Why Short Right Leg Syndrome is Unknown by the Therapeutic Community

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Trying to understand why the therapeutic community pretty much completely miss the effects of Short Right Leg Syndrome, I consider the impact of biomechanical, neurological and energetic/Qi factors.

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The short of it is, the biomechanical and neurological effects of a minor leg length difference are often negligible. The energetic/Qi effect on mobility and metabolic health is further ranging and greater. Conventional therapists are blind to this effect...they cannot connect the dots between a minor proximal anomally at the pelvis and an acute distal effect. As for the possibility an energetic pelvic block impacts metabolic health, that is something beyond their wildest fantasy. Hence, minor leg length discrepancies if seen at all, are largely disregarded.

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Postural aberrations about the pelvis and spine from a minor leg length discrepancy would seem to have little or no biomechanical effect. The left hip rotates slightly in an anterior direction about the SIJ, partially reducing pelvic tilt across the Frontal plane by functionally reducing leg length. I am yet to encounter another medico or therapist which assesses this. Obviously they think it is of little consequence and dismiss it. Yes, it might tighten the SIJ. Yes, it might contribute to posterior rotation of the right innominate but practitioners more highly trained than I do not give the contra-lateral hip's rotation a second thought.

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I know the low grade pelvic tilt commonly causes tightness and sensitivity in the right QL's and mild right leaning scoliosis through the lumbar spine. Rarely catastrophic and low level, the majority of my clients are unaware of it. I am guessing either overlooked or so insignificant it is not worth mentioning by any of their prior consulting practitioners. When it does begin to escalate it is just considered a part of that vague syndrome of low back pain that can be sorted by core exercise and an "adjustment".

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In the absence of catastrophic spinal injury, neurologically it is the same situation. The effects are considered insignificant and a minor leg length discrepancy is typically dismissed. The postural aberrations sighted do not impinge neurologically.

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However, applying the principles of energetic/Qi flow to the effect of a leg length discrepancy on the pelvis gives insight to many conditions not fully understood by conventional therapists.. Chronic stress and strain on soft tissue described by the Three Cardinal Signs of SRLS inhibits energy/Qi flow through the pelvis impacting mobility through lower limbs and spine, and health of the digestive, reproductive organs, and kidneys.

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Conventional physical therapy focuses largely on biomechanical and neurological factors in assessment. It is unfortunate their training does not include activity giving the ability to sense, cultivate and control energy/Qi. The properties of energy/Qi are not discussed in their training. As a result they are blind to its effects and cannot make the connection, for instance, between hip rotation binding the SIJ, blocking energy flow down the backline of the lower limb, and Plantar Fasciitis in the foot. I can only think this gap in ability and knowledge explains why SRLS in its entirety is not common knowledge.