As Physical Therapists, we often talk about and analyze posture. The truth is, there is no perfect posture. In fact, the best posture is your next posture!
Because our bodies are not symmetrical on the inside, with the heart taking up more space on the left and liver on the right, we naturally favor certain body positions and patterns. That’s why it’s so important to change positions often. Postural Restoration Institute (PRI) is a science in which credential professionals recognize the patterns and imbalances to further improve the entire body’s integration and function. The muscular, neurological, and respiratory systems all work together and can help improve the balance of all systems and overall function.
There are several asymmetries one may find when analyzing posture such as uneven shoulder height, spinal curvature, overdevelopment of certain muscle groups, or standing with one or both legs turned out. These asymmetries are noted during the examination and are treated with specific interventions to further improve the body’s natural integration. A simple starting point you can do yourself is make sure you stand and sit on both legs equally. Many naturally favor the right side and that can produce a cascade of biomechanical or functional compensations. So, next time you are standing in line, try to consciously balance the weight in both feet to further improve your standing posture. These subtle adjustments can make all the difference to the human body, from elite athletes to working professionals.
If you’d like to learn more about PRI, feel free to check out their website: https://www.
-Megha Bhatia, PT, DPT