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There are three types of pelvic tilt. The most common is the anterior pelvic tilt. The front of the pelvis rotates forward, making your pot-belly if you have one, even more noticeable. The shift in body weight forward causes poor posture, low back pain and aching back muscles.
The second type is posterior pelvic tilt and occurs when the back of the pelvis is tilted downward. The back appears to sway backward.
The third type is lateral pelvic tilt, which occurs when one side of the pelvis is higher than the other, and may be seen in patients suffering from scoliosis or a muscle imbalance. Any of the pelvic tilts will cause hip, knee, posture and gait problems.
According to studies, between 90% and 95% of Americans have a leg that is shorter than the other by more than a quarter of an inch. The rate of occurrence is so high, the condition of functional leg length discrepancy (FLLD) was in the past considered normal and not worth attention. In fact, the condition can be quite serious in its long-term impact on the hips, knees, ankles and feet.
It is not uncommon for a patient’s longer leg to be prone to degenerative joint disease, osteoarthritis, and have higher rates for stress fractures. The body naturally compensates for the asymmetry, which puts more pressure on the dominant leg to compensate for the shorter one. Foot, ankle and knee problems can occur in both legs and may worsen with age if not corrected.
Many orthopedists feel that any leg shortness greater than 1/8 of an inch deserves attention and treatment to bring the body into balance. Functional Leg Length Discrepancy also causes pelvic tilt problems that can severely affect posture and cause sciatica and low back pain.
- Shortness of one leg
- Posture problems, slumping forward or backward, tilting shoulders
- Walking problems, limping, toe walking
- Hyperextended knee on the short side
- Flexed knee on the long side
- Pelvic tilting to the front, rear or side
- Pain in the lower back, hips, knees, ankles and feet
The long term success of Dr. Greenberg’s patients is attributed to a specialized approach of the examination process. Deemed “The Greenberg Method,” this strategy not only looks into the area of damage and pain, but also evaluates the mechanics and structure of the bone and joints related to the area of the pain. For example, a patient who comes in with a lower back problem explains that past treatment in the area has not brought any relief. However, after an examination of the back along with the pelvis, hips, knees, and feet via The Greenberg Method, Dr. Greenberg discovers that the pain is rooted in a pelvic tilt. While an isolated joint treatment ignores physiology and the evaluation of movement, The Greenberg Method’s full-body examination produces a comprehensive diagnosis and treatment plan. In return, the patient experiences a greater reduction in pain and improvement in function, which helps them get back on their feet to resume their daily routines, pain free.
Yes, it can. Dr. Greenberg’s regenerative treatment is an excellent alternative to an operation which should always be the last option. He has been treating Functional Leg Length Discrepancy for over 20-years with great results. The procedure is important because of the many musculoskeletal conditions that are affected by postural imbalance and pelvic tilt.
Dr. Greenberg will perform The Greenberg Method, including a review of your most recent radiographs. We will assess your gait, measure your legs or check for pelvic tilt to see if your musculoskeletal systems are balanced.
If you are an appropriate candidate for The Greenberg Method, Dr. Greenberg will treat your Pelvic Tilt or Leg Discrepancy by recommending the healing and synergistic cascade of Prolotherapy, Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) and Stem Cell Treatments. The combination of proliferative cells, healing factors and your stem cells interact to stabilize pelvic tilt and functional leg length discrepancy. The condition usually requires two treatments to correct the discrepancy. If we find additional areas that may be causing pain, we will try to fix those too. Our team treats the whole YOU, that’s what holistic care means to us. We work to renew you physically and emotionally.
If you or a loved one is looking for a new strategy to treat chronic aches and pains, fill out the form on this page to schedule an appointment or call Dr. Greenberg’s office today at (833) 440-4325.
Limb Length Discrepancies of the Lower Extremity (The Short Leg Syndrome), Subotnik, Journal of Orthopaedic and Sports Physical Therapy