Posture is the position of the body or its parts. Massage therapists can use postural analysis as a tool for gathering information regarding the state of a client's tissues. This approach assists the therapist in creating a massage program specific to the client. A grid chart, originated by the structurally based medical massage therapist David Kent, offers a means for assessing asymmetries in the body. Because scientific research is limited, the effectiveness of posture analysis and of the subsequent massage treatments cannot be determined at this time.
Postural Analysis
Postural analysis is the process of assessing structural imbalances of the body. The human body has many symmetrical aspects; Kent points out that the body has the same bones and muscles on each side and that muscles in the front and back of the body balance each other out. The muscles define body structure by determining where the bones are moved or held in space, Kent writes. By examining the posture of a client, the massage therapist finds which areas of the body are under strain and which muscle groups are causing the strain.
Chart
Postural analysis charts are large grids that provide massage therapists a means of determining the structural balance of a client. A plumb line hangs from the ceiling three feet in front of the chart. The client stands between the chart and the line for anterior, posterior and lateral views. According to Kent, anterior and posterior views show hip or shoulder imbalances, and a lateral view can point out a forward head, rounded shoulders or slumped abdominal posture. The therapist takes photos for comparative assessment after treatment.
Benefits
Postural analysis can provide a variety of benefits for the client and the therapist. According to Kent, advantages include educating about postural distortions, showing which muscles are stressed and over-lengthened, and explaining visually and logically the causes of muscle pain. Additionally, says Kent, postural analysis can present clients with customized treatment plans, record and document the client's postural changes, and reflect the professionalism of a massage practice. These benefits of postural analysis have not been scientifically proven.
Massage
After postural analysis, corrective massage forms, such as trigger point therapy and deep tissue massage, can address muscle imbalances. During trigger point therapy, the therapist focuses pressure on knots in the muscle tissue to reduce the level of pain experienced by the client and to increase range of motion, reports Associated Bodywork and Massage Professionals. Art Riggs, Rolfing masseur and author of "Deep Tissue Massage: A Visual Guide to Techniques," describes that the emphasis of deep tissue massage is on lengthening and mobilizing tissue and improving joint function.
Medical Considerations
Postural analysis and massage therapy do not replace medical care. The Mayo Clinic website advises that you "discuss massage with your doctor first in cases of unexplained pain or other symptoms, burns or open wounds, cancer, blood clots, fractures, rheumatoid arthritis, severe osteoporosis and pregnancy...Most serious problems come from too much pressure during massage...in rare circumstances, massage can cause internal bleeding, nerve damage, temporary paralysis and allergic reactions to massage oils or lotions."
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