solely localised phenomena.

standard alignment.

Deviations from this optimal joint alignment increase the stress on ligaments and require that muscles exert more effort not just in the associated joint but usually in the joints above and below the affected part, as part of the body’s corrective mechanism. If mal-alignment persists— that is, deviations from the positions illustrated here—detrimen

causing or contributing to their problems, because where a client experiences pain, discomfort or restriction in movement is not necessarily the source of the problem.

fascia embraces us entirely, linking all parts, there is no

body: a therapist might observe a client’s neck to be excessively

subtle increase in muscle bulk you observe on the left calf in standing is something that you may not have spotted when the client was in the prone position or when performing range of movement tests.

lordotic compared to the ideal posture, for example, and conclude that the problem is in the neck. Yet we need to take a broad view of clients and their bodies to identify the factors

The main reasons for carrying out a postural assessment are to acquire information, save time, establish a baseline, and treat holistically.