Functional leg length discrepancy (laterally tilted pelvis)
Hi Rip,
The search function returns many threads about leg length discrepancies, and for an anatomical discrepancy your advice is always to shim. I couldn't find any information about functional discrepancies resulting from a laterally tilted pelvis and would like your opinion.
Background: I am a 26-year-old male, 5'10", in good health with no injuries. I began lifting according to the SS model about 2 months ago at around 160 pounds with a 105 squat work weight. I am now 183 pounds and squatted 245 3x5 at my last workout. My athletic background consists of being a bad soccer player in high school.
Shortly after I started squatting I noticed an asymmetry in my hips causing a lateral shift in the bottom of the squat. My left iliac crest typically sits about half an inch to an inch above my right one, causing a corresponding asymmetry in my legs. For example, my left kneecap sits higher than the right kneecap when I'm standing with my legs together. The asymmetry is worse the morning after a workout.
I went to my family doctor, who confirmed the hip asymmetry. He measured my legs and did not find a skeletal asymmetry, so he referred me to a PT. The PT gave me some stretches to do. I did the stretches daily and my condition did not change.
I then talked to a powerlifter in my gym, who showed me a trick: if I lie on my back with my knees in the air, put my fists between my knees, and squeeze them hard with my legs for a few seconds, I can sort of "pop" my pelvis back into place (roughly). This helps, though it does not completely fix the problem. But it allows me to squat without a gross asymmetry and I do it now before every workout. (He also confirmed by leveling my hips, putting me on my back and pulling my legs together that there is no skeletal asymmetry.)
I am seeking a more permanent solution, since squatting still feels funny and I walk around the day after squatting feeling lopsided.
The same powerlifter suggested getting Active Release Technique done on my hip musculature. This looks like a targeted massage with some bullshit justification about fascia and trigger points tacked on, so I am skeptical. But perhaps it would help.
What are your thoughts on this? I'm getting frustrated that I can't figure out what the root problem is and how to fix it.
Thanks for your time.