Forward head posture (FHP): measurement basics for therapists and ergonomic screening
Forward head posture is a descriptive finding, not a standalone diagnosis. This guide helps musculoskeletal clinicians standardise what they measure, how they phrase it for patients, and how digital tools like PosturalCheck fit into cervical and desk-worker pathways.
At a glance
- Always pair FHP metrics with symptoms, range of motion, and strength—not screenshots alone.
- Standardise camera and stance before comparing “before and after” visits.
- Use PDF reports to show trend lines while keeping clinical limits explicit.
Define what you call “forward head” in your clinic SOP
Agree whether you measure craniovertebral angle, horizontal ear position relative to acromion, or another operational definition. Publish that rule in your internal wiki so every therapist uses the same landmark logic. When patients receive a report, the name of the metric should match what you explained verbally.
Photo conditions that make FHP numbers meaningful
Lateral views need consistent distance, height, and patient instruction: habitual vs maximal correction. Hair, collars, and glasses can bias perceived head position. Note whether the patient is post-exercise or fatigued if you track athletes or office workers across the day.
How many credits does each analysis type use?
Fast, Standard, Advanced, and Dynamic analyses use different credit amounts—there’s a dedicated guide in this hub; Pricing also has plans and FAQs on monthly renewal.
Explore pricingInterpretation without fear-based messaging
Connect measurements to function: headache patterns, desk load, driving time, or sport demands. Avoid implying inevitable degeneration from a single angle value. If findings sit outside your scope, document referral triggers clearly in the same record you use for posture software exports.
Cervical-focused protocols and reporting in PosturalCheck
PosturalCheck includes cervical-oriented workflows suited to clinics that repeatedly document head-on-trunk relationships alongside other measures. Align your SOP with the protocol you select so credits, templates, and PDF sections match what insurers or referrers expect to see.
Related guides
- Craniovertebral angle (CVA): clinical notes for physiotherapists
Practical documentation tips when measuring CVA in static lateral views—limitations, training, and how posture software outputs should read in patient PDFs.
Read article - Cervical protocol workflow tips for busy physiotherapy clinics
Operational shortcuts that remain clinically honest: patient positioning, hair management, and PosturalCheck cervical packs with predictable credit use.
Read article - Desk ergonomics plus posture screening: a combined MSK clinic pathway
How physiotherapists integrate workstation advice with standardised photos and PDF follow-ups—using PosturalCheck for documentation without overclaiming cures.
Read article
From reading to the product: plans and credits at a glance
On Pricing you can compare subscriptions, monthly credits included, operator seats, and features (PDF reports, comparisons, stats, roles).
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