STRENGTH SENSEI BOOKSHELF
Total Postural Reprogramming
A new look at the new science to standing tall
The American Chiropractic Association offers these disturbing facts about back pain:
“Experts estimate that up to 80% of the population will experience back pain at some time in their lives.”
“Worldwide, back pain is the single leading cause of disability, preventing many people from engaging in work as well as other everyday activities.”
“Back pain is one of the most common reasons for missed work. One-half of all working Americans admit to having back pain symptoms each year.”
“Back pain is the third most common reason for visits to the doctor’s office, behind skin disorders and osteoarthritis/joint disorders.”
That’s the problem, and one solution is the science of Posturology as examined in Total Postural Reprogrammingby Bernard Bricot, MD. But that’s not all, as Posturology may reduce the incidence of knee pain, hip pain, and many other orthopedic issues. It’s also a treatment method endorsed by Charles Poliquin..
Posturology is based on the work of J. P. Roll, a neuroscientist who received the highest rewards in his field for his work on posture. Nearly four decades ago, Roll did pioneering research on the causes of postural imbalances, such as how the nerves on the bottom of the feet can affect posture and how stimulating them can correct many posture issues. Expanding on his work was orthopedic surgeon Dr. Bernard Bricot, the author of Total Postural Reprogramming. Initially, the book was only available in French, but an English translation is now available.
Posturology goes beyond just correcting the feet, as the science also looks at how the eyes, teeth, and even the skin can influence posture. For example, regarding the teeth, an overbite (with the upper teeth overlapping the lower teeth) can cause a forward head posture. A Posturology prescription might include a consultation with an orthodontist. As for the eyes, a convergence imbalance (eyes don’t come together at the same time) can give the wrong signals to the brain about the body’s orientation in space, and correction might involve exercises (taught by a specialist in this field) to strengthen eye muscle imbalances that could cause it.
Total Postural Reprogramming discusses not only the theory of Posturology but also the assessments performed and corrections needed. Corrective stretches and strengthening exercises are not included, and these methods could be considered complementary. One of the popular medical textbooks on this topic is Muscles: Testing and Function, with Posture and Pain, by Kendall, McCreary, and Provance.
Posturology represents an entirely different way of postural correction, and the subject is extensively covered in Total Postural Reprogramming. It’s not the total solution for back pain and other orthopedic problems, but one that can play a valuable role in improving our quality of life.
[You can purchase Total Postural Reprogramming by Bernard Bricot, MD., through Amazon.com; however, their prices can exceed hundreds of dollars. A Google search can provide other distributors who will sell it at its original price of approximately $114.).
