Although posture has been debated as providing significant input to musculoskeletal assessment it is always utilized in professional sports as a lead in to more detailed evaluation. To a specialist in sports medicine the static evaluation of head tilt, low shoulder, high hip, spinal curvature, genu valgus, and foot pronation are basic observations that set a foundation to detailed bodily function. Every clinician observes spinal flexion, extension, right-left lateral flexion, and right-left rotation. In high level athletes dynamic components must be added to your assessment to evaluate function with body motion and physical stress.
For example if you have a low right shoulder it may indicate a weak right trapezius. It may also indicate a tight right pectoralis major or minor; weak right scapular retractors; tight right latissimus dorsi; tight right erector spinae muscles; tight right hip flexor; right femoral internal rotation; tibial rotation, and foot pronation. Your assessment process will certainly focus on the area of pain but it must also simultaneously consider all areas of the body that influence function in the symptomatic area.
As a clinician you have to piece this together. As a golfer you have to find those specialists who do a detailed postural analysis, implement an effective treatment program and provide exercises that will correct and maintain efficient movement capabilities. Treating symptoms is important. Improving function is what lasts!
