In this article written by Charlotte Rieu , osteopath D.O. and Allyane practitioner, we invite you to discover what posturology is, what pathologies can lead to a postural deficit and what the Allyane method can contribute to the management of spinal pathologies that may be linked to it.
Posturology: definition
Posturology is a diagnostic method for reducing asynchronism of postural sensors. In other words, it enables certain pathologies to be treated by taking charge of a patient's postural balance.
This multi-disciplinary method brings together various health professionals, including osteopaths, podiatrists, dentists, physiotherapists, orthoptists and doctors. The aim is to achieve a more economical posture and an optimized motor pattern in the subject in question.
What are the advantages of posturology?
As we've just mentioned, posturology is not intended to treat any particular ailment. It is first and foremost a diagnostic tool that can help various health professionals detect the presence of certain pathologies in their patients. Its benefits have already been proven in a number of specific cases.
Obtain additional data to determine the optimal care pathway
In the case of certain medical disorders, posturology can provide particularly interesting insights for healthcare professionals. This is particularly true of balance disorders linked to inner ear dysfunction (vestibular disorders), certain parameters of which can be revealed by posturology.
Improving postural control assessment with posturology
Posturology can also be very useful in assessing a patient's postural control, particularly as a complement to the other tests generally carried out to detect this disorder. The benefits of posturology in the management of balance and posture disorders induced by Parkinson's disease, epilepsy or stroke, for example, have already been demonstrated by numerous scientific studies.
What pathologies can be linked to a postural defect?
Postural imbalance can lead to a variety of pathologies. These include
- recurrent low back pain and sciatica;
- herniated discs;
- neck and back pain ;
- tendinopathies ;
- muscular hypertonia ;
- scoliosis;
- Postural Deficiency Syndrome (PDS);
- plantar fasciitis ;
- gonalgia (patellar syndromes) ;
- recurrent muscle injuries ;
- FLESSUM;
- recurrent sprains and tendinopathies, etc.
Causes of postural pathology
Postural pathologies can have different origins. Although we all suffer from postural sensor asynchrony (mandibular asymmetry or plantar asymmetry, for example), some of us are able to compensate for these innate defects with ease, while others can develop certain pathologies that can lead to chronic pain.
However, there are a number of circumstances that can also influence the development of a postural defect. These include
- prolonged and repeated poor body posture;
- certain traumas ;
- certain post-surgical sequelae.
Patient management in clinical posturology
As part of the treatment of postural disorders, an initial clinical examination is carried out by various healthcare professionals trained in posturology (notably using the Barré vertical). The postural sensors (of which there are 6: eyes, spine, inner ear, feet, temporomandibular joints and skin) are then tested. Once a postural assessment has been carried out, the various therapists defined above can take charge of the patient.
The treatment of postural pathology then aims to neutralize the asynchronism of the sensors responsible for the imbalance, with the aim of inducing a more economical posture (i.e. less constraining) and optimizing the motor pattern. Stabilization of the postural system and muscle tone can also be optimized through neuromotor reprogramming.
The Allyane neuromotor reprogramming method and posturology
The Allyane neuromotor reprogramming method (thanks to its tripod comprising proprioceptive work, motor imagery and low-frequency sounds) acts on the origin of movement, creating a new motor automatism.
Following trauma (motor or mental), surgery or neurological pathology (stroke, MS, etc.), postural changes take place. The brain creates motor inhibitions that prevent the muscles from functioning properly, whether in terms of strength, quality of movement and/or compensation by other muscles often antagonistic to the action to be performed.
Combining the Allyane method and posturology enables us to provide a multidisciplinary approach to patient care. What's more, this approach is as effective in terms of prevention as it is in terms of correction or acquisition of new motor automatisms.
Would you like to find out more about the Allyane method?
Please do not hesitate to contact our team by telephone on 04 28 29 48 14 or by email on contact@allyane.com. You can also discover our training courses to become an Allyane practitioner.
Would you like to get in touch with an Allyane practitioner in your area? Contact our medical secretary on 04 28 29 58 10 or contact@allyane.com or consult our map: