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POSTURE AND PAIN

Painful conditions associated with faulty body mechanics are so common that most adults have some firsthand knowledge of these problems. Painful low backs have been the most frequent complaints, although cases of neck, shoulder, and arm pain have become increasingly prevalent. With the current emphasis on running, foot and knee problems are common.

Muscle Testing and Function with Posture and Pain, pg. 52

PRINCIPLES OF ALIGNMENT, JOINTS AND MUSCLES

Evaluating and treating postural problems requires an understanding of the basic principles relating to alignment, joints, and muscles.

Faulty alighment results in undue stress and strain on bones, joints, ligaments and muscles.
Joint positions indicate which muscles appear to be elongated and which appear to be shortened.
A relationship exists between alignment and muscle test findings if posture is habitual.
Muscle shortness holds the origin and instertion of the muscle closer together.
Adaptive shotening can develop in muscles that remain in a shortened condition.
Muscle weakness allows separation of the origin and insertion of the muscle.
Stretch weakness can occur in one-joint muscles that remain in an elongated condition.