A major cause of back pain and other musculo-skeletal problems is pelvic instability and malalignment.
"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 musculoskeletal problems evident in modern day living. Many of these problems result from pelvic malalignment. Why is it so common for the pelvis to go out of alignment? The reasons are numerous - stress, poor posture, lack of exercise/weak muscles, over-exertion/strain, sports injuries, child-bearing, etc....
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 malalignment will also cause malalignment 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).
My approach is to treat and teach individuals how to maintain pelvic alignment by 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.
LEG LENGTH DIFFERENCE
Pelvic malalignment becomes evident when certain points on the body are carefully examined. An apparent leg length difference is one key indicator.
HEEL LIFTS & CYCLING SHIMS
It is not uncommon to meet people who have been told that they have 'one leg longer than the other' and as a result have been advised to put a lift in one heel to ‘correct’ their problem or place shims in their cleats. However, in the vast majority of cases there is no true leg length differential and putting a heel lift in one shoe or shim only exacerbates the problem of a malaligned pelvis by locking the pelvis out of alignment.
Even the small minority of people who have a true leg length difference (actually less than 10% of population) frequently also suffer from a malaligned pelvis, with the result that the size of heel lift or shims prescribed is too large (again locking the pelvis out of alignment). Several of my clients have fallen into this category: when their pelvis was re-aligned they exhibited a much smaller leg length difference or no difference at all.
PROBLEMS RESULTING FROM PELVIC MALALIGNMENT
When the 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 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 or other practitioners in the field will sometimes correct a malaligned pelvis, but the problem is that the pelvis will 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 my clients are happy with their improved range of motion, athletic performances, and improved quality of life by me enabling them to maintain and self treat their malalignment.
ASSESSMENT AT THE VELOSMART BICYCLE RANCH FITTING STUDIO INCLUDES THE FOLLOWING:
- Finding the Problem
- Physical correction to re-align the pelvis
- Testing of major muscle groups
- Bodywork techniques to support the correction
- Simple instruction on how to 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 stabilize the pelvis and work on major postural muscle groups to support and reinforce structural alignment.
SUPPORTING TREATMENT
Deep muscles, fascia and ligaments which have been shortened, tightened or weakened pull the skeletal system out of alignment. Deep Tissue Remedial Massage is therefore a valuable complement to Pelvic Correction and may be required by the client to be obtained. Maintaining pelvic alignment will also support and enhance other treatments which may be required (e.g. Physical Therapy, Osteopathic, Deep Tissue Remedial Massage, etc.).