Posture &
Alignment.

A posture and alignment assessment is a comprehensive biomechanical evaluation of your standing posture, spinal alignment, pelvic symmetry, leg length and foot position. We identify postural imbalances, leg length discrepancies, pelvic tilt, spinal curvature and compensatory patterns contributing to pain, stiffness or dysfunction. The assessment includes static posture analysis, leg length measurement, gait analysis and pressure mapping.

Yes. Foot biomechanics directly affect spinal alignment. Overpronation (flat feet), leg length discrepancy, asymmetric foot function or poor arch support can cause pelvic tilt, spinal misalignment and compensatory postural adjustments — leading to chronic lower back pain, hip pain or knee pain. Custom orthotics or heel lifts can correct foot biomechanics and improve spinal alignment.

Leg length discrepancy (LLD) is when one leg is shorter than the other. It can be structural (true bone length difference from birth, fracture or surgery) or functional (apparent difference from pelvic tilt, hip rotation or asymmetric foot pronation). Symptoms include back pain, hip pain, uneven gait, tilted pelvis and asymmetric shoe wear. Heel lifts or orthotics correct LLD.

Structural leg length discrepancy is treated with heel lifts — raising the shorter leg to level the pelvis and spine. Lifts are gradually introduced (starting at 50% of the discrepancy) to allow adaptation. Functional leg length discrepancy is treated with custom orthotics to control asymmetric foot pronation and correct pelvic alignment. Severe discrepancies (>2cm) may require referral to orthopaedics.

Yes. We screen for scoliosis (lateral spinal curvature) during postural assessment. We check shoulder height, rib hump, spinal alignment and use the Adams forward bend test. If scoliosis is identified, we assess severity, discuss implications and refer to spinal specialists (physiotherapist, chiropractor or orthopaedic surgeon) for management. We can provide orthotics to address lower limb biomechanics contributing to postural compensation.

Pelvic tilt can be caused by: muscle imbalance (weak core, tight hip flexors, weak glutes), leg length discrepancy, asymmetric foot pronation, scoliosis, hip arthritis, pregnancy, poor posture habits or previous injury. Symptoms include lower back pain, hip pain, poor posture and gait asymmetry. Treatment includes strengthening exercises, postural retraining, orthotics or heel lifts.

Yes. Custom orthotics control foot biomechanics (pronation, supination, arch collapse) which directly affects pelvic alignment and spinal posture. By correcting foot position, orthotics can reduce pelvic tilt, improve spinal alignment and reduce compensatory postural stress — alleviating back pain, hip pain and improving overall posture.

Not usually. Clinical leg length measurement (tape measurement from hip to ankle) is accurate for most cases. X-rays (scanogram) are only needed for surgical planning or if precise measurement (<1mm accuracy) is required. Most podiatrists use clinical measurement combined with postural assessment and gait analysis.

A comprehensive posture and alignment assessment typically takes 45–60 minutes. This includes postural history, static posture analysis, leg length measurement, pelvic alignment assessment, spinal screening, gait analysis, pressure mapping, diagnosis and treatment planning.

Yes — in most cases. Postural imbalances caused by muscle weakness, foot biomechanics, leg length discrepancy or poor habits can be corrected with strengthening exercises, custom orthotics, heel lifts and postural retraining. Structural issues (scoliosis, spinal degeneration) may not be fully correctable but can be managed to reduce pain and prevent progression.

If you have a structural leg length discrepancy, yes — heel lifts are typically needed long-term to maintain pelvic and spinal alignment. If the discrepancy is functional (caused by muscle imbalance or foot pronation), orthotics and exercises may correct the issue, and lifts may be temporary.

Our clinic is in Arnold, Nottingham. We provide posture and alignment assessments for patients across Nottinghamshire including Gedling, Carlton, Mapperley, Woodthorpe, Ravenshead, Hucknall, Daybrook, Bestwood, Calverton, Lambley, Burton Joyce, West Bridgford, Beeston, Bingham, Radcliffe-on-Trent, Mansfield, Newark, Retford, Worksop and surrounding areas.