Postural Analysis: Spine and Plumb Line

In postural analysis, the plumb line should ideally pass through the ankle joint before the knee joint split.

Forward head posture indicates that the deep cervical flexors are strong.

The ear lobe should align with the acromioclavicular joint in optimal posture.

Forward shoulders are characterized by strong serratus anterior and middle/lower trapezius muscles.

Ideally, when viewed anteriorly, the shoulders should be asymmetrical, indicating a balanced muscular development.

The coracoids should perfectly match the sigmoid shape of the clavicles.

If the scapula is protracted more than 30°, the rhomboids are likely overactive.

Retracted scapulae are associated with overactivity of the trapezius muscles.

An elevated scapula is indicative of levator scapulae and rhomboid weakness.

A prominent medial border of the scapula indicates pseudo winging, primarily involving the inferior border.

Pseudo-winging of the scapula is characterized by prominence of the spine of the scapula.

The shoulder's alignment must be in straight line with the lesser trochanter.

The lumbar spine should ideally exhibit no lordosis.

Excessive lumbar extension is associated with overactive iliacus and quadratus lumborum muscles.

In cases of more lumbar lordosis, the multifidus and transverse abdominis muscles is typically overactive.

Increased lumbar kyphosis typically involves lengthened lumbar erector spinae muscles and shortened, overactive rectus abdominis.

In lumbar kyphosis, the rectus abdominis is lengthened and weakened.

Tight muscles in forward shoulder posture include the rhomboids and middle/lower trapezius.

The ideal shape of the clavicles is rhomboid, aligning with the coracoid processes.

Forward head posture results in increased recruitment of the deep cervical flexors to maintain head position.