I don’t like leg length measurements as a means of ‘diagnosing’ what’s going on with someone. Sure it can be interesting, but any differences are often transient and normally relatively easy to alter with a change in emotional state or after some simple body work. These are often referred to as functional leg length differences.
A new client specifically asked for a leg length measurement after their podiatrist suggested there may be a discrepancy between the two legs, this was pertinent as 6 months ago they had a total hip replacement, and they hadn’t felt right since. Feeling there’s an issue or having discrepancies isn’t unusual after surgery as the body’s compensation patterns often take time, and occasionally require help to return to an optimised movement pattern.
We performed the Weber-Barstow Maneuver which showed, in that moment, the right leg to be 20mm longer than the left. To clarify was is a measure of functional leg length.
(Statistically the block method provides superior results, but this is much less time consuming, and still clinically valid.)
Further testing was used to determine whether we might be able to affect a change in the leg length. This wasn’t possible at this time.
Yep, not your usual post I know! Whilst we could help clear up some of the motor control issues to help them feel better, it would likely revert back to how they’re currently feeling – and as you know treating the symptom without tackling the cause is a repetitive process which doesn’t really advance someone’s healthcare.
In this instance there may actually be an anatomical (not functional) leg length issue, and therefore advised they return to their consultant to get imaging done on both legs and pelvis to enable an accurate measurement be taken from that. Those findings will help diagnose the cause, and dictate the longer term care, but for now we will help with the symptoms as they arise.
Experience the difference – A refreshingly different approach to pain and dysfunction, so you can breathe better, move better, to live better.