The relationship between form and function - habits in alignment
Your form is the shape and structure of your body as distinct from its material. It is the architecture of your body and the geometry of your shape.
Function or the way something works, can be thought of as the product of form. For example, a very tall person would have to pump blood much harder to reach the extremities of their body than a shorter person. The heart of the taller person functions differently than that of a shorter person. Thus, the function of the body or the way the body works is dependent on the shape of that body.
However, form is not always a constant. The structure or alignment of a human body is constantly changing. There is not a static definition of alignment and there are many different positions to find alignment. Further, your posture is constantly in flux responding to your physical and psychological state. In fact, it is in flux moment to moment as you stand and move over a set of movable muscles and joints (postural sway).
HABITS
Daily changes can accumulate however, to postural habits that become more visible and affect more of your body with age. The habits of the body- unconscious ways of holding and positioning yourself – are just that, habits, and finding the most efficient habits can help you decide if yours are serving the purpose of healthy movement.
When you have developed a set of postural habits that have changed the form of your body, the function of your body will respond accordingly. For example, if you have been working over a keyboard with your shoulders hunched forward and everyday maintained this habit your body will begin to respond to this postural habit by lengthening the muscles at the upper back or thoracic spine and tightened the muscles of the neck. The structure of your body will change as this habit becomes consistent. When the structure changes the function will change as well. The spine will no longer be stabilized, the torso will lose muscular strength and mobility and very often low back pain will result.
THE GOOD NEWS
Happily however, your alignment is not static nor is there a finite state. You have the awareness and knowledge to assess if your body and its movement feels healthy. Ask yourself if your postural habits are serving your purpose of healthy movement; if your habits will serve you in 20 years time. If they are not then make a change. Seek help if you need it. Do a favor to your future self!
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