Main description:

Postural Correction presents 30 of the most commonly occurring postural conditions in a comprehensive format, providing hands-on therapists and body workers the knowledge and resources to help clients address their malalignments. Focusing on treatment rather than assessment, it takes a direct approach and applies specific techniques to improve posture from an anatomical rather than aesthetic perspective.

Primarily concerned with the lengthening of shortened tissues to help realign body parts, Postural Correction offers a collective approach to remedying malalignment. Techniques vary for each posture correction, including deep tissue massage, simple passive stretches, soft tissue release, common trigger points, and gentle limb traction. Because weak or poorly functioning muscles may contribute to postural problems, the text notes what muscles need to be strengthened and includes recommendations on techniques. Suggestions also are made for those postures that are difficult to correct with hands-on techniques, such as scoliosis, genu valgum (knock knees), and genu varum (bow legs).

Recognizing that the work clients can carry out independently is a crucial component of long-term postural correction, this guide includes information on how clients can continue their therapy independently between or at the conclusion of their therapy sessions. Therapists can take these techniques and recommendations to advise, educate, and guide clients in their efforts. Much attention is paid to lifestyle, activities, and habitual use or resting of a body part that may have led to the initial pain and malalignment.

Structured by anatomical regions of the body to make accessing information quick and easy, Postural Correction tackles postural concerns commonly affecting the spine; pelvis; upper limbs, including the shoulder and elbow; and lower limbs, including the hip, knee, ankle, and foot. Examples from various sports and demographics such as the elderly offer contextual and applied value. Descriptions avoid biomechanical jargon and instead focus on simple, clear explanations. Information is also included for when hands-on techniques are limited in correcting a particular posture.

Special features make this book unique and useful:

* Full-color anatomical illustrations and photographs present a clear visual of what will help bring about postural change.

* Consistency with the other titles in the Hands-On Guides for Therapists series ensures that the manual therapies throughout this book are easily accessible.

* An overview of each malalignment includes the muscles that are shortened or lengthened, notes about each posture, a bulleted list of ideas grouped according to whether these are carried out by the therapist or the client, and rationale for the suggested corrective techniques.

* Concluding comments summarize the information for access at a glance.

Earn continuing education credits/units! A continuing education course and exam that uses this book is also available. It may be purchased separately or as part of a package that includes all the course materials and exam.

Contents:

Part I. Getting Started With Postural Correction

Chapter 1. Introduction to Postural Correction

Causes of Postural Malalignment

Consequences of Malalignment in the Body

Who Might Benefit From Postural Correction

Contraindications to and Cautions for Postural Correction

Closing Remarks

Chapter 2. Changing Posture

Determining Start of Postural Correction

Five Steps to Postural Correction

Techniques for Postural Correction

Aftercare

Gaining Rapport and Enhancing Engagement

Referral to Another Practitioner

Tailoring Your Treatments

Closing Remarks

Part II. Correcting the Spine

Chapter 3. Cervical Spine

Increased Lordosis

Lateral Neck Flexion

Forward Head Posture

Rotation of the Head and Neck

Closing Remarks

Chapter 4. Thoracic Spine

Kyphosis

Flatback

Rotated Thorax

Closing Remarks

Chapter 5. Lumbar Spine

Increased Lordosis

Decreased Lordosis

Closing Remarks

Chapter 6. Scoliosis

Types of Scoliosis

Closing Remarks

Part III. Correcting the Pelvis and Lower Limb

Chapter 7. Pelvis

Anterior Pelvic Tilt

Posterior Pelvic Tilt

Pelvic Rotation

Laterally Tilted Pelvis

Closing Remarks

Chapter 8. Lower Limb

Internal Rotation of Hip

Genu Recurvatum

Genu Flexum

Genu Varum

Genu Valgum

Tibial Torsion

Pes Planus

Pes Caves

Pes Valgus

Pes Varus

Closing Remarks

Part IV. Correcting the Shoulder and Upper Limb

Chapter 9. Shoulder

Protracted Scapula

Internal Rotation of Humerus

Winged Scapula

Elevated Shoulder

Closing Remarks

Chapter 10. Elbow

Flexed Elbow

Hyperextended Elbow

Closing Remarks