Postural Deviations

Lordosis

Increased anterior lumbar curve from neutral.

What are the shortened muscles in lordosis?

Hip flexors and lumbar extensors.

What are the lengthened muscles in lordosis?

Hip extensors, external obliques, and rectus abdominis.

Kyphosis

Increased posterior thoracic curve from neutral.

What are the shortened muscles in kyphosis?

Anterior chest/shoulders, lats, and neck extensors.

What are the lengthened muscles in kyphosis?

Upper back extensors, scapular stabilizers, and neck flexors.

Flat Back

Decreased anterior lumbar curve.

What are the shortened muscles in flat back?

Rectus abdominis, upper back extensors, neck extensors, and ankle plantar flexors.

What are the lengthened muscles in flat back?

Iliacus/psoas major, internal obliques, lumbar extensors, and neck flexors.

Sway Back

Decreased anterior lumbar curve and increased posterior thoracic curve from neutral.

What are the shortened muscles in sway back?

Hamstrings, upper fibers of posterior obliques, lumbar extensors, and neck extensors.

What are the lengthened muscles in sway back?

Iliacus/psoas major, rectus femoris, external obliques, upper back extensors, and neck flexors.