various pain in the neck, back, and shoulder blades
  • Height loss
  • Ankle and foot problems
  • Headaches
  • Reduced lung and cardiac capacity.

 

If you suspect that you have a bad posture and want to improve it, undergoing a postural analysis will help you to understand more about your body. Besides, it’ll help to pinpoint the cause of your bad posture and work on ways to strengthen your muscles without injuring yourself.

 

Here’s how a postural analysis is conducted.

 


How is a postural assessment conducted?


Before we dive into the procedure, let’s understand the meaning of a posture assessment.

 

A posture analysis is a process of analysing your posture, balance, alignment, asymmetries and motion. This is the first step to improving posture and strengthening your muscles. Depending on your doctor, the analysis may include assessing your spine, way of walking, muscle strength and functional movement.

 

It’s  conducted in two ways – front and back (anterior-posterior), and from the side (medial and lateral).

 

1.  Anterior-posterior analysis

When it comes to analysing your posture from the front (anterior), a specialist will look at the positioning and compare one side of your body with the other for symmetry. They will also check the position of your eyes, earlobes, and shoulder. If they’re asymmetrical or not at the same height, chances are you have a poor posture.

 

Same goes to your lower body, the specialist will assess your posture based on the anterior superior Iliac Spine (ASIS), posterior superior Iliac Spine (PSIS), iliac crest, the high point of the patella, knee joint, ankle joint, etc.

 

From the back (posterior) view, the specialist will check for spinal curvature, the symmetry of your ears, shoulder, scapula, hip joints, ankle joints, etc. Not only that, but they will also assess the position of bony landmarks like your rib cage and sternum.

 


2.   Medial-lateral analysis

Side analysis is important to check for spinal curvature and some may refer it as Scoliosis. The specialist will imagine a vertical plumb line and evaluate the position of your neck and head. If it’s off by a few inches, it may be a result of prolonged exposure to your electronic devices.

 

Additionally, it can put a strain on the smallest bones of your spine, which is on the neck. This may cause you to feel excessive pain on the neck and back.


 

How is a posture graded?


Like any other assessments, your posture can also be graded into the following:

  1. Excellent – Perfect body alignment with a balanced and fluid movement.
  2. Good – Body is aligned with a balanced movement, but not fluid.
  3. Average – Head is forward with a misaligned pelvis and rounded upper back; has strong movement but with little hip motion.
  4. Poor – The spine is misaligned and imbalanced throughout with a weak back and muscles; the movement is stilted and more one-sided.
  5. Very poor – Frame is very unbalanced with upper and lower back pain; moves cautiously with soft knees and some limping.

 

Most Malaysians spend a great deal of their time sitting which can lead to poor posture, especially millennials and white-collar workers. This may lead to bigger problems if they continue to do their work in a poor sitting position.

 


Can a physiotherapist help to correct a bad posture?


Sure! You see, our physiotherapy in Malaysia are professionally-trained medical personnel who can help to assess and correct your posture as well as improve your movement. They do so with programmes that are tailored to your needs.

 

Depending on your posture, a physiotherapist may specifically design a programme for you to correct your posture without causing any injury to your body. That way, they can further minimise the risk of injury during the programme.

 

Besides, the programme is designed according to your muscle strength to restore its full functional equilibrium.

 

If you feel a sudden onset of back and joint pain, you need to start evaluating your posture and get some professional advice before the condition worsens.

 

Well Rehab is a rehabilitation center in malaysia that provides several therapies which can be customised based on your needs.

 

For more information about our therapies or services, contact us at +60 12 512 8487 or email wellrehabmanagement@gmail.com.

The Benefits of Occupational Therapy for Special Needs Children in Malaysia

By Wei Qing Lee • June 23, 2024
In Malaysia, the need for specialized care for special needs children is growing, and occupational therapy stands out as a vital service. This therapy helps children with various physical, sensory, or cognitive challenges improve their skills and lead more independent lives. This article explores the numerous benefits of occupational therapy for special needs children in Malaysia, offering insights and success stories to illustrate its impact.  Understanding Occupational Therapy Occupational therapy (OT) is a client-centered health profession concerned with promoting health and well-being through occupation. For special needs children, OT involves helping them perform essential daily activities, improving their physical, sensory, and cognitive skills. Techniques used in occupational therapy can include play therapy, sensory integration, and developmental activities designed to enhance fine and gross motor skills. Benefits for Special Needs Children Enhancing Daily Living Skills Occupational therapists work with children to develop the skills needed for daily living. This can include tasks such as dressing, eating, and personal hygiene. By improving these skills, children gain greater independence and confidence. Improving Fine and Gross Motor Skills Fine motor skills involve the coordination of small muscles, such as those in the hands and fingers, while gross motor skills involve larger muscle groups used for activities like walking and jumping. Occupational therapists use targeted exercises and activities to strengthen these skills, enabling children to participate more fully in everyday activities. Boosting Cognitive Functions Occupational therapy also addresses cognitive functions, such as memory, attention, and problem-solving skills. Therapists use a variety of techniques to help children develop these abilities, which are crucial for academic success and daily living. Success Stories in Malaysia Several families in Malaysia have witnessed significant improvements in their children's abilities through occupational therapy. For instance, a child with autism who struggled with sensory processing and social interactions might, through consistent OT sessions, develop better sensory tolerance and improved social skills. Another example could be a child with cerebral palsy who, with the help of an occupational therapist, gains better control over their movements and becomes more independent in performing daily tasks. Conclusion The benefits of occupational therapy for special needs children in Malaysia are profound and far-reaching. From enhancing daily living skills to improving motor and cognitive functions, occupational therapy can make a significant difference in the lives of special needs children and their families. If you are a parent of a special needs child, consider exploring occupational therapy as a valuable resource for your child's development and independence.

How Occupational Therapy Supports Special Needs Education in Malaysian Schools

By Wei Qing Lee • June 23, 2024
Special needs education in Malaysia is evolving, with an increasing emphasis on integrating occupational therapy (OT) into the school system. This approach not only supports the educational needs of special needs children but also enhances their overall development. This article delves into how occupational therapy supports special needs education in Malaysian schools, helping both teachers and students achieve better educational outcomes. Integration in Schools Occupational therapy in schools involves the collaboration of occupational therapists with educators to create an inclusive learning environment. Therapists work within the school setting to assess students' needs, develop individualized intervention plans, and implement strategies that support learning and participation in school activities. Support for Teachers and Students Helping Teachers Adapt Lessons One of the critical roles of occupational therapists in schools is to assist teachers in adapting lessons to meet the needs of special needs students. This can involve modifying classroom activities, providing alternative teaching materials, and suggesting strategies to manage sensory and behavioral issues. By making these adjustments, teachers can create a more inclusive and supportive learning environment. Providing Students with Coping Strategies Occupational therapists equip students with strategies to cope with classroom challenges. This can include sensory integration techniques to help children manage sensory overload, exercises to improve focus and attention, and tools to enhance fine motor skills required for writing and other tasks. These strategies enable students to participate more fully in classroom activities and improve their academic performance. Programs and Initiatives Several programs and initiatives in Malaysian schools incorporate occupational therapy to support special needs education. These programs often involve multidisciplinary teams working together to address the diverse needs of students. For example, schools may have dedicated sensory rooms designed by occupational therapists to provide a safe and controlled environment for children to manage sensory issues. Additionally, collaborative efforts between therapists and educators ensure that each child's unique needs are met through personalized education plans.  Conclusion Occupational therapy plays a crucial role in supporting special needs education in Malaysian schools. By helping teachers adapt lessons and providing students with coping strategies, occupational therapists contribute to a more inclusive and effective educational environment. The integration of OT into the school system ensures that special needs children receive the support they need to succeed academically and develop essential life skills. For parents and educators, recognizing the value of occupational therapy can make a significant difference in the educational journey of special needs children.

Prioritizing Mental Health: A Key to Enhancing Productivity and Profitability in the Workplace

By Wei Qing Lee • June 23, 2024
New Title
More Posts