Do you or your child appear slouched, hunched, or rounded in the upper back? You're not alone. At Posture Blueprint Osteopathy , located conveniently inside The Glen Shopping Centre in Glen Waverley , we help people of all ages understand and improve their posture with a safe, evidence-based, and personalised approach. We're currently offering a Free Posture Assessment  for kids, teens, and adults. Book online at www.postureblueprint.com  – it's the first step to understanding your posture and what can be done about it. A man stands with upright posture, engaging with a computer in a modern office setting, exemplifying the opposite of slouched or slumped posture. What is Slouched or Slumped Posture? Slouched or slumped posture typically refers to excessive rounding of the upper back (called thoracic hyperkyphosis ) and/or forward head posture. This posture can develop from long hours sitting, using devices, carrying heavy bags, or simply growing up with poor habits. A person engaging in exercises to manage kyphosis, highlighting the importance of accurate assessment in treating hyperkyphosis. There are two main types  of slouched posture: 1. Flexible Slouched Posture This means the spine can return to a more upright position when you try to sit or stand tall. It’s usually caused by muscle weakness, poor habits , or fatigue . The good news is that with consistent postural strengthening exercises , this type can often be significantly improved. 2. Inflexible or Rigid Slouched Posture This is where the upper spine (thoracic region) is stiff and cannot straighten  easily, even when trying. This may be due to structural changes in the spine and may include a condition called Scheuermann’s Disease . What is Scheuermann’s Disease? Scheuermann’s Disease is a condition that causes rigid, structural curvature  of the thoracic spine during growth, most commonly seen in teenage boys . It results in a stiff, rounded posture that doesn’t easily correct. To confirm this condition, X-rays are required . We can refer for imaging if needed as part of our thorough assessment. Key features may include: Hunched upper back that is hard to straighten Tight chest and hamstrings Aching or fatigue in the back Poor posture that’s especially noticeable during growth spurts Why Accurate Diagnosis Matters Not all slouched postures are the same. Some improve with strengthening alone, others need a combined approach involving: Stretching tight areas Spinal mobility work Postural retraining and correction Specialised spinal orthotics (e.g. Denneroll devices)  for selected patients That’s why we never use a one-size-fits-all program. Your spine is unique , and so your treatment and exercise plan should be too. Our Osteopathic Approach At Posture Blueprint, we use an evidence-based approach combining: Osteopathic techniques to improve spinal mobility and reduce muscle tension Postural education and training Dry needling  (if appropriate) Home exercise programs  customised to your posture and spine type Spinal remodelling techniques  to gently reduce stiffness and encourage better extension through the thoracic spine We are proud to have additional qualifications including: Postgraduate Certificate in Neuromusculoskeletal Rehabilitation SEAS (Scientific Exercise Approach to Scoliosis) Levels 1 & 2 – ISICO ScoliBalance Level 1 Certified We also work closely with referring GPs and can provide detailed feedback where appropriate. Who Can Benefit? School-aged children and teens , especially during growth spurts Teenage boys , where early diagnosis of Scheuermann’s disease is important Adults with chronic hyperkyphosis Desk workers  or anyone with a rounded upper back and forward head posture We assess posture, spinal movement, flexibility, and muscle strength to build a program that suits your needs. Improving posture benefits the entire family, from young children to adults, promoting health and well-being for all generations. Serving Glen Waverley and Surrounding Suburbs Our clinic is located at The Glen Shopping Centre  and we proudly see patients from: Glen Waverley Mount Waverley Vermont South Burwood East Wheelers Hill Blackburn We are located at The Glen Shopping Center, inside The Glen Superclinic, next to Chemist Warehouse. Take Your First Step – Book Your Free Posture Assessment Don’t wait for pain or stiffness to become a daily problem. Early assessment leads to better results. 🎁 Free 20-Minute Posture Assessment  (valued at $67) 📍 Located at The Glen Shopping Centre, Glen Waverley 🌐 Book online at www.postureblueprint.com 📞 Call (03) 8290 0228 Terms apply: One free posture analysis per person. Not redeemable for cash or other services. Additional consultations charged at the standard rate. Offer subject to change – please see our website for up-to-date details. This service is offered by a registered osteopath. All assessments and treatment recommendations are provided in accordance with AHPRA guidelines. Discover the benefits of good posture and enhance your well-being. Book your free posture analysis today and enjoy the confidence of a healthy stance.

Dry Needling At Posture Blueprint, osteopathy isn't just a treatment—it's a journey. My journey began in 2001, when I completed a Diploma in Traditional Chinese Acupressure. This early foundation in traditional healing, especially valued among many Chinese patients, taught me the importance of balancing the body and treating the root causes of pain. But I didn’t stop there. My passion for understanding the human body led me to complete my Bachelor of Applied Science (Osteopathic Studies) and Master of Osteopathy in 2008. Since then, I’ve spent over 15 years helping people of all ages overcome pain, improve posture, and regain movement through osteopathy. Along the way, I’ve been privileged to learn from some of the greatest minds in manual medicine: The late Prof. Philip E. Greenman  in the USA, whose work shaped how osteopaths around the world approach spinal care. Kai Mitchell , son of Dr. Fred Mitchell Jr., who co-developed the Muscle Energy Technique. Practitioners of Isogai Therapy  in Japan, who showed me how adjusting pelvic balance can influence spinal curves like scoliosis. Dr. Vladimir Janda , whose muscle imbalance theories revolutionized rehabilitation. The McKenzie Method , which is essential in treating disc bulges and sciatica. Dr. Stuart McGill , whose research on core strength and spinal stability has become the gold standard for treating chronic back pain. Spinal Manipulation My approach today blends the best of traditional osteopathy with modern scientific tools. That might mean a hands-on spinal adjustment, dry needling for tight muscles, a tailored core rehab program, or even reviewing your spinal X-rays to understand exactly what's causing your discomfort. I don’t believe in one-size-fits-all care—your treatment is designed to fit you. I have a particular interest in: Posture correction and scoliosis Chronic back and neck pain Disc bulges, sciatica, and nerve-related pain Whiplash injuries from motor vehicle accidents Patients on Medicare plans referred by GPs for long-term pain My clinic, located conveniently inside The Glen Shopping Centre  in Glen Waverley , is easy to access and serves patients from nearby suburbs like Mount Waverley, Burwood, Vermont South, Wheelers Hill, and Wantirna South . Whether you’re a student, busy professional, or retiree, I welcome you to experience what modern osteopathy can do for your health and quality of life. The Glen Shopping Center To me, osteopathy isn’t just a profession—it’s a mission. A lifelong journey to understand the body better, help people feel better, and guide them back to balance. And for you, it might just be the beginning of a new path toward lasting health. Ready to start your journey? Book your free posture assessment  today and take the first step toward better movement and less pain. Click here to book  or visit us at The Glen. Let’s begin.