I recently took the Postural Respiration course and I am trying to start using PRI techniques with my patients. Does PRI “common practice” include checking pelvic asymmetry/leg length? A lot of people I work with use muscle energy techniques to “fix” alignment. Should I be doing this too, or only doing the tests I learned in PRI.
We definitely assess for pelvic asymmetry, but we do not include leg length assessment as an objective test in our courses because unless it is a true leg length (diagnosed with measurements made from x-ray), it is most often just a reflection of pelvis asymmetry. This is discussed more in the Myokinematic Restoration course. For example, in a Left AIC patterned patient, when the left hemi-pelvis is in an anteriorly rotated position, if the anterior hip capsule is intact and not compromised, the left femur is approximated and will often “appear” shorter than the right. However, if the left anterior hip capsule ligaments are compromised or stretched out (which is discussed in the Myokinematic Restoration course as a Patho Left AIC pattern), then the left leg often “appears” to be longer, compared to the right. PRI repositioning non-manual techniques can often assist you in achieving pelvis neutrality quite quickly, along with restoring leg length symmetry as well.
To assess for pelvic asymmetry, we utilize the Adduction Drop Test, in conjunction with other tests (SLR, Extension Drop Test, Hip ROM, Trunk Rotation Test, Passive Abduction Raise Test, etc), to look for Functional Relationships and determine if there is pathology on top of the pattern that presents.
