: How to asess and correct imbalances in the body I suspect I have a lot of imbalances in my body causing pain. How do I assess and correct them? I expect to consult a professional, so what kind of professional is part of

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The short answer is that you find someone who specializes in analyzing static and dynamic postures and movements and have them give you program to follow to correct any areas of dysfunction. The more information and knowledge that you have, the more able you will be to find the practitioner that can meet your needs. Here are some ideas:

Physical Therapy -
You say that private sessions are out of your budget. However, if you have medical insurance, pain that is related to postural dysfunction may well be covered by physical therapy. It could be in the form of assessment of posture in all planes, range of motion, strength and movement patterns, with a specific exercise program designed for you to do at home or in the gym to correct these imbalances.
Pilates is a good method to achieve postural balance with flexibility and control. It is often best to do a private session to get the best personal assessment and then follow up with classes.
Functional Movement Screening Systems help you assess and improve movements and patterns of movement. The Kindle edition of Gray Cook's book is probably the best and/or most inexpensive way to look into it.

In addition to Pilates and FMS, and here are some ideas of assessment methods that you can consider:

Total Motion Release
Total Motion Release is a method of assessing movements that cause pain and then performing specific pain-free movements (often on the other side of the body) and assessing the results. TMR site has some video demonstrations.
The Egoscue Method
Pete Egoscue's book, The Egoscue Method of Health Through Motion, helps you self analyze your alignments and gives you specific exercises to correct problem areas. This is more of a static than dynamic assessment, but may help you find specific restriction.
Alexander Technique and Feldenkrais
The Alexander Technique and Feldenkrais both focus on the connection of movements, sensory awareness and thought patterns. These methods generally have classes and/or private sessions. Tai Chi and Qi Gong would also be methods of becoming aware of alignments.
Yoga
Yoga combines flexibility, strength, relaxation etc. to improve posture, breathing and movement. A restorative yoga instructor could be helpful to you for corrective asanas or postures that allow you to release tension that may be causing imbalances.

There are many more ways to correct your alignments. In general your assessments are looking for areas with restricted motion, areas with weakness not allowing natural movement, chronic holding patterns from tension, thought and reflex patterns that affect the neural stimulation of muscles and myofascia, all of which can affect movement patterns and cause pain. You are wise to correct imbalances as these can restrict your exercise and fitness programs. Good luck.

(Full disclosure - the two book links are from our site's amazon store.)