Pelvic misalignment is very common and can be the cause behind a large array of problems, ranging from back pain, knee pain, ankle and groin strains, to complaints as far ranging as digestive disorders and fertility problems. If the hips are out of line then the strain placed on the back, abdomen and muscles of the pelvis region, and also down the legs, can vary dramatically from one side to the other, resulting in such issues.

Sports men and womens performance can suffer as a result of pelvic misalignment, with extra strain placed on the ITB (ilio-tibial band) and major leg muscles. Resulting problems can occur in areas such as the back, hips, TFL (tensor fascia lata) ITB, leg muscles, ankles and feet. If there is not integrity between the two sides of the body then biomechanical efficiency can be compromised.

The Bowen Pelvic procedure is relatively simple and usually corrects a leg length discrepency in as few as 2 sessions, as with the example below. This is from an ex professional footballer, who played for Cardiff City. These photos were taken at his second treatment.

Pelvic misalignement normally shows up as a leg length difference when lying on a flat surface. This can be observed by comparing the position of the ankles. A tilted pelvis (where one side is 'dropped') is often misdiagnosed as an actual difference in leg lengths with the usual treatment being to give the patient heal raises or special orthotics/footbeds.

The only accurate way to measure leg length discrepency is by x-raying both legs and measuring them from the film. Placing a heal raise in when there is just a pelvic misalignment can result in serious problems ranging from foot problems to herniated discs. I have seen this in clinic on a number of occasions. Unless the difference is an actual difference between the two legs, a heal raise will just be reinforcing the problem.

It is always worth getting treatment for pelvic misalignment before having any form of orthotic made. This could save you hundreds of pounds on unnecessary or incorrect footbeds and could save you from pain, serious injury and surgery.