Leg Length Discrepancy in Down Dog

Yoga Discussion General Yoga
#1

I have a body history that includes scoliosis and a tilted pelvis, however, my pelvis now sits in neutral when I am standing, sitting in dandasana, or in forward bends (after years of bodywork, asanas and other practices).

However, whenever I enter adho mukha svanasana, one leg seems longer than the other by about an inch and a half, maybe two inches. The hips stay level. Neither foot is pronated, all limbs are evenly spaced on the floor.

I cannot figure this out, and it’s not something PTs, Chiros or yoga instructors have been able to understand either.

I know it’s just about impossible to make a diagnosis based on words, but I thought, it’s possible that someone on yogaforums has encountered this before.

Thanks. :stuck_out_tongue:

#2

Have you ruled out an anatomical (measurable) difference in length of the right leg compared to the left?

#3

[QUOTE=InnerAthlete;82159]Have you ruled out an anatomical (measurable) difference in length of the right leg compared to the left?[/QUOTE]

Yes. No structural problems. Right hip flexors, particularly RF and TFL are tight.

I’ve had problems with cramping in hip flexors when I have neutral spine in AMSvanasana and attempt to lift sit bones while engaging bandhas. I suspect the muscles of the hip are holding the joint out of alignment, however, PTs and chiros seem mystified by this idea.

Even when the scoliosis and overall alignment were bad, the leg discrepancy was not more than half an inch. In AMSvanasana the discrepancy y is is triple that.

#4

So your Chiro or orthopod has x-ray film and has measured the lengthof both femurs and found zero measurable difference? Okay well then the scenario you outline is quite puzzling.

I’d have to see your pelvis in the three planes in AMS in order to go deeper.

#5

Yes, pt and Chiro both puzzled. Lengths are even. IMO it must be a muscle issue which is more of an issue in downdog. Thanks for your willingness to help.

#6

After i hurt my back i could notice my left leg was shorter so its probably a muscle issue. Just go slow and dont overdo it if you get contact with those stiff muscles. You also need to balance i.e. stretching back then you need to stretch front, its also important to strenghten the muscles so they can hold your bodys new alignment. IF you have weak muscles only stretching wont do any good.

This link under will help you with your stiff hip. Attention though dont bring your back leg more than you are able to do for the moment go slow and when you feel a stretch stay there, there should not be pain at all just feeling the stretch. This pose helps me i.e. in pachimottanasana sometimes my front leg cramps, if i do this and then go back to that pose there is no problem.

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_BQkq7UcDzvo/TCIVF0wr3lI/AAAAAAAAAPA/9PZ6UFtl7_E/s1600/yoga-asanas-1.jpg

#7

Thanks for your input fake yogi.

That is a great stretch. I’m beginning to suspect that the muscle imbalance that’s causing this isn’t limited to the hip. I’ve managed to loosen up the hips so much in the past year that is should have the flexibility to perform AMS correctly. I think this mayy be an issue with a muscle I haven’t addressed: the soleus. The soleus on my right calf is much larger than my left due to the previous pelvic tilt and resulting gait problems. I’m going to investigate.

Anyone have any thoughts on the calves’ effect on pelvic stability?