What is ergonomics?

Ergonomics is the study of posture which is the position in which someone holds their body. It is a multi-displincary technique developed in Europe and practised in France and Spain, and a number of other countries too. It is not widespread in the UK however. Posturology considers posture from a whole perspective and aims to correct bad posture which in turn should prevent or correct other conditions. Poor posture can be defined as an imbalanced relationship between different parts of the body that need to be realigned.

Why is ergonomics done?

Ergonomics aims to correct posture and normalise movements. It is thought that only 10% of the population do not suffer from postural imbalance. Posturology patients often complain of obscure aches and pains, which posturology can identify as being a result of bad posture and abnormal habitual movements, such as how one works at a desk. Posturology also believes that certain symptoms, if not treated, can lead to other problems, for example, a certain foot problem will result in knee perturbation and hip rotations.

What does ergonomics involve?

Over a period, posture is ‘recalibrated’ by addressing the four elements that contribute to posture:

• The feet
• The eyes
• The TMJ bone
• The skin

Pain or aches experienced by a patient are treated in a multidisciplinary response, so not just looking at orthopaedic causes, for example, but considering the role of the above four components in creating well-balanced posture.

Fixing posture will consider static and dynamic situations, as well as how your body responds during physical activity and when at work.