Do you find yourself constantly telling your child to stand up straight? You’re certainly not alone — poor posture is diagnosed in approximately 38.3% of children. The body is a highly interconnected system that relies on musculoskeletal health to maintain the body’s structure and form. Here’s what you should know about the relationship between your child’s pelvic tilt, trunk control, and their body’s overall health:
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The Pelvis Influences Posture
Did you know that the way the pelvis tilts directly affects posture? The pelvis should be stable, symmetrical, and at a 90-degree angle. If your child has a stable pelvis, they should be able to maintain an upright and healthy posture through various exercises.
Since the pelvis heavily influences posture, many children with poor posture have a pelvic tilt. There are four pelvic positions: posterior tilt, anterior tilt, forward-shifted pelvis, and neutral pelvis.
Here’s how it works: anterior tilt means the pelvis is tilted forward, posterior tilts indicate the pelvis tilts backwards, and a forward-shifted pelvis means it’s shifted partially forward and backward. The goal is to have a neutral pelvis for a balanced musculoskeletal system! Tilts occur when the pelvic is misaligned — causing pain and posture imbalances.
Luckily, you can correct your posture by getting to the root of the issue. Pelvis tilt corrections are entirely possible with the right types of exercise through physical therapy.
Trunk Control Affects Posture, Too!
Trunk control is one of the most critical aspects of a child’s physical development because it’s responsible for keeping a child stable and capable of controlling their upper body. Your child’s “trunk” is composed of their stomach and back. Since your child’s trunk control is responsible for maintaining their balance, it’s essential that their trunk function normally for them to live a happy and fulfilled life.
If you feel your child has poor posture due to pelvic tilt or trunk control issues, we’re Physiotherapist’s in Penrith, Sydney who are passionate about ensuring your child feels strong and ready to take on the world.
Roxanne Jason
Physiotherapist
