Osteopathy in Central London

Types of Imbalances

Muscle imbalances can manifest differently, depending on the muscle groups involved. Understanding the types of imbalances can help develop targeted treatments at MHV Clinic.

Anterior/Posterior Imbalance

This occurs when the muscles at the front of the body (anterior) are more robust or tighter than those at the back (posterior), or vice versa. For example, if your chest muscles are tighter than your back muscles, it can cause rounded shoulders.

Left/Right Imbalance

This imbalance happens when one side of the body is stronger or more developed. For example, if you’re right-handed, the muscles on your right side might be more robust than those on your left, leading to an imbalance.

Upper/Lower Body Imbalance

If the muscles in your upper body are significantly stronger or tighter than those in your lower body, or vice versa, this can create an imbalance that affects your posture and movement.

Agonist/Antagonist Imbalance

In this case, one muscle group, such as the biceps (agonist), is more substantial or tighter than its opposing muscle group, the triceps (antagonist). This imbalance can reduce the range of motion and cause joint pain.

How imbalances are assessed

Your osteopath will watch how you stand, walk and bend, compare the strength and flexibility of each side, and check how your joints move. This shows which muscles are working too hard and which are not doing enough, and helps explain aches that keep returning to the same place.

Signs it is worth getting checked

  • Aches that keep coming back to one side
  • One shoe wears down faster than the other
  • Your clothes or bag straps always slip to one side
  • An old injury never felt quite right

What treatment looks like

Treatment eases tight areas, frees stiff joints and builds strength on the weaker side. You leave with a short exercise plan that fits around your day.

Book an appointment or call 020 3305 6186.