The Sacrum is Structural Ground Zero

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The first picture is the idealised pelvic structure shown to us in text books. This is not what we see in the real world.

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What is closer to reality is the second picture being a frontal x-ray of an individual with a 20mm structural leg length discrepancy. We all have a structurally short right leg generating pelvic tilt and mild scoliosis impacting stance and hip alignment. Typically the left hip is elevated over the right, lumbar spine diverges to the right, the sacrum and tail bone are not aligned centrally with the pubic symphysis, the left hip is in high range anterior rotation twisting and binding the SIJ and resulting torque vector pushing top left corner of the sacrum anteriorly, the right hip is level but jammed and immobile at the SIJ with a high degree of tightness across the length of the iliac crest. A prominent left or right lower limb mechanism may be present. Lumbar disk bulging to the right ranging from mild to catastrophic is likely...it is like three out of every four cases have tightness and tenderness in the right QL's. Beneath the waist is right leaning stance. Above the waist influenced by movement of the torso's centre of gravity to the right due to mild scoliosis, the hips shift in a counterbalancing leftward move and this is what it is all about in the first place...providing that jutting left hip to carry baby on and free the strong right arm for work and defence. The condition in its entirety is complex. Distortion and constant strain on the sacrum and the heavy binding through ligamental and connective tissue takes a toll as we age beyond the life expectancy of our prehistoric ancestors unless a concerted effort to maintain flexibility is made. Yoga gurus and dancers manage to do so. Most others do not.

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The third image depicts the heavily bound ligamental and connective tissue about the sacrum at the centre of our structural base. In martial arts the origin of movement is in the belly at a point midway between the pubic bone and umbilicus. There are various energy centres about the body. However, the sacrum is at structural ground zero joining the supporting lower limbs and central spine of the torso. Distortion, strain and tension from chronic postural misalignment due to structural leg length discrepancy, poor muscle tone, overwork, injury, excessive sitting, etc., becomes problematic as we age. Blocking energetic Qi flow in the fourteen acupuncture meridians passing through the pelvis as soft tissue structures about the sacrum become rigid and lose flexibility. Reducing vitality levels in the lower energetic Chakras. Impacting internal health and mobility. This is compounded by accompanying SIJ and lumbar dysfunction and injury. Maintaining flexibility through the pelvis and about the sacrum is preventative.

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In my own experience with the effect of a 21mm leg length discrepancy distorting pelvic posture combined with a lifetime of athletic activity, three decades working on my feet, and several lumbar disk injuries; much treatment, walking and assorted exercises proved ineffective until I focused on the core issue at the lumbro-sacral region. Heel Lift Treatment, Spinal Rotation and Sacral Mobility Exercises. Individually, each of these proved to be dramatically beneficial. Each was a stepping stone to the next.

This was a process that played out over a four and a half year period for me and continues. Could I have accelerated the process had I known what I know now? Most probably and I expect my clients will reap the benefit of this knowledge if they are prepared to put in a little effort each day. Patience is necessary. It is a condition that has taken decades to develop. Fully releasing and unwinding will take months or years. There may be damaged joints that prove problematic and need to be worked through.