Table of Contents
Glossary of Posture
The terms within this page are structured in alphabetical order and provide an introduction into the glossary of posture.
Abduction
Moving a body part AWAY from the midline. For example, Moving one leg out to your side.
Adduction
Moving a body part TOWARDS the midline. For example, moving leg towards the middle.
Asymmetry
The lack or absence of symmetry
Concave
When bending sideways, the side on which you bend towards.
Convex
When bending sideways, the side on which you bend away from. The rounded, elevated side.
Circumduction
Moving a joint in a circular motion in which there is flexion, extension, abduction, and adduction.
Depression
Moving a body part in a downward direction. For example, lowering the shoulders.
Dorsi Flexion
Flexing the ankle. For example, lifting the toe part of your foot upwards.
Elevation
Moving a body part upwards. For example, lifting your shoulders as if shrugging.
Eversion
Turning the sole of the foot outwards.
Extension
Increasing the angle between body parts. For example, straightening a bent elbow.
Flexion
Decreasing the angle between body parts. For example, bending an elbow.
Hyperextension
Taking a joint past its normal range. For example, this can be seen in cases of the movement of the neck with ‘whiplash’ cases.
Inversion
Turning the sole of the foot inwards.
Kyphosis
An exaggerated posterior curve or ’rounding’ of the spine, found usually in the Thoracic Spine – the upper and middle back.
We have a great post that discusses What Is Kyphosis?
Lordosis
An excessive anterior curve of the spine usually found in the Lumbar Spine (Lower back). While often used to describe the ‘natural’ anterior curve of the lower back, it is technically used to describe an ‘exaggerated’ curve.
We have a great post that discusses What is Lordosis?
Pronation
Pronation can be used to describe the position and movement of many joints but is most associated with the position of the foot and hand. For example, If standing with hands by your side, turn the forearm so the palm of the hand faces behind you.
Rotation
Turning a bone or body part around an axis. For example, turning your head to the left or right.
Supination
Supination, just like Pronation describes the position and movement of any joint but is most associated with the position of the foot and hand. For example, If standing with hands by your side, turn the forearm so the hand faces the same way as you.
Symmetry
Being balanced and in proportion. For example, having the left side of your face matching in look the right.