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

Measuring Progress

Progress varies from person to person, so this protocol promises no date. Each block ends with a re-test of the key assessments, set side by side with your baseline. The numbers show where you are and set the next block.

Frequently Asked Questions

How is forward head posture worked on with exercise?
The assessment finds the driver first. The protocol then orders 4 prioritized corrective interventions and screens for red flags that require medical referral. Progress varies from person to person, so each block ends with a re-test to see where you are.
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
Free Pain Assessment

Take our 2-minute quiz to identify your pain patterns and get a personalized correction plan.

Related Condition Protocols

Frozen Shoulder (Adhesive Capsulitis)

Progressive loss of shoulder ROM with pain, following a freezing-frozen-thawing pattern. Assessment targets active and passive ROM loss, capsular pattern identification, and functional limitation severity.

 Upper Back Pain (Thoracic)

Pain between the shoulder blades or in the mid-back region. Assessment targets thoracic mobility, scapular positioning, cervical contribution, breathing patterns, and postural endurance.

 Rounded Upper Back (Thoracic Kyphosis)

Excessive thoracic flexion creating a rounded upper back. Driven by pec tightness, scapular protraction, rib cage depression, weak thoracic extensors, and sustained flexed postures. Upstream driver for forward head posture and shoulder impingement.

 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.

 Genu Varum (Bow Legs)

Lateral bowing of the lower extremity with increased lateral compartment loading. Driven by ITB tension, hip adductor weakness, ankle inversion dominance, and lateral chain tightness. Can be structural (tibial varum) or functional (muscle imbalance).

 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.