What the postural assessment is
The postural assessment is one of the three pillars of NST and the starting point for the hands-on work that follows. A charting approach is used to map points of structural alignment from your cranium to your feet, focused on what is relevant to your specific symptoms.
Some sessions involve a more comprehensive chart at the first visit. After a few visits, the assessment becomes more targeted, often checking just the points connected to the issue you are working on. The goal is to understand the structure that is creating dysfunction, not to follow a fixed protocol.
Why posture matters in chronic pain
Posture is the way we hold ourselves in standing, sitting, and movement. The body spends a lot of energy holding us in our postural patterns, and even more energy holding us in dysfunctional ones. Over time, those compensations show up as muscle imbalances, and unaddressed muscle imbalances often result in chronic pain.
The postural assessment maps where your body has compensated. The hands-on work then addresses what the assessment found.
How findings shape treatment
After the assessment, the findings are walked through and how they connect to your symptoms. The treatment for that session is built around the findings rather than a generic routine. At follow-up visits, the points relevant to your progress are checked and the work is adjusted accordingly.
This is why two patients with the same complaint can receive different treatment — because the postural picture underneath each one is different.
Frequently asked questions
- How long does the assessment take?
- It depends. The first visit typically includes a more comprehensive chart. Follow-up visits often involve a quicker check focused on what's relevant.
- Is the assessment painful?
- No. The assessment is observational — you'll be walked through positions while points of alignment are charted. You stay in comfortable clothing.
- Is the assessment included in the session?
- Yes. The assessment is part of every session at no additional charge.
- Will the findings be explained?
- Yes. After the assessment, the major findings are walked through and how they connect to your symptoms.
Ready to see what your posture is telling you?
Book a session.