What Is a Posture Assessment?

A posture assessment looks at how you position your body while standing or sitting. It may include observing the relationship between your head, shoulders, trunk, and pelvis. Photographic tools such as PostureScreen® can help measure selected angles and shifts between body landmarks. These measurements provide a visual reference for discussing your posture and documenting changes over time. A posture photo is one part of the assessment, not a diagnosis by itself.

What Is a Movement Assessment?

A movement assessment looks at what happens when you move, rather than only when you stand still.

Depending on your concerns, Dr. Magen may assess:

• Range of motion: How far and comfortably a joint moves.

• Strength and endurance: Your ability to produce and sustain effort.

• Balance and coordination: How you maintain stability and control.

• Everyday movements: Tasks such as bending, reaching, squatting, or walking.

Your symptoms during these activities help put the findings into context.

Why Assess Both?

A photograph shows a moment in time. Movement testing helps explain what you can do and which activities feel difficult. For example, if reaching overhead bothers your shoulder, we may look at shoulder motion, upper-back movement, strength, and how you perform the task. Standing posture alone cannot answer all those questions. Together, these observations help guide recommendations that connect to your daily life.

What Does Research Say About PostureScreen®?

A 2016 study involving 10 participants found that several PostureScreen measurements could be repeated with substantial or very strong agreement. Results varied by measurement, and clothing affected how easily body landmarks could be identified. A 2018 study involving 20 healthy young adults also found strong repeatability for many measurements and preliminary evidence that the app could detect selected changes in standing posture. These findings support its use as a measurement and documentation tool. They do not establish that an app can identify the cause of pain or determine treatment on its own.

Does an Uneven Measurement Mean Something Is Wrong?

An asymmetry is an observation to explore, not an automatic reason for treatment. Dr. Magen considers whether the finding relates to your symptoms, movement, health history, or goals. The purpose is to understand your needs, rather than make every measurement perfectly symmetrical.

What Happens During Your Visit?

We listen.
You describe your concerns, daily activities, work setup, previous injuries, and goals.

We assess.
Dr. Magen observes relevant positions and movements. Photographs or measurements may be used to document findings, with your consent.

We explain.
You’ll understand what was observed, what it may mean, and whether exercise, chiropractic care, activity changes, or further evaluation may be useful.

How Will We Track Progress?

Repeat measurements can add information, but your progress also includes how you feel and function. Reaching more comfortably, tolerating your workday, or returning to an activity may matter more than a small change in a photograph.

Explore the Research

Repeatability of PostureScreen measurements — 2016

Rater reliability and construct validity of a posture-analysis app — 2018