The Problem with “Posture Correction” Treatments: What the Evidence Really Says

Posture is not a fixed structure to be “corrected”. Posture is a dynamic, adaptable way of positioning ourselves, influenced by movement habits, the activity we’re undertaking, occupation, environment, mood, and cultural expectations.

The idea of Posture Correction has been around for decades… and is often outdated in how it is used. This concept is often promoted by manual therapy professions such as Chiropractic. You might have seen claims that “poor posture” causes pain and that with the right treatment, your spine can be “realigned” or “fixed”.

However, current scientific evidence tells a different story. As an Osteopath, Pilates teacher and Personal Trainer, I believe it is time to move beyond outdated ideas of “posture correction” and towards a more modern, individualised approach.

The Problem with “Posture Correction”
The concept of a single “ideal” posture that prevents pain is not supported by high-quality research. Large studies have found no consistent relationship between posture and pain. People with so-called “perfect” posture can still experience back or neck pain, while those with supposed “poor” posture may have no pain at all (Briggs et al., 2009; Christensen & Hartvigsen, 2008).

Posture is not a fixed structure to be “corrected”. Posture is a dynamic, adaptable way of positioning ourselves, influenced by movement habits, the activity we’re undertaking, occupation, environment, mood, and cultural expectations.

Posture as a Social and Cultural Concept
Much of what we consider “good posture” is shaped by social and cultural beliefs rather than scientific evidence. Military-style upright posture, for example, became associated with discipline and health during the 19th century, and this idea persists today. In reality, there is huge variation in what is considered “normal” posture between individuals and cultures.

Rather than aiming for one ideal posture, it is more useful to think about variety of movement and comfort. Being able to move in and out of different postures is far more important than holding one rigid position all day.

What About Manual Therapy?
Manual therapy techniques, such as those used by Osteopaths, Physiotherapists, or Chiropractors, can sometimes produce short-term improvements in pain and movement. This may be due to changes in pain perception and muscle tone rather than any permanent “realignment” (Bialosky et al., 2009).

However, there is strong evidence that manual therapy alone does not produce lasting change to posture (Franke et al., 2015). Sustainable improvements come from combining exercise, movement retraining, education, lifestyle changes which improve overall health and well-being, and manual therapy can be included

A More Effective Approach
Modern evidence supports a combined approach that includes:

• Encouraging movement variety rather than rigid posture rules

• Strength and mobility exercises tailored to the individual

• Education to reduce fear and unhelpful beliefs about posture

• Manual therapy as a supportive, short-term tool where appropriate

This approach focuses on the person and their context, not a textbook idea of posture. It recognises that comfort, function, and confidence are more meaningful goals than achieving a perfectly upright spine.

Conclusion
The notion of posture correction as a standalone treatment is outdated and unsupported by evidence. Posture is individual, adaptable, and influenced by far more than biomechanics alone. By combining education, exercise, and (when appropriate) manual therapy, we can help people move more confidently, reduce pain, and achieve lasting change - without chasing an unrealistic idea of “perfect posture”.

References

• Bialosky JE, et al. (2009). Spinal manipulative therapy, mechanisms, and clinical application. Journal of Electromyography and Kinesiology, 19(5), 785–796.

• Briggs AM, et al. (2009). Postural characteristics of people with and without chronic low back pain: A systematic review. BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders, 10, 83.

• Christensen ST, Hartvigsen J. (2008). Spinal curves and health: A systematic critical review of the literature. Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, 31(9), 690–714.

• Franke H, et al. (2015). Osteopathy for chronic low back pain: A systematic review and meta-analysis. BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders, 15, 286.