Postural assessment (Forward Head Posture)

  I am certified to do functional training,  postural assessment and also corrective exercise. Please read below on what happens when our muscles overcompensates each other.

 

Forward Head Posture and Muscle Group Imbalance

Forward head posture often results in a strength imbalance between muscles that support and move your neck, shoulders and head. The muscles in front of your neck may become weak while the ones in back may become short, tight and strained.
Standing and sitting with good posture along with exercise to strengthen your neck may help get you back in alignment. Stretching may also help as neck muscles, in general, can get extremely tight and prevent you from doing your exercises fully. Stretching your neck may also relieve pain.
If your neck gives you a lot of pain, or if you are not sure how to get started with a neck exercise program, consult with your doctor. Your doctor will include a postural assessment as part of your diagnosis because it will likely inform your treatment plan.
You should only work with a qualified practitioner when addressing your forward head posture. Examples are a physical therapist or an athletic trainer or body worker with experience and advanced education in posture and neck issues. Be sure any allied or holistic health provider you work with is in communication with your MD.

Who Gets Forward Head Posture?

Almost all of us are at risk for forward head posture. As I mentioned above, computer use, which strongly encourages rounded shoulders and upper back, and therefore forward head posture, is ubiquitous; it is a significant risk factor. Driving for a living (or for many hours at a stretch) is another risk factor. Habits such as reading in bed with a pillow propped under your head may also contribute to forward head posture. Doing close work requiring manual dexterity and eyesight acuity can raise your risk, too. If you are a seamstress, an electronic technician or you have an occupation in which you are positioned similarly, this means you.
And if you regularly carry a significant amount weight in front of your body you may be developing kyphosis which, as we've seen often leads to forward head posture. An example of this is if you tend to carry your child or other load in front of your body. Possessing very large breasts may also increase your risk for kyphosis and forward head posture.

_{Source:
Kendall, FP, Kendall McCreary, E, Provance, PG. Muscles: Testing and function with Posture and Pain. 4th ed. Williams & Wilkins. 1993. Baltimore.}