Condition Postural Dysfunction Benchmarked

Forward Head Posture

Anterior translation of the head relative to the thorax, increasing cervical lordosis at the upper segments and creating chin-poke posture. Driven by deep neck flexor weakness, upper trapezius dominance, thoracic kyphosis, and sustained screen/device use.

6
ROM Tests
4
Corrective Priorities
4
Risk Factors
5
Red Flags

Key ROM Tests

1 Cervical Flexion Extension
2 Cervical Lordosis
3 Thoracic Extension
4 Cervical Lateral Flexion
5 Cervical Axial Rotation
6 Shoulder Horizontal Abduction

Risk Factors Assessed

Cervical Flexion Extension
Cervical Lordosis
Thoracic Extension
Shoulder Horizontal Abduction

Expected Timeline

6-12 weeks for mild, 12-20 weeks for moderate, 20+ weeks for chronic with structural change

Frequently Asked Questions

Can forward head posture be corrected with exercise?
Typical improvement timeline is 6-12 weeks for mild, 12-20 weeks for moderate, 20+ weeks for chronic with structural change. The protocol includes 4 prioritized corrective interventions and screens for red flags that require medical referral.
What assessments are done for forward head posture?
The protocol assesses Cervical Flexion Extension, Cervical Lordosis, Thoracic Extension, Cervical Lateral Flexion. Each test identifies the specific driver of the condition, guiding the corrective sequence.
Is forward head posture the same for everyone?
No. The assessment differentiates structural from functional causes and identifies the individual's primary driver. The corrective plan is ordered by priority, with the highest-leverage corrections addressed first.
How do I get started with the Forward Head Posture protocol?
Apply for an assessment through AKMI. Your coach will run the Forward Head Posture protocol as part of your initial structural evaluation, then build a personalized corrective plan based on the findings.

Get your Forward Head Posture assessment

Your coach runs this protocol as part of your structural evaluation, then builds a personalized corrective plan based on the data.

Apply for Assessment

Protocol Details

Category
Condition
Subcategory
Postural Dysfunction
ROM Tests
6
Corrective Targets
4
Benchmarked
Yes
Red Flag Screens
5
Timeline
6-12 weeks for mild, 12-20 weeks for moderate, 20+ weeks for chronic with structural change
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Related Condition Protocols

Winged / Protracted Scapulae

Scapular winging (medial border lifts off thorax) or protraction (scapulae sit far from midline). Driven by serratus anterior weakness, lower trap inhibition, pec minor shortening, and thoracic mobility restriction.

 Lateral Hip Pain (Trochanteric)

Pain over the greater trochanter, commonly gluteal tendinopathy or trochanteric bursitis. Assessment targets hip abductor strength, ITB tension, pelvic stability, and compressive loading positions.

 Lateral Knee Pain

Pain on the outer aspect of the knee, most commonly IT band friction syndrome (ITBS). Assessment targets ITB length (Ober's test), hip abductor strength, ankle dorsiflexion, and lateral meniscus provocation.

 High Arches (Pes Cavus)

Excessively rigid high arch with reduced shock absorption. Associated with lateral ankle instability, metatarsal stress, and supinated gait pattern. May indicate neurological conditions if progressive.

 Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy

Degenerative changes in the rotator cuff tendons, most commonly supraspinatus. Assessment targets shoulder IR/ER ratio, isometric strength testing, painful arc identification, and scapular control.

 Posterior Pelvic Tilt

Excessive posterior rotation of the pelvis flattening the lumbar lordosis. Driven by glute overactivity relative to hip flexors, hamstring dominance, thoracic kyphosis compensation, and pelvic floor tension. Common in desk workers and those who 'tuck under' habitually.