Conditions

Postural Problems

Have you ever experienced unexplained pain in your neck, back, or shoulders? Do you feel tense after a few hours working at your computer? You might be dealing with a postural problem.

Posturology is a discipline that helps understand and treat posture issues to restore better body balance and relieve pain. Learn everything you need to know about postural disorders, their symptoms, causes, and how physiotherapy can help.

What is Posturology?

Posturology is the science that studies the body’s balance in space and the mechanisms that regulate it. It focuses on the alignment of different body parts: head, trunk, pelvis, legs, and shoulders.

When misalignment occurs, muscle tension becomes uneven, which can cause pain and compensations in other parts of the body. Posturology aims to detect these imbalances and intervene to improve overall posture.

Postural Disorder: Common Symptoms

Postural problems can manifest in various ways depending on the affected area. Typical symptoms include:

Forward head posture: headaches, neck pain, numbness in arms and hands
Rounded shoulders: reduced mobility and pain during arm movements
Rigid or overly straight back: increased risk of herniated discs, sprains, facet joint pain
Misaligned pelvis: lower back pain or sciatica

Sometimes, postural issues aren’t visible to the naked eye, but their effects appear through chronic pain or decreased physical performance.

Causes of Postural Problems

External Factors

Prolonged sedentary work at a screen
Repetition of specific movements (sports, hobbies)
Repeated asymmetric postures

Internal Factors

Previous injuries (sprains, fractures, surgeries)
Adhesions in soft tissues (muscles, tendons, fascia)
Degenerative conditions (osteoarthritis, scoliosis)

For example, a past ankle sprain can subtly alter your walking pattern and lead to compensatory lower back pain.

Who to Consult for Postural Problems?

Several health professionals can help with posturology:

Physiotherapist specialized in posture: evaluates joint mobility, muscle tension, and overall balance
Podiatrist/Posturologist: assesses posture related to foot support and provides custom orthotics
Medical Posturologist: performs a comprehensive medical evaluation and refers to appropriate treatments

Sometimes, teamwork among these professionals is necessary for effective correction of a postural disorder.

Physiotherapy Treatment for Postural Disorders

At Évolution Physio, we offer comprehensive care for posture issues. Key interventions include:

Detailed Postural Assessment
- The physiotherapist analyzes overall alignment, movement patterns, and identifies established compensations.
Global Postural Re-education (GPR)
- Exercises for stretching and strengthening muscles to restore balance between muscle groups
- Active and assisted postures
- Respecting individual limits and working gently to avoid pain
Manual Techniques
- Joint mobilizations and muscle releases to restore flexibility and reduce mechanical restrictions
Personalized Advice
- Ergonomics at work
- Proper movement practices
- Integration of simple daily exercises

When to Consult for a Postural Problem?

Seek help if you experience:

Chronic pain in the back, neck, or shoulders
Reduced mobility
Muscle fatigue during prolonged static positions
Numbness or tingling sensations
Noticeable imbalance in standing or moving posture

Early intervention can prevent postural problems from becoming chronic and reduce the risk of more serious long-term injuries.

Do you have a postural problem? Meet our posturology experts!

At Évolution Physio, our posturology and postural physiotherapy specialists help you improve your posture and relieve your pain.

Would you like to meet a specialist?

Book an appointment