Leg length

Variations in the length of our legs have been used as an indicator for a variety of physical ailments. It is not uncommon for Chiropractors and other therapists to use leg length as a primary indicator for pathology.  In fact I have seen clients who had a leg surgically shortened. 


I have also seen leg length change almost instantaneously as a result of therapy, by as much as an inch. Essentially what is going on is that the left and right halves of the pelvis function in a semi-autonomous manner to adapt to changing environmental requirements. Before we lived on flat surfaces rotation of the pelvis was probably a lot more dynamically adaptive, allowing leg length to quickly respond to situational change. Think of walking on a path that slopes side to side. Not being able to change relative leg length quickly was a liability for both bipeds and quadrupeds, and those with the most flexibility would have been the most reproductively successful.  


My sense of what is now common, where one leg may be chronically shorter than the other is a result of us nearly always walking on flat surfaces. No only do the muscles and fasciae get stiff, but the underlying neurology that controls those tissues atrophies. This reduction in flexibility leads to compensations and adaptations though out the body that can result in chronic pain, stiffness, anxiety and  loss of vigor. 


I have seen a lot of therapies adjust leg length. One that often works is inserts that re-align the foot to orient it optimally. Over time this can cause the body to recognize the more efficient pattern and adopt it. If you would like more information on this you can reach me at:
 http://www.organicbalance.us/documents/services_and_prod.html
I have also seen exercises for the dynamic and postural reflexes change leg length in a matter of minutes. These exercises work the automatic neurology that controls the associated soft tissue and gets the neuro-muscular system running properly again. Maintaining this change can require repeated sessions. More information on this at:
 http://www.organicbalance.us/documents/mnri_.html