A major cause of back pain and other musculo-skeletal problems is pelvic instability and mis-alignment.

"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. Why is it so common for pelves to go out of alignment? The reasons are numerous - stress, poor posture, lack of exercise/weak muscles, over-exertion/strain, sports injuries, child-bearing, and so on ......

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 also cause mis-alignment throughout the entire skeletal system - 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 alignment of knees, ankles and feet).

Our approach is to treat and teach individuals how to maintain pelvic alignment themselves, through straightforward exercises which take only a few minutes each day. This is not to say that total structural alignment 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.

Maintaining pelvic alignment will also support and enhance other treatment which may be required (e.g. Chiropractic, Deep Tissue Remedial Massage, etc.).

APPARENT LEG LENGTH DIFFERENTIAL

Pelvic mis-alignment becomes evident when certain points on the body are carefully examined by a trained practitioner, and an apparent leg length differential is one key indicator.

THE HEEL LIFT SCENARIO

It is not uncommon to meet people who have been told that they have 'one leg longer than the other' and as a result advised to put a lift in one heel to ‘correct’ their problem. However, in the vast majority of cases there is no true leg length differential and putting a heel lift in one shoe exacerbates the problem of a mis-aligned pelvis by locking the pelvis out of alignment.

Even the small minority of people who have a true leg length differential frequently also suffer from a mis-aligned pelvis, with the result that the size of heel lift prescribed is too large (again locking the pelvis out of alignment). Several clients treated at the centre fell into this category: when their pelves were re-aligned they exhibited a much smaller leg length differential and thus required a much smaller heel lift to maintain correct alignment.

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 thrown out of alignment, potentially 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 the list goes on.

DEALING WITH THE PROBLEMS

Treatment from a Chiropractor, Osteopath, or other practitioners in the field will sometimes correct a mis-aligned pelvis, but the problem is that the pelves move around and quickly go out of alignment after treatment - so the individual is dependent upon continuing and frequent treatment to gain relief.

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 their pelves well aligned. Some clients find total relief through following their simple exercise routine. Others may need on-going treatment supported by their own efforts in keeping their pelves in the correct alignment.

TREATMENT AT THE CENTRE INCLUDES THE FOLLOWING:

• Diagnosis.
• Physical correction to re-align the pelvis.
• 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 a more active part in their physical well being are given additional instruction on how to stabilise the pelvis and work on major postural muscle groups to support and reinforce structural alignment.

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.