How to Know if Your Pelvis is Misaligned

In many ways, your pelvis is the foundation of your skeletal system, providing support for your spine and connecting your upper and lower body. A properly aligned pelvis ensures smooth movement, balance, and overall comfort in day-to-day life. But when your pelvis is out of alignment, it can disrupt more than just posture—it can trigger pain and discomfort that radiates throughout your body.

Pelvic misalignment isn’t always obvious. Many people don’t realize their misaligned pelvis might be the root cause of their lingering lower back pain, knee stiffness, or even sciatica flares. But with a dedicated physical therapist who can evaluate your symptoms and set up a treatment program designed specifically for you, you can get out of pain and back to your normal life.

What causes pelvic misalignment?

Pelvic misalignment can occur for a variety of reasons, from everyday habits to life events that shift your body’s natural balance. While anyone can experience a pelvis out of alignment, certain groups of people—like fitness enthusiasts, older folks, or people who’ve been through pregnancy—may be more prone to developing this issue.

Some of the more common causes of pelvic misalignment we’ve treated include:

  • Repetitive strain: Runners, weightlifters, or athletes who perform repetitive movements often place uneven stress on their pelvis, leading to misalignment over time.
  • Sedentary lifestyles: Sitting for extended periods without proper support can tighten hip flexors and tilt the pelvis forward.
  • Pregnancy: Carrying additional weight changes your body’s center of gravity, putting strain on your pelvis and potentially leading to post-pregnancy alignment issues.
  • Age-related changes: As we age, muscle imbalances and weakened support structures may cause or worsen alignment problems.
  • Trauma or injury: Accidents, falls, or surgeries without comprehensive rehab can alter your pelvic alignment.

Types of pelvic misalignment

The pelvis can become misaligned in a few different ways. Understanding the type of misalignment can help pinpoint the problem and make it easier to ask for treatment.

Anterior pelvic tilt

This occurs when the front of the pelvis tilts downward, often due to tight hip flexors or weak glutes. It leads to:

  • An increased curve in the lower back (lordosis)
  • Lower back pain
  • Tight hamstrings

Posterior pelvic tilt

Here, the pelvis tilts backward, often caused by prolonged sitting or weakened abdominal muscles. Symptoms include:

  • Flattened lower back
  • Stiffness in the hip joints
  • Reduced spinal and hip flexibility

Lateral pelvic tilt

A lateral tilt happens when one side of the pelvis is higher than the other. Common symptoms are:

  • Uneven leg length (one leg appears shorter)
  • One-sided hip or knee pain
  • Visible imbalance in posture when standing

If you’re unsure which type of pelvic misalignment applies to you, a physical therapist can provide the clarity you need.

Common symptoms of a misaligned pelvis

Along with the specific symptoms mentioned above, pelvic misalignment can also cause or contribute to:

  • Lower back pain: A telltale symptom that something’s wrong with your back or hips that often radiates through the lumbar region.
  • Hip discomfort: Feeling like one side of your hips sits higher or moves less freely than the other.
  • Knee pain: A misaligned pelvis can shift your body weight distribution, leading to more stress on one or both knees.
  • Poor posture: Visible asymmetry when standing up straight, like one hip sticking out further than the other.
  • Gait changes: Pain or stiffness when walking may stem from pelvic misalignment disrupting your body’s mechanics.

If any of these symptoms sound familiar, pelvic misalignment might be the underlying issue.

How pelvic misalignment can be treated through physical therapy

The good news is that a misaligned pelvis is highly treatable without drastic measures. Physical therapy is one of the most effective approaches for restoring balance to your pelvis and relieving associated pain. Physical therapists use targeted techniques to strengthen supporting muscles, align the pelvis, and improve overall mobility.

Although your specific treatment plan may vary, a few types of physical therapy techniques used to help realign the pelvis includes:

Gait analysis

Having an objective evaluation of your walking or running gait can identify misalignment in the pelvis and legs that lead to more targeted and effective treatments.

Joint mobilization

Hands-on adjustments help realign the pelvis by gently moving joints back into place. This can significantly reduce stiffness and improve range of motion.

Biofeedback therapy (neuromuscular training)

By retraining how your brain signals muscles to contract and move, biofeedback therapy helps you engage correct muscles and maintain proper alignment during daily activities.

Massage therapy

Deep tissue massage addresses muscle tension or imbalances that may be pulling your pelvis out of alignment. It’s also great for relaxing inflamed areas.

Dry needling

Although not always recommended, dry needling can help reduce muscle tension throughout the body as well as increase blood flow to treated areas. This technique uses thin needles that are inserted into tight muscle tissue to stimulate relaxation and a healing response, which improves flexibility and reduces pain.

Whole-body healing through physical therapy in Kansas City, KS

Correcting a misaligned pelvis isn’t just about relieving pain in the short term—it’s about getting you on the path to better long-term health throughout your body. At SSOR in Kansas City, KS, we specialize in whole-body techniques that address not only the symptoms of pelvic misalignment but also its root causes.

Discover how our holistic, non-medicated treatments can help you live better by starting a conversation with our team. You can call a nearby clinic or request an appointment online any time.

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