POSTUROLOGY  

Posturology, known as Global Postural Recalibration, is the study of the tonic postural system.

Troy is one of the very first Posturologists in the United States.

Posturology, known as Global Postural Recalibration, is the study of the tonic postural system.

• Introduction
• The Foot
• The Eye
• TMJ
• The Skin

  Posturology is a science-based multi-disciplinary technique developed in Europe almost 25 years ago under the leadership of Dr. Bernard Bricot, a renowned French orthopedic surgeon. It is an innovative approach to medical science, stemming from a need to diagnose and treat certain conditions in their early stages, as well as to develop a treatment capable of evaluating a postural system as a whole. Dr. Bricot, along with a team of doctors and scientists, created a non-invasive way of healing and postural reprogramming which is more causative in its revolutionary approach. Many doctors, scientists and specialists from various fields worked together to develop this system under the direction of Dr. Bricot. As a result, Posturology is now taught in European medical schools at both the undergraduate and postgraduate levels, at the World Academy of Posturology and Associated Therapies, the Dept. of Posturology at the University Tor Vergata of Rome, and the Dept. of Posturology at the University of Palermo.

More information on Dr. B. Bricot.

"Future medicine needs to be preventative!" - Dr. Bricot

Once Posturology has been introduced to individuals -- of any field, background, or experience – they may begin the process of normalizing their posture and normalizing their movement. Posturology is a precise science; a methodological treatment system that can pinpoint specific causes of the body's orthostatic misalignments and deficiencies.

It is common for certain modalities and patients to focus on sensations of discomfort, described variously as aches, pain, tension, tingling and numbness. Although these are important symptoms to report, their origin and/ or cycle of re-creation is rarely found and cured correctly. Posturology traces these symptoms back to their origins through well documented scientific correlations and methods. For example, specific foot problems will result in predictable knee perturbation, and then hip changes/ rotations.

"Posture is a motor response". A year into the process, if recalibration is maintained through periodic checks and balances, the reprogramming is stored or "engrammed" (a postulated biochemical change, presumably in neural tissue representing memory).

Posturology uses facts of the client/ patient's medical history and specific scientific findings to understand and investigate cause and effect scenarios in the body, leading to better choices and lasting benefits. Predictable and inevitable structural problems can be deterred and/ or rectified. With each level of postural reprogramming that takes place, clients/ patients are afforded more efficient and effective healing. This eliminates of symptoms caused from obstructed, uncorrected posture.

Based on recent neuroscientific findings, it is known that not only the inner ear but also the eyes, feet and jaw truly position us in space, giving us proper spatial awareness and equilibrium. Posturology focuses on the tuning of 4 key sensory receptors: the feet, eyes, jaw, and skin in recalibrating an individual's posture.

Statistics show us that less than 10% of the population corresponds to the criteria for normal orthostatic posture. These subjects almost never suffer from pain.

However, a majority of the population does suffer from postural imbalance.

Statistics show us that less than 10% of the population corresponds to the criteria for normal orthostatic posture. These subjects almost never suffer from pain.

All movement is a succession of different postures.

Posturology concentrates on recalibrating standing posture, which results in fully optimized movement.

Posturology addresses the causes, not the symptoms of your problem, and restores functional movement. It provides immediate as well as long-term results.

The relationship between body parts:

During assessment the patient may be prescribed appropriate treatment including special insoles (which are not orthotics), magnets, eye drops and special exercises.

Sensory systems provide information to the mind/body concerning its own state and that of its surroundings. This information is transferred from sensory receptors to the central nervous system via afferent (sensory nerve) pathways. On a sensory level, the foot is exemplified as an exteroceptor (the sole of the foot) and as a proprioceptor (composed of muscles, tendons and joints).

During assessment the function of the foot and its receptors will be examined and global postural analysis will be performed.

The foot is corrected with an appropriate postural insole. In addition, if deemed necessary, further correction of the foot via elevations may be prescribed.

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THE FOOT

INSOLES

Please do not confuse postural insoles with the orthotics sometimes prescribed by podiatrists.

Postural insoles must be worn at all times (or as close to it as possible) for a period to be determined, ranging from months to years, in order to permanently reprogram your deficiencies in that area. But if you take them off after our first session, the body will immediately revert to its original pattern. This is why they must be worn as instructed to restore motor patterns. Postural insoles correct many asymmetries in the body, working to restore foot function. These insoles emit a steady frequency of 90H via a special resonator, which increases sensitivity in the receptors of the feet. If worn correctly, they immediately and dramatically improve the body's stability and alignment. The insoles are very thin and contain a magnetlike substance (a natural mineral crystal derived for the most part from quartz). These energize and normalize the muscular chain, affecting many levels of tilt and rotation, for example the pelvis and the shoulders.

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THE EYE

Numerous neuroscientific studies prove that the eye is one of the most important receptors in the postural system.

The eye has two main functions:

• Exteroception (vision)
• Proprioception (extra-ocular muscles)

Ocular pathologies cause many postural deficiencies. While vision problems (exteroception) are often diagnosed and treated, proprioception issues, such as insufficient eye convergence, are rarely diagnosed. This convergence is tested and can be treated through Posturology.

Proper testing is frequently not included in standard eye exams in optometrists', opthalmologists' or opticians' offices. It is also a growing problem in school age children, unfortunately, convergence testing/ treating is not part of school eye screenings or eye tests in pediatricians' offices.

Eye convergence is a function of the medial rectus muscle which is activated by the cranial nerve III.

Insufficient convergence is the inability to maintain proper binocular eye alignment when viewing an object from a distance and then up close.

An asymmetry of muscles between the left and the right eye will lead to an asymmetry of tension in the cervical spine, as their resting tone is dependent on the tension of the oculomotor muscles. This leads to restricted range of motion at the cervical spine, which will affect other areas of the body and create other proprioceptive problems. Also, the nerves in the eye musculature are related to nerves that innervate some of the neck musculature. If there is a problem with jaw position, the musculature of the eye and muscle tone of the neck muscles will be affected.

During a Posturology visit, an eye exam will be performed to determine binocularity and proper eye convergence.

The muscles of the eye can be corrected with eye exercises to strengthen eye musculature, Collyre (inosine monophosphate) eye drops may be used to stimulate muscle responsiveness, and/or a small magnet may be prescribed, to be worn over the outside corner of the eye, to inhibit tight eye muscles. All these processes will enhance the abilities of the eye muscles, and the eyes will respond to Posturology corrective eye exercises more rapidly and effectively. Full correction of eye convergence is possible.

Common symptoms related to a lack of convergence:

• eyestrain (especially during or after reading)
• headaches
• blurred vision
• double vision
• an inability to concentrate
• short attention span
• frequent losing of one's place
• squinting, rubbing, closing or having to cover one eye
• sleepiness during certain activities
• trouble remembering what was read
• words appear to move, jump, swim or float
• problems with motion sickness and/or vertigo

"Many patients with objectively measured convergence insufficiency may not complain of symptoms. This usually occurs because of suppression of the nonfixating eye or avoidance of near vision tasks."
- eMedicine - Convergence Insufficiency

The problem may however manifest itself in postural deficiencies, while the patient does not make the correlation with eye problems. In addition, certain individuals may experience symptoms at a later time in comparison to others, depending on other factors, such as their overall state of health. In embryonic states of postural deficiency, there are correlating symptoms however, they are so small that patients are barely conscious of them. As postural deficiencies worsen, many of the symptoms are magnified and may therefore be noticed.

It is always best to catch these deficiencies in their early stages in order to prevent many degenerative conditions, ailments and/or symptoms the body may experience. This is the goal and purpose of Posturology.

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TMJ

TMJ is the Tempero-mandibular joint, the joint that hinges the lower jaw (mandible) to the skull. The Posturologist will evaluate the patient's jaw in terms of bite, ventilation, swallowing, phonation, dental pathologies and microgalvanism. If abnormalities are found, the patient will be referred to a neuromuscular dentist. Patients diagnosed with TMJ problems often suffer from headaches, jaw pain, insomnia, various body aches and fatigue. Neck and shoulder muscles will often be sore and tense, and there may be pain in the cervical spine. Other problems occuring as a result of TMJ issues: hypersensitivity to sound, difficulties with swallowing, certain pains in the pelvis, menstrual problems through the endocrine system becaause of discharge from the hypothalamus, cranio-facial dysmorphism, and limitations in specific ranges of motion. The postural system will always be affected if TMJ issues are present. The masticatory system (the jaw) can also influence oculo-motor muscles. Dental pathologies like crossbites, clenching, lateral deviations and lateral missing teeth are serious obstacles to postural reprogramming and may also be addressed during your session.

The posturologist will analyze not only how the masticatory system influences posture but also how posture adapts to perturbation in the TMJ.

Neuromuscular dentistry is a dental treatment philosophy in which temporomandibular joints, masticatory muscles and central nervous system mechanisms are used to follow generic physiologic and anatomic laws applicable to musculoskeletal systems. It is a treatment modality of dentistry that focuses on correcting "misalignment" of the jaw at the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). Neuromuscular dentistry acknowledges the multi-facted musculoskeletal occlusal signs and symptoms as they relate to postural problems involving the lower jaw and cervical region. Neuromuscular dentistry claims that "misalignment problem(s)" can be corrected by understanding the relationships of the tissues involved, which include muscles, teeth, temporomandibular joints, and nerves. In short, proponents of neuromuscular dentistry claim that it adds objective data and understanding to previous mechanical models of occlusion. - Wikipedia

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THE SKIN

The posturologist will be able to determine if a patient has pathological scars. It is a fact that pathological scars will influence your musculature and posture. Moreover, scars cut meridians of energy. Untreated pathological scars can cause an increase in the production of adrenaline. Adrenaline can provoke hypertension or hypotension, neuro-vegetative dystonia, hyper sympathetic nervous systems, it increases glycemia which leads to insulin secretion and slight hypoglycemia. Scars also have associations with both hypertension and obesity.

Pathological scars can be treated or at least neutralized with the use of specific essential oils and/or laser therapy, all of which may be discussed during your assessment. 

In addition to assessing the foot, eye, jaw and skin receptors, the Posturologist will make other important correlations that may also influence the overall postural system as well as the health and well-being of the patient.

"Man's greatest mistake is that he has convinced himself that he knows everything about what in actuality he doesn't understand." - Troy Stallman

Conventional medicine does not welcome unfamiliar technologies. However, what is unfamiliar now may be seen as revolutionary later. Posturology has been used in the French and Italian medical systems for over 20 years. And Germany and Brazil have begun integrating Posturology into their systems.

Also noteworthy is the fact that in over 20 years of Posturology, it has evolved significantly, based on continued integration of scientific studies and new medical expertise.

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Copyright 2010 Troy Stallman

PUBLISHED STUDIES:

1) 2007, Cutaneous afferents provide and the orientation of human ankle movements

2) 2006, Manually controlled human balancing using visual, vestibular and proprioceptive senses involves a common, low frequency neural process

3) 2002, Cutaneous.Afferent.Plantar.sole.Posture-NeuroReport

4) 2002, Role of ocular convergence in the Romberg quotient

5) 2002, Role of visual input in nonlinear postural control system

6) 1999, Specific whole-body shifts induced by frequency-modulated vibrations of human plantar soles

7) 1998, The effect of Orthoptic treatment upon the vergence Adaptattion Mechanism

8) 1985, Kinesthetic and motor muscle effects of extraocular muscle

Troy Stallman with Dr. Bricot (Founder of Posturology), Annette Verpillot and Mathieu Boulé of Posturepro Canada, and Agata Glinska, Posturology practitioner