Pelvic mis-alignment and instability is a major cause of back, hip and knee pain as well as other musculo-skeletal problems.

"The pelvis is the key to man's well-being, as wise men have taught from time immemorial ...." Dr. Ida Rolf

Few people escape back pain and discomfort from the various musculo-skeletal problems evident in modern day living. Many of these problems result from pelvic mis-alignment.

The pelvis is the very foundation of the skeletal system. The pelvis and spine form one basic central structure. Any strain which occurs in this structure will peak in the weakest area - commonly the lower lumbar spine. Pelvic mis-alignment will cause both ascending and descending dysfunctions - upwards through the spinal column (causing strain on spinal vertebrae segments in the lower, middle and upper back, and also affecting neck, shoulders and arms), and downwards, through the legs (affecting knees, ankles and feet).

Guru Ram Kaur

My approach is to treat and teach individuals how to maintain pelvic alignment themselves, through straightforward exercises performed daily. This is not to say that total structural alignment and balance can be achieved by so doing, nor that every single problem in the body can be erased. But it is true to say that much pain and discomfort can be alleviated, and sometimes removed completely, by the individual following a simple non-time-consuming exercise routine.

APPARENT LEG LENGTH DIFFERENTIAL AND OTHER INDICATORS OF PELVIC MISALIGNMENT

Pelvic mis-alignment is confirmed when certain points on the body are carefully examined by a trained practitioner. An apparent leg length differential is one key indicator. There are numerous other indicators to the trained eye - for example, one foot falling out more than the other when lying down, one shoulder higher, medial and/or lateral rotation of the femurs.

THE USE OF ORTHOTICS

It is not uncommon to meet people who have been told they have one leg longer than the other and who have been prescribed some form of orthotic to correct their problem. However, in the vast majority of cases there is no true leg length differential and the use of orthotics does more harm than good. Numerous of my clients have removed their orthotics with excellent results.

PROBLEMS RESULTING FROM PELVIC MIS-ALIGNMENT

When a pelvis is out of alignment, the spine is out of alignment. When the spine is out of alignment, there are adverse effects on the neurological system. For example - nerves entering and exiting the spine may be compressed and thus unable to perform their function of ennervating the major organs to the full extent. The body will not be served energetically as it should. Circulation and metabolism will be affected, and digestion and elimination can suffer. Legs will be out of alignment, causing knee and ankle problems. More weight will be placed on one hip than the other, causing more wear and tear which can result in the need for hip replacement. And so on....

DEALING WITH THE PROBLEMS

The skeletal system is pulled out of alignment by the myofascia of the body (soft tissue) - similarly our boney structure can be maintained in correct alignment ONLY when our muscles and fascia are balanced and operating in the correct way. This point cannot be over emphasised! It is easy to think that we are held up by our bones, but in fact our bones are held up by our soft tissue. Weaken that and the effects are quickly seen.

Treatment from a Chiropractor, Osteopath, or other practitioners will sometimes correct a mis-aligned pelvis but, as mentioned above, the whole musculature adjusts to accommodate misalignment so the correction will not be a lasting one; the individual therefore becomes dependent upon continuing and frequent treatment to gain relief. The only real way to deal with the problem is through exercise. Our bodies are designed for movement but in today's society few of us are exercising sufficiently to maintain optimum health. And it is not just a matter of the amount of exercise - it is very much a matter of the right kind of exercise which moves the body through a full range of motion in different planes.

TREATMENT AT THE CENTRE INCLUDES THE FOLLOWING:

• Identifying the nature of pelvic mis-alignment and other structural dysfunctions.
• Selection of appropriate corrective exercise(s) to return the pelvis to its proper alignment.
• Physical correction of the pelvic mis-alignment - done by the client under instruction.
• Testing of major muscle groups.
• Bodywork techniques to support the correction.
• Simple instruction on how maintain pelvic alignment.

Exercises are given which have been developed and drawn from a variety of therapeutic practices. These exercises take into account each individual's level of flexibility and strength.

People interested in taking an active part in their physical well being are given additional instruction on how to achieve a greater degree of postural/structural alignment.

As well as relieving pain and discomfort, many of our clients have been delighted to witness visible changes in their bodies as a result of keeping to a simple, daily exercise program.

SUPPORTING TREATMENT

Deep muscles, fascia and ligaments which have shortened, tightened or weakened pull the skeletal system out of alignment. Deep Tissue Remedial Massage is therefore a valuable complement to Pelvic Correction - see the Massage page.

IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO SEE WHAT SOME CLIENTS SAY ABOUT PELVIC CORRECTION
GO ONTO THE TESTIMONIALS PAGE.