Guide patients to postural restoration through functional fitness

Examples of some of the most common findings we observe can be corrected by postural restoration via posture-based functional fitness

As a dedicated chiropractor for more than 30 years, one of my favorite “one liners” has been, “Structure determines Function.”  I love the simplicity and the power in that line, one that is in-line with postural restoration.

Forward head posture and pelvis misalignment

In the world of health care, which primarily emphasizes symptoms as the reason for care, in our chiropractic world we’d be eager to say, “You’re missing the boat!” You’re falling short on what you can do for your patients:

Example 1 — One of the most common things I’ve seen over the years in my practice is the cervical straightening or reversal coupled with forward head posture (in many cases coupled with advanced degenerative joint disease). I know I’m speaking to the choir, but please hang with me as I make my point.

Example 2 — Another all-too-common variant is the rotated or shifted pelvis (only the very thing that our entire torso/cranium sits on). Again, in a world of looking at symptoms as the cause, we chiropractors re-educate our patients on the “structure determines function” explanation and they get it.

The patients are not even connecting the dots though on why in the first example that cervical reversal has anything to do with his/her lost cervical range of motion or inability to do specific daily activities (like sit at a computer and work or hold a child, etc.). In the patient’s mind, if it doesn’t hurt, it’s not a problem. At least not until they truly comprehend that structure does determines function.

Postural restoration and functional fitness results

Here’s where posture-based functional fitness comes into play. Clearly, chiropractic adjustments with additional supportive care can correct this cervical reversal or shifted pelvis. These examples of some of the most common findings we observe – well, they need to be supported with postural restoration via posture-based functional fitness.

Often our patients will respond with things like, “I go to the gym and workout 3-4 times per week,” or, “I run 30 miles per week,” or “I ride my Peloton,” etc. You get where I’m going with this? What I have found over the years is that the adjustment, coupled with posture-based functional fitness, will create  sustainable, long term results. Once they fully comprehend structure determines function, they will recognize that posture-based functional fitness is the modality to move his/her health forward.

Exercise alone doesn’t do it

Exercise alone or “building muscle mass” is not the answer. Functional fitness with specific patient goals to directly affect his/her activities of daily living is the key. It’s a game changer.

In our (multi-doctor) chiropractic office we rely heavily on the results from patient active care. We have specific goals for delivery based on individual assessment.

The patients recognize that a posture-based functional fitness component in conjunction with their adjustments makes sense and feels right when working towards postural restoration. It helps them not only feel stronger but sets the stage for improved range of motion, coordination, balance, posture, and flexibility.  This sets your patients up for better results and lowers their risk of re-injury. Whether it’s being able to sit at his/her computer, hold a child, etc., it’s a broader experience with great outcomes. A perfect recipe for a happy, healthy patient who refers for best results. You truly have a hand at improving their quality of life.

Elizabeth Welch, DC, is CEO of Get PostureFit and a chiropractor at Family Chiropractic and Posture Center, Inc. Learn more at getposturefit.com.