MODIFICATIONS FOR POSTURE PROBLEMS

Question 1

LORDOSIS - What tight muscles do they usually have?

Answer 1

Lordosis clients will have an anteriorly tilted posture, resulting in

tight hip flexors and potentially tight or strong back erectors.

Question 2

What modifications can we implement for LORDOSIS clients?

Answer 2

• a lumbar cushion under the lumbar spine may provide some comfort in the supine position and aid spinal mobility exercises
• consider ways to take the pressure off the hip flexors with a band where appropriate.
• may struggle with certain exercises, such as the Roll Up exercise.
• tightness of the hip flexors could be alleviated with a band or by straightening the legs, and cushioning for the lumbar curve can be offered with the use of a mini ball or rolled-up towel.
• where tightness in the hip flexors makes sitting crossed-legged uncomfortable, in exercises such as Spine Twist and Spine stretch, then offering height by sitting on a block may help.

Question 3

What should LORDOSIS clients avoid?

Answer 3

Be aware not to overdo exercises in the tabletop position

Question 4

In what areas do KYPHOSIS clients usually feel tightness and reduced mobility?

Answer 4

Typically, Kyphosis will result in hyperextension of the cervical vertebrae, with tight pectorals, and reduced mobility in the thoracic spine.

Question 5

What modifications can we implement for KYPHOSIS clients?

Answer 5

Modification may include

• a block under the head to aid cervical alignment.
• the use of a band can help to aid alignment and draw the scapular back and open up the chest, in exercises such as the Spine Twist.

Question 6

FLAT BACK - where are they usually tight and have reduced mobility?

Answer 6

Those with Flatback will have lengthened hip flexors and limited lumbar mobility

Question 7

What modifications can we implement for FLAT BACK clients?

Answer 7

A lumbar cushion may be used here to support the development of strength in the hip flexors.

Question 8

What can we do to help those with SWAY BACK?

Answer 8

Swayback will need the same attention as kyphosis in most cases, but also the education of the plumb line, rolling down from standing is a useful exercise to master this.