Vicki Gold, PT, MA
Dr. Makofsky has again demonstrated his extensive knowledge of anatomy and physiology, especially as it relates to posture and the spine. His ability to combine anecdote, scientific research and practical information into an infinitely interesting and readable book is very appreciated by this former colleague and fellow physical therapist.
However, I would like to clarify the intention of “The ABCs” system, which I created and which is referred to in Dr. Makofsky’s book. It is a mind-body system meant to transform how people move – all the time. It is not meant to be an exercise technique to be done several times a day or week. “The ABCs,” as I teach them in my workshops, teach the integration of Alignment, Breathing and Centering into everyday activities. This helps make all movements safer and more efficient, whether exercising, on-the-job or doing chores around the house, etc.
I highly recommend reviewing and understanding the specific exercises outlined by Dr. Makofsky. They are well thought out, explained and demonstrated. I would only suggest that the reader prepare for and begin each of them by doing “The ABCs” first. [Align (Think “Lengthen-Open”) – Breathe (using slow, prolonged exhalations and regular rhythms – never holding your breath) and Center (focus on what you are doing and allow no distracting thoughts.]
Whether you are someone looking to improve your own posture, or are a healthcare professional who works to help others achieve better posture, this book will be a source of inspiration and education. I will certainly be using and recommending it in my own work!
Mary Bond
Postural Upness and Gravity begins with an impressive synopsis of research done worldwide on the relationship between posture and pain. Makofsky then details the work of twentieth century pioneers in postural therapeutics, showing how each contributed his/her perspective and language to facilitating the human body’s beneficial relationship with gravity.
The book includes a good discussion of factors influencing posture, including biomechanics, respiration, postural reflexes, core stability and exercise. The author also presents his own integrative, tensegrity-based model, “gravity induced tensional body posture.”
Should be on the shelf of every somatic educator and manual therapist, and will be helpful to anyone seeking to improve posture.
Mark Gugliotti
Dr. Makofsky has done it yet again. He masterfully combines the historical foundations of human postural alignment with current evidence-based theory and other supportive literature to produce this user-friendly guide to better health. Clinicians and lay-persons alike will appreciate how he simplifies even the most technical posture-related concepts and easily translates them into practical principles. The reader will also benefit from the illustrated collection of easy-to-follow exercises aimed at retraining one’s postural upness. This book is an absolute “must-have” for anyone ever accused of slouching, stooping, slumping, or drooping.
John A Krasowski, DDS, LVIF
This book was written for the medical providers interested in the treatment and long-term structural stability of their patients’ posture. These medical providers may also include physical therapists, massage therapists, chiropractors and dentists. Most importantly the patient themself. The author states his goal for this book “I want it to be, art based on science as well as providing helpful information for those who suffer with various posture-related ailments and who cry out for the tools necessary to help themselves.”
The author has spent a career studying many techniques, researching countless authorities in the art and science of posture and applying those techniques clinically. This book is a journey of Howard W. Makofsky’s knowledge and observations from learning and applying his passion to help those suffering both acute and chronic posture related illness.
This book provides the reader with the information and compelling research as to why posture can have such a profound effect on human physiology. One may recognize the chicken and the egg discussion as to what leads to what. Is it airway pathology that leads to adaptation in the skeletal structure and the loss of postural upness and its subsequent collapse? Is the origin of disease a congenital pathology or deformation? The good news is there are answers and treatment. There is excellent discussion on how an individual will “use their bodies in ordinary actions to avoid or reduce unnecessary physical stress that is inevitably linked to pain and disability.” (Karen H. Siegal PHD 1981)
It is fascinating as the book evolved into the physics of body function. Much research has gone into the understanding of “ground reaction force” (GRF) and how the earth/ground exert a force on the body. And how to work with these forces to achieve postural upness. With the advent of Sleep related and breathing related pathology in dentistry the research suggests as much as a 30% decrease in breathing ability. And an excellent discussion of all the secondary physiologic issues that can result from poor breathing and posture.
With the excellent research-based summary of postural cause and effect the author has provided an excellent list of exercises and stretches to achieve “postural upness’ which subsequently helps an individual align the structural integrity of their body to live a healthy pain free life.
This is an excellent book to purchase and give to clients that would benefit from the treatment techniques provided. This book would provide the patient with answers to many health-related issues that they were not aware were related. And this book gives the dental medical provider tools for treatment and optimal outcomes. I would recommend this book for your personal library.