What Is Posture?

We've all heard the term "posture", but what exactly is it and what does it mean?

The term posture refers to the position of the body, or relative alignment of body parts. When we describe posture, we are describing how the body is aligned in relation to itself and other objects.

Because we live on earth, posture can also be described as the particular way in which our body holds itself and moves around in order to maximise the benefits and minimise the negative influences of gravity. There is no escaping it - gravity impacts on everything, from keeping the water in the oceans to our feet firmly on the ground.

Humans are unique in their ability to stand and move around on two feet. This particular posture has developed over thousands of years in response to changing environmental conditions. Just think of the image showing the evolutionary line of humans.

As species of all animals continue to evolve, any successful changes to their design must result in a posture that is capable of effectively controlling the influence of gravity whilst still enabling them to survive.

For humans, our successful two-legged existence has resulted in a particular alignment of the bones and muscles within our body that makes the most efficient use of gravity. This ideal posture is now our design blueprint.

For every new individual that is conceived, the layout of the bones and muscles, or musculoskeletal structure is defined by our genetic blueprint. The trouble is, reproduction is not a cloning science, it is a natural process that inevitably results in variations to what was intended.

Although how we use our bodies during life greatly affects our postural alignment, many of us are born with slight variations to the intended "ideal" musculoskeletal alignment. After all, these are what help to make each and every one of us unique. The vast majority of the population suffer from very minor alterations whereas a smaller number suffer more serious problems, such as spina bifida or an anatomical short leg.