The first obstacle to overcome is that of making the individual aware of his tension (or posture). This must be accomplished before he can begin to do anything about it. So, ideally, in postural re-education an instructor is needed in the initial stages, in order to position the body so that the patient can become aware of what it feels like to be in the right position. At first this will feel wrong and it is not until the patient can realize that what feels right is not necessarily right, that progress can begin. In the long run posture can only be corrected by the individual learning afresh how to use his body machines correctly. The breaking of old habits and the learning of new ones is not easy, but the employment of osteopathy to normalize the soft tissues and joints, will increase the individual's awareness of his body structures, whilst at the same time removing restrictions which can often physically prevent correct use of parts of the body. If one part malfunctions then the whole will, to some extent malfunction. By breaking into the web of interconnecting factors, with skilled manipulative methods, many complex problems can be resolved.

1. Essentials of Body Mechanics' Goldthwait et al.