Posture and Osteopathy

What is posture?

Posture can be simply defined as the position of our body in an upright position and can be considered at both static and dynamic levels. Our central nervous system, which manages postural mechanisms, must always be able to: maintain various body districts in position and arranged in space in such a way that there is minimal energy expenditure in counteracting the continuous compression force we are subject to during static and dynamic activities; ensure absence of pain in achieving ideal posture; maintain excellent perception and feedback from receptor structures; manage external forces correctly while preserving function; and guarantee balance and motor control.

Incorrect posture directly disturbs static positioning and indirectly affects dynamic movement. When maintained over time, it establishes neural circuits that register incorrect posture as correct (because it becomes habitual), resulting in compensatory bodily adaptations.

Through the activity of receptors, endoceptors, and exteroceptors, whose function is to inform the CNS, the body receives information about its position in space.

Osteopathic Assessment

Medical history combined with physical examination allows the osteopath to identify the patient's primary problem: if the most significant dysfunction is not within osteopathic scope, the patient is referred to the appropriate specialist for the specific condition.

Everything related to maintaining optimal functionality falls within osteopathic competence. The osteopath carefully evaluates movement biomechanics, postural patterns, and musculoskeletal compensations to develop a personalized treatment plan.

Diego Stancanelli - Osteopath D.O., MCB Massage Therapist, Doctor of Motor Sciences