Postural Assessments: What Are They And How Can They Get Rid Of Your Body Pain?

If you suffer from pain that occurs in multiple areas of the body and none of the OTC medications you take work, speak to a massage therapist about postural assessments. Sometimes, pain that originates in one specific area of the body can affect other locations over time. The over-the-counter medications you may take to relieve your body aches will not address the root of the problem. However, a postural assessment helps a therapist locate the main problem so that you find relief all over. Here's more information about postural assessments and why you need one now.

How Does Postural Assessments Work?

Postural assessments, or evaluations, are unique visual techniques used to locate problems in the musculoskeletal system of your body, including your posture. Massage therapists use the assessments to examine the relationship between different body areas and how they should function with each other when you stand in the upright position. For instance, a therapist may look for abnormalities in the position of your knees, toes, torso, and upper body.

Although it doesn't apply to every case of body pain, your muscles can become weak or overworked from stress and illness. Because many of your body's tissues work together to hold you upright or support your body's weight, weakness in one area of the body may cause other tissues to work harder than necessary to carry out these functions. Your multiple areas of body pain may be caused by this problem.

What Can You Do to Get Rid of Your Chronic Body Pain?

Once a massage therapist notices issues in specific areas of the body, they can use the right treatments to correct them. For example, if your shoulders seem out of line with your torso, and you suffer from more pain in your shoulders than anywhere else, a therapist can develop a treatment plan that releases stress and fatigue in the nerves and muscles those tissues. The plan may include myofascial release, neuromuscular therapy or another treatment that addresses the deep muscle tissue and nerves.

After you find relief from your pain, it's a good idea that you continue services to stay healthier. You can also ask a therapist for advice on what you can do at home until your next session. For example, you may want to purchase cushions for your chairs or better pillows for your bed to keep your shoulders in the correct alignment when you sit or lie down. A therapist will discuss how you can maintain good posture during your evaluations.

For more details about postural assessments, contact a professional in massage therapy in your area today.