Postural alignment: Egoscue Method®
What is the Egoscue Method?
The Egoscue method is a therapy that uses a series of individually tailored exercises to make specific demands on the body to correct postural misalignment. The Egoscue Method works on the basis that most people’s body has a fundamental design characteristic. This can be seen in the following pictures that outlines the relationship of the load bearing joints - the shoulders, hips, knees and ankles. You will notice that the ankles, knees, hips and shoulders are designed to line up vertically and horizontally at 90 degree angles.
According to the Egoscue Method, any deviation from this fundamental design posture will lead to dysfunction, compensation and eventually pain in the body. What this means in practice is any differences between the left and right side of the body and the front and back of the body or combinations will lead to some form of dysfunction. Common postural changes can include elevated hip or shoulder, rotation of trunk or hip, “knock” knees or bow legs and can occur as a result of lifestyle factors and injury.
The aim of the Egoscue method is to eliminate the postural differences of the body and thereby restore muscular balance and skeletal alignment. The EM therapy uses posturalfunctional exercises to reposition, strengthen and stretch the body, thereby treating anatomical dysfunction. The EM therapy helps to restore full, natural function to muscles and joint. As a Naturopath, I would describe the Egoscue Method therapy as a form of therapeutic exercises that are designed to create the right conditions for the body to heal.
The Three R’s of the Egoscue Method Therapy
Rediscover the body’s design
Restore Function
Return to Health
What is the Egoscue Method Therapy suitable for?
The Egoscue Method is suitable treatment for:
- Musculoskeletal disorders
- Musculoskeletal pain
- The promotion of general health, by way of improvement in overall body function.
What does a treatment involve?
The initial appointment begins with a thorough evaluation of the client’s health history, including past injuries, therapies, level of activity and medical conditions. Then a postural assessment is made looking at in particular the the relationship of the load bearing joints - ankles, knees, hips and shoulders - to each other. A series of postural photos will be taken for the postural assessment. The photos are also used with the client to help educate and motivate. Based on the client’s posture, a series of exercises are designed for the client. The client is shown how to perform these exercises and on completion another more brief assessment is made of the posture. The exercises are designed to reposition, stretch and strengthening. On completion of the session the client will be given a menu of exercises to complete each day at home, work or wherever is convenient. The exercises are designed to be done each day with 1 or 2 days off. Most of the exercises do not require any specific equipment and can be done at home.
How many treatments will I need?
The aim of the Egoscue Method is to get the client pain free and functional as soon as possible. Ideally a person will feel a sense of improvement from the first session. As to how many sessions, this depends on the client’s posture. Other factors such as age, activity level, occupation, motivation, stress and weight may have an impact on the recovery process. Most clients have somewhere between 2-8 treatments.
How much does it cost?
The initial consultation costs $90 and takes 1 1/2 hours. The follow up appointments cost $60 and take 1 hour. If your health cover includes Naturopathic consultation, you will be eligible for a rebate.
First Appointment
Please bring shorts, singlet and sneakers or runners.
