Leg length discrepancy - is there an actual long leg present or is it the SI Joint ?

www.johngibbons...
John Gibbons is a registered Osteopath, Lecturer and Author and is discussing whether the patient has an actual or apparent long or short leg, an iliosacral upslip or the most common presentation of a sacroiliac (SIJ) rotational pelvis malalignment syndrome present.
John also discusses the position of the iliac crest regarding leg length, anterior / posterior rotation and upslip of the innominate bone. This technique and more is taught on the Pelvis, SIJ and Lumbar spine Master-Class at the University of Oxford.
John is also the Author of the highly successful book and Amazon No 1 best seller called 'Muscle Energy Techniques, a practical guide for physical therapists'. John has also written 3 more books, one is called 'A Practical Guide to Kinesiology Taping' and comes with a complimentary DVD. The other books are called; 'Vital Glutes, connecting the gait cycle to pain and dysfunction' and 'Functional Anatomy of the Pelvis and SI joint'.
All his books are available to buy now through his website www.johngibbons... or from Amazon www.amazon.co.uk
John now offers Advanced Training in all aspects of Sports Medicine to already qualified therapists in manual therapy to 'Diploma' Level. You need to have attended all of his Physical Therapy Courses before the diploma is awarded. His venue is based at the idylic venue of Oxford University, home of the first four-minute mile by Roger Bannister.

[@atqaq4651]

i was hoping we will get some kind of education how to exercise for this leg discrepancy by the doctor. what kind of exercise we need for the problem we are already aware of?

[@robin2fab4u66]

When im walking i constantly feel more pressure in my right leg and pain in my hips, and my immediate thought was that my right leg was longer, and i have a slight limp. I now have a jolting pain in my left hip and I dont know why

[@JohnGibbons]

Thanks for the comments and I would try and see someone like me if you can as sure they can help and get them to check out the hip joint, regards JG

[@danhope77]

Hi!! I ve been told that my legs have the same length but due to a lumbar curve I should wear a heel lift. The discrepancy is of more than 1 cm however I wear a 6 mm heel lift on the left leg. This fixed my pain in the left side of my lower back and hip. all good for 5 weeks, then the pain came back , this time on the right side, a sciatica inflammation , a tingling feeling etc... I went to a chiropractor and before having the first visit a n assistant put me on a machine that checks weight distribution and posture. She says that there are 7 kilos more pressing on my right leg (which is the leg without heel lift). if I take the heel lift off I may go back having lots of pain on the left side...I will see the chiropractor soon however, after having spoken to my doctor, having seen a physiotherapist and also an osteopath I start to feel hopeless. Any ideas? Mostra meno RISPONDI

[@JohnGibbons]

I would try and see someone with a lot of experience in this area as hard to comment without looking at you. Regards JG

[@chelseafc8126]

I have the exact same thing but when laying down the difference is more like 0.5cm in which my right leg is longer.. and when I try to sit upright (I can’t because of Piriformis.. so I put my legs against the wall and bring my torso closer step by step.. and even then my knees require a little bit of bending so as not to aggravate my sciatic nerve much much worse) anyway, when I try to sit upright whether via a wall or not, my right leg becomes a lot longer.. like 5 cm longer at least and that’s not even fully extended since my sciatica is limiting this position.

[@alexnlsptube]

1:28 Would or wouldn't? Please, I can't understand what you say in that moment. Thank you.

[@BeccaL2016]

I can see my legs are not same length, as the knee is not on the same level, I also walk funny too, and my butt is not equally sized...which doctor is the best to see to correct it? Chiropractor or PT?

[@JohnGibbons]

Try and see an Osteopath or Chiropractor first as i am sure they can help. regards JG

[@lokooooooooooct]

Postural restoration institute. Neal hallinan’s KZbin channel. You have left aic/ right bc pattern. You have not leg length discrepancy

[@igorbegovic6841]

Maybe MD?

[@sameerkrishna971]

I feel that my right leg is longer but when i measure i outs as same and i also have a pressure in my right is it a lld

[@JohnGibbons]

Hard to comment, maybe see a therapist where you live so that they can assess you, regards JG

[@sameerkrishna971]

@@JohnGibbons thank u doctor iam from india love u

[@danielgladwell8844]

Would measuring ASIS to medial malleolus on both sides give us indication of leg length discrepancy?

[@JohnGibbons]

That would help - the problem is the reliability - they did a test on 100 osteopaths to measure this and no reliability on the measurement, regards JG

[@plainkady]

What should I do to fix this at home, because in London I only get phone and email consultations with exercises, yet in 3 years nobody inspected my posture in person? I rotated my hips during a splits stretch. I felt something gliding in my right hip and a sharp pain in my right cheekbum. Since then my lower back is in pain and my cheek. I can't do the splits since and one leg is now "shorter" and the opposite knee is overcompensating and I overpronate. My right leg stays shorted in all instances. I am still looking for the exercise that will readjust my pelvis and sacrum.

[@JohnGibbons]

Clinic are open now so book yourself in with an Osteopath in London as plenty of them, regards JG

[@undeadban2742]

Hi doc, if when lying down the right one is longer, but when sitting they get leveled could that indicate an anterior rotation in the right

[@JohnGibbons]

Thats correct according to Schamberger, regards JG

[@sharone02]

Hi doc please can exercise heal leg length discrepancy. My right leg is 2cm shorter than the left one

[@JohnGibbons]

No exercise as such - see a therapist near you for advice, regards JG

[@manishgallery4164]

Doctor i m having this problem i can't move my foot up in ankle is there any exercise for it?

[@virendersingh-mw7sf]

Hi sir , The patient shown in your video is having hemihypertrophy? , as I have same problem so does this mean I have hemihypertrophy or it is different?

[@JohnGibbons]

There is nothing wrong with the model in the video as we did an example, regards jG

[@virendersingh-mw7sf]

Thank you sir.

[@virendersingh-mw7sf]

Sir my left leg is slightly longer than right so does it is a case of hemihypertrophy ? (Sir please reply 🙏)

[@theenlightenedone5429]

@@virendersingh-mw7sf go see a doctor.

[@Physionotion]

Sir can you post the video on scoliosis.

[@JohnGibbons]

Maybe in time, regards jG

[@ak1920]

I have used a .5 " heel lift in my left shoe to even out my hips and surprisingly no more back pain

[@JohnGibbons]

Thanks for the message, regards JG

[@msdawngzualatochhawng119]

Which side to put on the higher side or lower side?

[@crikeymos22]

@@msdawngzualatochhawng119 lift on the lower side. Do it gradual and build up. Too much too soon causes problems as the body needs to adjust to the correct alignment.

[@msdawngzualatochhawng119]

@@crikeymos22 thx mate

[@jef3747]

John what happens if the leg is equal seated and short on the back ?

[@JohnGibbons]

Not sure what you mean - short on the back? Regards JG

[@jef3747]

yes , short leg when the patient is lying

[@sithifa577]

Hi doctor. My son is 14 years having his right leg shorter than left one. With difference of 4 cm. Doctor advise to do staple in left leg to stop the growth . And after a gap immediately do major operation to grow his left leg. What is your opinion about this ?

[@JohnGibbons]

Hard to comment, without looking at him, regards jG

[@stef3]

This fkin thing ruined my life the pain is killing me

[@ras9875]

s i reset is the only relief google it

[@uptick888]

Is thee a way to self correct at home alone when one hip is rotated? Mine gets adjusted then after sitting it goes back?

[@JohnGibbons]

Not really as need someone to have a look at you as sure they can help, regards jG

[@drtekchandsharma]

If one side iliac crest is higher one lets say right side We call it longer leg on right side But if iliac crest is hike .then medial malliolus will be cephalic or shorter on right side ...then we should call it short leg . It is something confusion . Kindly elaborate ans ...

[@JohnGibbons]

It is all confusing.....regards JG

[@BejayBae]

Good day sir! May I ask if any of person with leg length discrepancy can join the military

[@JohnGibbons]

Probably in the UK as I was in the British Army, regards JG

[@BejayBae]

@@JohnGibbons i got a 5mm leg length discrepancy

[@sithifa577]

He is having many complaints like neck pain, could not sit for long time , twisting the ankles while walking .. pls reply sir

[@boukhalfafatimazahra7206]

Hi doctor, I broke my left leg when I was 11 and now that I'm 20 I can clearly see that the left leg is shorter than the right one also my back hurts most of the time, is this fixable? And if so what doctor should I go to .

[@JohnGibbons]

Only fixable if you are in pain and i would try a small heel lift (start 3mm) in the left shoe - and try that for a couple of weeks and see how you get on. regards JG

[@godpinakyt]

@@JohnGibbons sir is there no exercise to fix this same problem i have becuse doctor give me ortoitic insoles in 2011 and now I'm still waiting and waiting please suggest something

[@jasonhappycomedy8703]

Does the leg length change when someone is standing? Is standing a more functional test?

[@stell6485]

Hi doc my left leg is shorter and sometimes i twist my ankle everytime i walk ? Any help doc

[@JohnGibbons]

Hi, thanks for the message and try and see someone like me where you live as sure they can work out if the leg length issues are related to your ankle sprains. regards JG

[@Mainoffender69]

@@JohnGibbons which side would be shorter if you were more prone to twisting the right ankle?

[@crikeymos22]

@@Mainoffender69 the shorter one. But depends if you have other issues causing the inversion sprains. You need to see a podiatrist who really knows their stuff.

[@iamnahh22]

A 25 years old girl with leg length discrepancy in supine position but equal leg length in long sitting. And having complaint of low back pain. What will be the possible cause and its structual or functional?

[@JohnGibbons]

No idea, without looking at you - see someone where you live as sure they can help. regards JG

[@宋采和]

hi doc i have been feeling that my left leg is shorter since an injury on the left low back side , i can see that when i am standing ,the right side of my pelvic is higher, and my left pelvic seems to descends. Does it suggest i have a structural discrepancy?

[@JohnGibbons]

Hard to say without looking but it might well be, try and see someone like me where you live, regards JG

[@sandeepkamble3058]

I'm from india my cousin as the same problem she feels by herself that her right leg is longer and left leg is shorter than right leg. Now what we should do plz suggest me the homemade remedy or the cure for this....?

[@JohnGibbons]

Hard to answer by text, try and see someone like me where you live as sure they will help, regards JG

[@gingerbreadmand3968]

Hello Doc may i ask does LLD cause right rib cage pop out abit?

[@JohnGibbons]

Depends on the discrepancy but I doubt it, regards JG

[@7ssakura423]

Hi dr I have a right psis higher than left when standing. what does that mean Thanks

[@JohnGibbons]

It could mean many things, if there is no pain I wouldn't worry about it. regards JG

[@bhaktihibhakti5932]

My left leg is shorter approx 3 Inc ..... please prefer something

[@JohnGibbons]

Mmm...thats a lot....not sure what to recommend for that, apart from the usual - see a therapist near you with the appropriate training, regards JG

[@godschildse]

I have a shorter leg on the right side with has a lack of Internal rotation on that side also a smaller size glute but the leg Is always likes to fall In external rotaion when lying down? My left leg though Is the long leg but the hip Is also higher on this side? My guess would be It Is a anteriour and posterior functional problem? Please reply thankyou

[@JohnGibbons]

I would try and see someone like me because it is difficult for me to comment without looking at you...Regards JG

[@Flipodahippo]

John Gibbons how do you know if the problem is you have uneven hips or one leg is longer than the other.

[@Flipodahippo]

John Gibbons How do you know if you have a leg discrepancy problem or just you have uneven hips?

[@aeonair994]

Amanda Farnham i have the same thing

[@impatientProphet]

holy smokes.. same problem here, first time seeing someone explain the same thing, on the same side.. left iliad high but also left leg "longer" (3/4 inch@.@) as reported by my chiro, but the guy didn't help me with shit; just told me i need to stretch the strings.. was being falsely arrogant.. How are you nowadays? not sure if your fixed yet, but I'm going through this right now, and i guess its a rotation issue.. thanks for the vids Mr. G... i feel like a pirate though and need help quick, i can't even go to spin class because my left knee is taking all the impact

[@mapmomark4015]

Hi sir I have an question. My femur bone was broken then i got an operation then i got recover but why My other leg is shorter than the other leg? Can I have your response sir. Tha nkyou

[@JohnGibbons]

Thanks for the message and you might end up trying a heel lift as that should help, regards JG

[@mapmomark4015]

John Gibbons sir could that help me from walking down up down up? Cause when my walking my other foot is not the same with the other foot while walking.thankyouu sir

[@kathyzygula6130]

I have exactly what your patient has in this video: right side is anterior and left is posterior. Mine is extreme to where it is difficult for me to walk, as it makes my right knee unstable and prone to buckling/giving out. I started seeing a very good chiro 3 weeks ago (2x per week) to adjust my SI, as well as other areas on my legs, feet, knees, and back. I have noticed some improvement, but wanted to ask in your experience, how long does something like this take to correct?

[@JohnGibbons]

No idea as every patient is different and their presenting symptoms also vary as well. regards jG

[@kristinejoyalampayan9801]

this is my problem. my legs are small and I cannot wear shorts it's daring to see

[@orchidmarquees734]

My right leg small due to freacture .what i do

[@JohnGibbons]

No idea if honest without having a look at you first..However, the leg size will generally come back to normal after a year or two - regards JG

[@zothanzami9769]

My right leh is 1.5cm shorter than my left leg and when i do stretching my right knee used to hurt a lot...is there any way to fix this ... and will this stop me from growing my height ??? please could you give me some tips to correct my leg

[@diannepure1427]

my right limb is shorter than left one since birth can it be corrected?

[@shivajmkkpl1663]

Same problem sir

[@JohnGibbons]

See a therapist where you live as sure they can help, regards JG

[@kennethjohncano812]

Hi doc. I have some question sir. I have a femure fracture on my right leg and it became shorter than the other one. Would it be back to normal until i fully recovered? Thank you for your response sir.

[@JohnGibbons]

Thanks for the message and difficult to comment as the femur might never return to the same length, regards JG

[@renatoito10]

Why not ask for a scanogram?

[@JohnGibbons]

Why not indeed, regards JG

[@lhiyanbalais7180]

Hi dr i have my right leg longer and my left leg shorter and they dont hava the same size , in my right leg i always feel pain ang knee joints always hurt when its cold is this a LLD or or another thing? By the way im from the Philippines and im only 18 Thank you😁

[@mmafrankie23]

What would It suggest If my right leg was shorter In lying and then goes to normal length during sitting? Also when Im In a deep squat left side goes lower or hip hinge position my left hip/butt cheek Is higher? Does It sound like my left hip is anterior tilted and my right posteriorly tilted? Please reply thankyou

[@virbhanjindal7677]

Sir, I am facing AVN problem in left hip and my left leg have been shorter than right pl tel me if you hv any suggestions.

[@JohnGibbons]

Probably best to see an osteopath where you live as hard to assist via a text, regards JG

[@sixxxshooter73]

So in layman's terms that means hold the body as close together as possible and straight. Try to match up all the bones that appear to look exactly the same. Then determine if it is a muscle or tendon issue.

[@JohnGibbons]

Not quite that easy but at least you are thinking about it....., regards JG

[@saranyamurugan502]

My higher hip has longer leg .what to do for that??

[@JohnGibbons]

Probably best to see an osteopath where you live as hard to assist via a text, regards JG

[@davidadelman6945]

As a PT this test is confusing to me. If in supine both malleoli are level, then in sitting the legs change length, how do you know for example if the right leg got longer or the left just got short in relation? From experience it’s hard to eyeball which leg is moving

[@JohnGibbons]

I use a test called the 5 L's and if you are long sitting and the right leg appears shorter and then go to lying in a supine position and now the right leg now gets longer even though the malleoli are level then it still confirms an anterior right innominate because the Leg Lengthens Lying Landmarks Lower - hence the 5 L's. Hope that helps. JG

[@davidadelman6945]

John Gibbons Thanks John. Your videos are fantastic

[@ShiloStorm]

You can combine this test with standing tests to give the overall picture... I find it helpful to look at pelvic symmetry when standing... I.e watching the iliac crests in standing with feet together and standing with feet apart to watch for correction or levelling. usually patients that have this problem most likely will show pelvic assymetry in standing ...either an obliquity , raised or lowers psis or Asis in standing on one side, If they have a non neutral spinal mechanics in standing, and your one leg standing tests , and/ forward flexion are pointing towards an sij issue on one side, that side will likely mirror what you see when they go supine to long sitting. If a quick correction in standing, ie placing a raise on the lower side corrects this alignment , then it’s easier to discern which side the problem is when they go supine to long sitting. If the standing tests don’t change anything, the issue may in fact be a vertebral problem with significant hypomobility or hypermobility. I usually do a muscle length analysis to rule out the contribution of muscle attachments to this. If there is a traumatic history then it’s likely a true derangement problem. It’s a tricky one to workout because sometimes it may not even be an sij or verterbral issue, it could be a hip issue causing the problems or even a foot or knee issue. I’ve even found that sometimes a neck problem, could be the reason why the pelvis is malaligned and this is were neurology plays a part. Neck issue, causing a restructuring of the line of vision and keeping balance, causes the kinetic chain below to follow suite. This is where corrective tests are helpful, finding ways to correct the alignment problem temporarily to see if symptoms change or movement impaired improves. Sometimes not enough time in clinic to make all these deductions.

[@bbjonas4233]

shilo storm hi shilo, you seem very knowledgeable. I'm wondering what is your specialty as I don't know whom I should be seeing to assess my problem. Thank you

[@shivajmkkpl1663]

Same prablem plz tel me solution

[@JohnGibbons]

Hard to comment without looking at you, try and see a therapist where you live, regards JG

[@sejalkumari2475]

😓I have this problem too

[@JohnGibbons]

A lot of people do, regards JG

[@sejalkumari2475]

What is the treatment?

[@TheJuzaireed]

Hi doc my high hip has the longer leg so thats mean i have true leg lenght discrepancy??

[@JohnGibbons]

Possibly but hard to say, if you do have a longer leg (quite normal) then the body will normally adjust, if you are in pain then go and see someone like me to have it checked. Regards JG

[@bkattimani4959]

Sir, anyone like are there in Bengaluru, India. Please answer.

[@bkattimani4959]

Anyone like you *

[@swotup2752]

@@bkattimani4959 yes, Dr. Bablu Singh, the best chiropractor in Kormangala, sony signal

[@shaetsomo]

Sir, My legs are short and I want it long.. I thought of exercising.. will it work?? I'm 18 by the way...

[@JohnGibbons]

Exercise will help as weight bearing motion stimulates new bone cell growth, regards JG

[@Jy-oe3ns]

@@JohnGibbons I was shot when I was 13 3x in my right leg, my bone was shattered in million pieces, I started back walking last year.. and I noticed my right leg was shorter than the other.. will exercising make it go back straight ?

[@poojapawar6730]

Hi... Sir...my left leg is shorter than right..and my hip is misalignment..so what I do sir...please suggest me...

[@JohnGibbons]

Many reasons why so i would see someone like me where you live as not much I can do without looking at you, regards JG

[@poojapawar6730]

@@JohnGibbons sir due to accident I fallen from 2nd floor. And my hip totally damage....and doctor suggested me for hip replacement but I m only 24 years old..so is there any another solution for both the leg will come in same length.

[@icantthinkofausername3972]

Hi doc, my right leg's muscles and it's length is a lot difference from my left leg. What shoul i do?

[@JohnGibbons]

Try and see someone like me where you live if possible, regards JG

[@alaminsikder7332]

Sir my 1leg 1inch long & other leg is sort, now what can I do. Plz sir Plz help me

[@JohnGibbons]

See someone like me where you live as not much I can do without looking at you, regards JG

[@alaminsikder7332]

@@JohnGibbons sir I stay Singapore

[@alaminsikder7332]

sir I how to contact you. sir can give me ur address

[@Drstephenstokes]

Like the new haircut, oh ya nice video as well😀

[@JohnGibbons]

+The Philosophical Physician™ Thanks for the comments......

[@simplyalif]

Hi dude do you see clients or do you simply teach, I need help identifying my dysfunctions and a program to fix them. Thanks

[@JohnGibbons]

+simplyalif Thanks for the message and yes I do see patients at my clinic in Oxford, look on my website for details - click on 'about me'

[@taitiahiao7921]

My calf mucsle are uneven

[@JohnGibbons]

Thanks for the message and I wouldn't worry about it, regards JG

[@gurman663]

hello sir,i have leg lenth discrepancy nd my left leg is almost half inch bigger.it happens due to heavy exercise in gym[.heavy deadlifts].i am comfortable normally but if i put some weight then afterwards my left lower start pain including my leg. nd within weak or more time it go back to normal position.what is the solution for this ?

[@JohnGibbons]

Sounds like the heavy deadlift might be exacerbating your lower discs and causing leg pain, if you do have an anatomical leg length discrepancy of half an inch then try a quarter of an inch heel lift and see how that responds. Good luck, JG

[@tusharpatel5056]

Sir leg length diffrency can be improve by exercise

[@JohnGibbons]

Not if structural, regards JG

[@debasismanna2966]

Hi doctor any brain deth person leg can replace another patient please coment back

[@sameerakhan7926]

coz of polio my right leg is 3cm shorter than left what i can do

[@pawankumar80-]

sameera khan I too also have the same discrepancy but my left leg is thin and 2 cm short ,are you sure that it is polio.

[@salamyazahras.ayaalia.s72s79]

AP kis city SE ho sameera khan.can I help u.apko kis type ka polio h

[@SagarKumar-yd9yf]

Sir i m frm india My left leg is short and right leg is big How to fix it plss give me suggestion Can chiropractic fix it?

[@azamsiddiqui4450]

same case with me but I am not sure , How did u measure it??

[@SagarKumar-yd9yf]

@@azamsiddiqui4450 bench pr baithke apne dongi taange ko dekho chota bda dikhega

[@Flipodahippo]

What kind of doctor should I see if I have this issue?

[@JohnGibbons]

An Osteopath or a chiropractor I suggest, good luck. JG

[@jayjayalways]

Orthopedic doctor

[@wissamsediek3384]

Dalya MD are you physiotherapist??

[@josephdemarco1469]

there is far too much jumping back and forth, up and down and not previous to history to understand the scenario.. Very confusing to follow.

[@JohnGibbons]

Thanks for the comments, regards jG

[@koolbumpy2025]

What is this woman name?

[@JohnGibbons]

Dee..regards JG

[@life2406]

Have any solution?

[@lokooooooooooct]

Postural restoration institute. Neal hallinan’s KZbin channel . Lateral pelvic tilt. You have left aic/ right bc pattern. You don’t have leg lenght discrepancy

[@patrickcherubin4508]

What does a R anterior inominate means sir and how would you know.

[@JohnGibbons]

It means the right side of the pelvis has rotated in a forwards direction and then you would probably get a left compensatory pelvis that has rotated backwards. In this case the right leg might appear longer and the left leg appear shorter. The ASIS is lower on the right, the PSIS is higher on the right - these are some examples, hope that helps! JG

[@patrickcherubin4508]

Wow awsome answer. .Thank you sir.Much appreciated

[@JohnGibbons]

Not a problem, glad I can be of service..JG

[@15incher]

Hey, doc! I think I got the same problem because I always feel that my right leg is longer and feels aklwardwhen walking. I got checked by 4 doctors (X-ray, bone measurment) and they said everything is OK and the difference between my left leg and my right leg is 1mm. Doc said there's nothing to be worried of, but I still feel the difference and I hate this. How can I cure this? Should I go to a fisio? Thanks in advance!

[@JohnGibbons]

If you have had x-ray etc and nothing found on leg length measurement, then we can assume you have a functional leg length issue and you need to see someone like me to fully assess you. Good luck, regards JG

[@jhonalvinbalila5644]

Hi? I thought you're gonna adjust the legs on your vid. Come on.

[@JohnGibbons]

I do in another video, regards JG

[@nerdjessdjelti6240]

These exercises to increase height ?????

[@JohnGibbons]

These tests are to decide if the SIJ is involved, they dont increase the height, regards JG

[@mahalakshmivlogs7588]

Sir my son age 10year right side leg 1.5cm short so he is walk to up and down so please help to cure this problem

[@JohnGibbons]

Thanks for the comments and see someone like me if you can, regards JG

[@islamyamami1527]

مفهمتش ممكن بي العربية وشكران

[@Diala8D]

،😭

[@JohnGibbons]

Thanks for the image comment..., regards JG

[@rutusanjeev9216]

Nyt

[@JohnGibbons]

Thanks for message, regards JG

[@johnnyluiz4601]

Uauuuu, I kiss this feets, very nice woman uuuuu

[@JohnGibbons]

Yes she has very nice feet. regards, JG