Patients frequently tell me that one of their hips feels “higher” than the other, or that someone has told them that one hip looks higher. They are usually, but not always, having discomfort in their pelvis or low back.
The person’s perception is exactly right---one hip IS higher in the most common pattern of pelvic distortion.
This distortion pattern consists of one side of the pelvis, the ilium, being posterior-inferior, and the opposite ilium being anterior-superior. It’s as if the pelvis becomes twisted. The anterior-superior side is the side of the “higher hip.”
Distortion of this kind puts undue stress on the sacrioiliac ligaments, results in an unlevel pelvis, often affects the sacrum, and can cause spasms in the gluteal muscles, resulting in pain, and sometimes gait disturbances.
Checking and balancing the pelvis is a critical part of my care for every patient, because a balanced pelvis creates a stable foundation for the spine. I check the pelvis whether or not the patient is having discomfort, gently and comfortably correcting any distortion.