POSTURAL ASSESSMENT PART 1

HOW TO CONDUCT PA Perform in a private area Assess on a flat floor A plumb line or assessment wall should be used as a reference point. (no mirrors) Enough space to move around the client (step back) The client dressed appropriately; no shoes, all jewellery removed. Males – shorts. Females – shorts and sports bra. Once client is ready and has been clearly informed as to the assessment process, the masseuse will then observe the static posture of the client and document any imbalances, when comparing the client with the ideal alignment previously discussed.

ANTERIOR VIEW Plumb line position: nose, belly button, middle of feet ANTERIOR VIEW Plumb line position: nose, belly button, middle of feet. Then consider: - Position of head Muscular balance of upper traps Acromion process levels Clavicle levels Muscular balance of pectoralis major Muscular balance of deltoids Straight linea alba Muscular balance of abdominals Key holes- height and width ASIS levels Position of hands – thumbs forward Muscular balance of quads Patella height and position relative to feet Tibial tuberosity – between 2nd and 3rd toe Muscle balance of gastrocnemius / soleus Foot position - facing forward Arches – level (Look from side) Weight shift

POSTERIOR VIEW Plumb line position: occipital bone, spine, middle of gluteus maximus, middle feet. Consider: - Position of head - Muscular balance of upper traps - Acromion process levels (top shoulders) - Superior angle of scapular musculature - Distance between spine and medial border of scapula - Straight spine - Key holes – height and width - Muscular balance of erector spinae - PSIS levels - Muscular balance of gluteus maximus - Muscular balance of hamstrings - Popliteal folds – height and direction - Muscle balance of gastrocnemius/soleus - Foot position – facing forward - Arches – level - Weight shift Popliteal (look at creases under the knee line)

LATERAL VIEW Plumb line position: ear lobe, acromion process, elbow, greater trochanter, slightly anterior to midline of knee, slightly to the lateral malleolus consider: - Position of head - Cervical lordotic curve - Thoracic kyphotic curve - Scapula winging - Lumbar lordotic curve - ASIS to PSIS levels - Knee positioning - Arches - level *It is very important that the practitioner observes the lateral view from both the clients left and right side.