Extremities & Joints
Hip Alignment & Mechanical Dysfunction
Asymmetric hip movement and load, often found alongside low back complaints.
Also called: Hip restriction, Uneven hips.
Differences in how the two hips move are common. Whether they matter depends on symptoms, the rest of the examination, and what the person is trying to do.
This is not the same as one leg being structurally shorter than the other. More often it reflects differences in muscle tightness, joint movement, or habitual posture between sides.
Why this matters
Walking, running, and single-leg activities show asymmetry more clearly than standing does, which is why movement is observed rather than only static positioning.
Left unaddressed, an asymmetry that affects movement can contribute to compensations elsewhere, particularly in the low back.
The brain & nervous-system connection
Where the nervous system fits in
Gait is a coordinated nervous-system output, which is why we watch movement rather than measuring a static position alone.
Improving how the nervous system coordinates the hips during walking and single-leg tasks is often more meaningful than trying to correct a static alignment measurement.
What we look at
We look for patterns, not a single test
- Detailed health history and consultation
- NeuroInfiniti Stress Response Evaluation
- Posture and movement
- Balance and coordination testing
- Eye movement or neurological screening when appropriate
- Grip or motor-function testing when appropriate
- Palpation and spinal function
- Other examination procedures based on the individual
Not every person receives every test. What we perform depends on your history, your age and what the examination shows as we go.
Scope of care
What this does — and doesn't — mean
What we do
- • We evaluate chiropractic and musculoskeletal function.
- • We look at nervous-system-related functional findings that fall within our scope.
- • We assess movement, balance and coordination findings.
- • We measure stress-response patterns with the NeuroInfiniti evaluation.
- • We make individualized chiropractic care recommendations and re-measure over time.
What we don't claim
- • We do not diagnose, treat or cure diseases.
- • Chiropractic care is not a treatment for dementia, Alzheimer's disease or other neurological diseases.
- • Chiropractic care is not a replacement for medical care, testing or medication.
- • No outcome is promised. Results vary from person to person.
Common questions
- Will I be adjusted on the first visit?
- Generally no. The first visit is an evaluation visit. Dr. Geran reviews the findings and makes recommendations at the follow-up visit.
- Do I need imaging before I come in?
- Not usually. If your history or examination suggests imaging is needed, we will say so and help arrange the right next step.
When medical evaluation may be needed
Some symptoms need medical evaluation first. If anything in your history or examination suggests that, we will say so and help point you in the right direction.
Related at Foothills Chiropractic
- Joint Pain & Staying Active — Shoulders, hips, knees, ankles — extremity function matters as much as the spine.
- Achilles Tendinopathy — Pain and stiffness in the Achilles tendon, usually load-related.
- Ankle Instability — A repeatedly rolling or unreliable ankle, usually following earlier sprains.
- Ankle Pain — Pain or restriction at the ankle, often after an old injury.
Think Foothills Chiropractic might be right for you?
Start Here walks you through what the process looks like, so you can decide whether taking the next step makes sense for you.