Posture perfect

6/29/09 Posted in Cover Story  |  0 Comments

Here are some common factors for postural difficulties

Have you ever wondered why that elderly gentlemen walking across the parking lot appears to be leaning into the wind? Even if he walks briskly, his entire torso is inclined forward at the hips. And a closer look might show that his lower back is arched forward, somewhat protruding the buttocks.

Several causes

There is a combination of factors contributing to this classic postural fault. His physician might have told him that his degenerated hip joints would eventually need replacement. Until then, however, there are some remedial procedures worthy of consideration.

Check this out

Tight hip flexor muscles at the front are nearly always evident, along with weakness of the buttocks muscles at the rear.

A simple test can be tried at home. Lie face down on a firm surface and attempt to lift one knee then the other. If you cannot accomplish this, you might ask someone to assist you. Without applying any sudden or excessive force, one should be able to easily raise the thigh from the floor. Failure to accomplish this simple movement on both sides can sometimes be found in healthy and fit individuals, even accomplished athletes.

A more common problem

Far more frequently this functional impairment occurs only on one side. Testing the backward leg raise demonstrates unequal movement from one side to the other. Walking and running are affected and progress to chronic back pain. The science of applied kinesiology provides a system of analysis which is fast and accurate, leading to gentle corrective therapy.

by Dr. Larry Green