Many people are told during treatment or massage that their pelvis is misaligned. This often sounds serious and is regularly cited as the cause of back or hip problems. In this blog, we explain what pelvic misalignment is, when it really exists and what misunderstandings there often are.

What is pelvic obliquity?

The pelvis consists of two pelvic halves and the sacrum. Together, they form the connection between the spine and the legs. Sometimes it seems as if one side of the pelvis is slightly higher or moves differently. This is often referred to as pelvic obliquity. It is important to note that the pelvis is a very stable structure with strong ligaments and joints.

How much does the pelvis actually move?

The joint between the sacrum and the pelvis is called the sacroiliac joint (SI joint). Research shows that this joint moves very little: approximately 2–4 degrees of rotation and approximately 1–2 millimetres of translation. This means that large shifts of the pelvis are anatomically hardly possible.

Does the pelvis change with age?

The SI joint changes as we age. From around the age of 30, we often see increased stiffness in the SI joint, thickening of the ligaments and sometimes partial ossification or fusion. This makes the joint even more stable and less mobile.What is correct?- Minor asymmetry is normal. Almost everyone has minor differences between the left and right sides of their body.- The pelvis moves with you when walking and during daily movements.- Sometimes there may be a real cause, such as a difference in leg length, scoliosis, injury or muscle balance problems.

What is often wrong?

The pelvis is out of alignment.- The pelvis needs to be realigned.- All back problems are caused by a misaligned pelvis. Due to strong ligaments and limited movement, the pelvis cannot simply slip out of position.

What does the physiotherapist do?

When complaints arise, a physiotherapist looks at the entire musculoskeletal system, such as mobility of the lower back and hips, muscle strength, stability, posture and strain at work or during sports. Treatment often consists of exercise therapy, mobility exercises, strength and stabilisation training and advice on strain.

Summary

The pelvis is a strong and stable structure. The SI joint only moves about 2–4 degrees and often becomes even stiffer with age. Minor asymmetries are normal and a so-called pelvic obliquity is by no means always the cause of complaints.