Osteopathic Posture.

Posture in both the static and dynamic state is a major source of clinical data. Because osteopathy is particularly concerned with the structure–function relationship in the living system, osteopaths are especially interested in understanding the ways the musculoskeletal system homeostatically adapts to various physical (e.g., gravity) and nonphysical (e.g., emotional) stressors.

On one level, this is referred to as postural compensation and takes in all structures from the base of the skull to the feet. Because of gravity, osteopaths are especially interested in the more caudad structures like the lower extremities, sacrum, and pelvis and their relationship relative to more cephalad regions. This perspective enables the practitioner to readily identify structural compensation for somatic dysfunction in other areas. These patterns manifest underlying tendencies on the part of a system that is constantly seeking homeostatic balance on all levels.

Several factors lead to postural compensation, including traumatic, personal conditions (e.g., emotional state), and abnormal gait. Other patterns, including various forms of scoliosis, kyphosis, and lordosis, of both anatomic and functional nature, are noted.