What Is Postural Restoration?

Postural Restoration is a form of physical therapy treatment that encompasses the entire body.  The main focus of the treatment is in identifying and correcting common postural patterns found in the human body.  All humans have asymmetry in their anatomy that influences the way they stand, sit, walk, and even breathe.  This asymmetry promotes our body to fall into neuromuscular patterns that negatively influence muscle function and structural alignment.   By addressing the underlying postural patterns, we can more effectively treat the patient, and at the same time teach them how to prevent further injury.  Postural Restoration is an effective treatment approach for most musculoskeletal problems typically seen in physical therapy.

Postural Restoration (often referred to as PRI) treatment is an integrative and holistic approach.  Besides utilizing very specific exercises, manual techniques, and postural recommendations for our patients, we often utilize other professionals to address issues outside the scope of our practice that may be negatively affecting our treatment outcomes.  We often refer patients to podiatrists, dentists, and even optometrists to be fully successful.  PRI trained therapists understand the direct relationship that these different professions have on postural alignment, and how that can affect the musculoskeletal system and physical therapy outcomes.

There are many treatment options that can be successful for any given injury or problem.  After 18 years of clinical experience as a physical therapist I believe this approach by far is the most comprehensive and complete way of treating dysfunction and pain.  It addresses the root of the problem and teaches the patient how to prevent further injury.  For additional information on PRI click here :    http://posturalrestoration.com/about/.  

By Eric Pinkall PT, PRC