A posturologist (or chiropodist-posturologist) has the role of treating functional disorders of balance and making a postural assessment. It can be consulted in case of chronic back pain, repeated sprains or dizziness.
Definition: what is the role of a posturologist?
Posturology is an area of expertise that can be practiced by many specialists: podiatrists, dentists, orthoptists, physiotherapists, osteopaths… “Good posture is possible thanks to different parts of the body that inform the brain of our position in space. These are the sensory sensors found primarily in the soles of the feet, spine, eyes, jaw, and inner ear, explains Patrick Payet, podiatrist-posturologist. The posturologist is interested to the system that allows the balance of his patient : the fine postural system. He will thus highlight the dysfunctions of this system at the origin of his patient’s ailments. Once the diagnosis has been established, the posturologist can modify a sensory input in order to improve muscle tone.“. He may also be required to refer his patient to other health professionals for multidisciplinary care (podiatrist, orthoptist, dentist, osteopath, physiotherapist, etc.). Fine postural insoles made by a podiatrist-posturologist can also be prescribed to improve certain imbalances or asymmetries.
When to consult a posturologist?
It may be advisable to consult a posturologist in case of:
- Chronic muscle or joint pain (back pain: low back pain, neck pain, sciatica, rachialgia)
- Headaches (headaches)
- Dizziness
- Foot deformities / instability (hallux valgus)
- Fibromyalgia
- Dysplasia/dyslexia
- Recurrent sprains
- chronic fatigue
The consultation begins with a series of questions, allowing the posturologist to understand what the patient’s problems are. He begins by questioning him about the reasons for his arrival, his various pains, his way of life, his family and medical history. “He also realizes a postural assessmenti.e. a complete clinical examination of the patient’s overall posture: it checks the alignment of the different parts of the body (foot position, hip alignment, leg shape) and performs stability and mobility tests. During this clinical examination, the patient will be examined standing and lying down.“, describes our interlocutor. Finally, he can have recourse to an electronic stabilometric platform which makes it possible to analyze the plantar pressures and the balance of the patient in different conditions: open or closed eyes, clenched teeth, foam under the feet or plantar stimulation in order to objectify one or more sensory sensors in question.
What is the price of a consultation with a posturologist?
The postural assessment costs between 80 and 100 euros in Paris and in the Paris region, 60 euros in the provinces. The session lasts one hour.
Is it reimbursed by Social Security?
Since posturology is not a recognized medical practice, consultations are not covered by Social Security. However, some health mutuals can reimburse part of it.
What studies to become a posturologist?
There are training courses in posturology offered in universities or private institutes. These complement a qualifying profession.
Is there a directory of recognized posturologists?
THE website of the International Posturology Association has a directory of recognized professionals.
Thanks to Patrick Payet, podiatrist-posturologist.