PHYSICAL THERAPY

Dr Suzanne Patel, PhD is an experienced technical writer and researcher in medical education and a qualified remedial massage therapist. She currently works as a freelance writer in the area of medical physiology.

Figure 5a. Seated posture trainer Figure 5b. Head/neck visualisation

Emphasis should be placed on visualising the movement, to allow a series of muscular micro movements to take place towards improved posture.

Thoracic visualisation - next the client should visualise a second cog positioned in the middle of the thorax, directly below the first. As the top cog turns, the second cog turns in the opposite direction. Again, the client is instructed to visualise this move- ment occurring. As a result the sternum will begin to gently lift upwards and slightly outwards with the shoulders rolling down- wards and slightly backwards.

Lumbar-pelvic visualisation - finally a third cog should be visu- alised, turning in the same direction as the first, to maintain fluid movement in all three cogs. As the third cog turns, the pelvis is visualised gently rotating forwards and slightly downwards. Instructing the client to visualise all three cogs turning fluidly will result in a continued lengthening of the spine. It is important that the client only visualises the cogs turning to a position of comfortable and controlled upright posture. Regular practice of this technique can enhance postural awareness and control.

SUMMARY These techniques allow posture to be improved through a process of active learning and understanding. By engaging our clients in a kinaesthetic and visual dialogue, they can begin to gain deeper awareness and control of their musculoskeletal system. Through this dialogue, movement can be simplified to increase awareness of muscular holding patterns, allowing clients to regain the appro- priate amount of control over posture.

THE AUTHORS Kesh Patel is a corrective exercise and movement specialist, and lec- turer in clinical sports therapy. He runs a private clinic in Surrey, specialising in developing optimal movement strategies for rehabil- itation and performance, using sensory-motor education. He has a special interest in visual-kinaesthetic and language-based strategies to re-educate movement and enhance performance. Kesh is course director for Origin Health Training (see advertisement on right), which runs a series of CPD courses for trainers and therapists. For more information e-mail Kesh via kesh@origin-health.co.uk or tele- phone 01483 825 155. His first book, Corrective Exercise: A Practical Approach was published in June.

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