How do you perform a basic assessment of postural alignment?

Conducting a basic assessment of postural alignment primarily involves observing the client's standing posture. This method allows the therapist to visually assess any deviations from ideal alignment, such as discrepancies in shoulder height, pelvic tilt, or spinal curvature. By carefully observing how the client holds their body while standing, the therapist can identify potential areas of tension or imbalance that may contribute to discomfort or pain.

Observational assessment is fundamental because it provides immediate visual feedback about the client's posture, which can indicate muscle imbalances or joint issues. This assessment can be complemented by other methods or tools, but visually analyzing the posture is often the initial and most accessible way to start.

Measuring height, conducting a muscle strength test, or using a postural analysis app might provide specific information, but they do not offer the same direct observation of posture that can reveal immediate insights into alignment issues. Measuring height is more about establishing a baseline, strength tests focus on muscular performance rather than alignment, and using an app involves technology that may not always reflect individual nuances that a trained eye can detect.