Estimated reading time: 3 minutes
It is essential to analyse body posture as a factor of well-being, as it is the source of many health issues. Indeed, the correct spine alignment is crucial for the excellent condition of the muscles, joints, and bones. Additionally, our posture impacts our energy levels, breathing patterns, and the proper functioning of our organs.
“When the body is in alignment, we can experience wellbeing!” – Soma Flow Thrive
The head and pelvis are in a neutral position
Spinal curves are normal
Shoulder blades are flat on the upper back
Knees, hips, and ankles are in a neutral position
The head and pelvis are tilted forward
The shoulder blades are in extension
The hips are a short distance apart
The lumbar spine is usually elevated
The thoracic spine is also significantly increased
The cervical spine is in extension
The head and pelvis are tilted forward
The shoulder blades are in extension
The hips are closer together
The lumbar is in hyperextension
The sternum can be either in a neutral position or slightly kyphotic
The head is tilted forward
The pelvis is posteriorly inclined
shoulder blades extended
hips and knees in extension
The lumbar spine is straightened
Increased thoracic curve
The head is forward
The pelvis is posteriorly inclined
shoulder blades extended
hips and knees in hyperextension
lumbar spine is flattened
increased thoracic curve
the cervical spine is slightly in extension
Wear fitted clothes so you can see the curves of your body. First, take a pose, without shoes, with your feet shoulder-width apart having a relaxed straight torso.
Secondly, relax deeply and let your breath in its natural flow.
Now, you need another person or a friend to observe your body. It would be a good idea to take a full body photo of you from all angles, front – back – right – left. The picture will help you observe your body in all dimensions. Moreover, you will have a reference to check the differences in your posture after a particular therapeutic or strengthening program.
Furthermore, after making observations, look at the types above to discover which of these postures look like yours. For example, if you have a kyphotic thoracic curve (a hump in the back), you are likely to be of the kyphosis or sway-back posture type. Now, look at your notes about your pelvis. If your pelvis tilts backward, then you belong in a sway-back posture. But if your hips are closer to each other, then you belong to the kyphotic posture.
When you get your self-diagnosis, you can turn to an expert trainer to work together to correct your posture.
If you have physical pains, lack energy, and find it difficult to do daily activities, it is essential to check your posture type. In any case, Pilates and physical therapy like Bowen are the techniques that will help you return to a state of health and wellness.
