STEP 2:   Seated Assymetry Assessment

For this step, it is best to have another person assist you, but you can also perform this assessment using a mirror if no one can assist you.

1.)  Sit on a hard surface without a backrest (such as a piano bench) with the clothing removed from your upper body so your spine is visible.  A board can be placed on top of a softer surface, as well.  If performing alone, have your back facing a large mirror and hold a small mirror in front of you so that you can see your spine in the reflection.

2.)  Now have your helper check for the following 5 Signs of Asymmetry that indicate a Small Hemipelvis:  (If performing alone, look in the small mirror without turning your head)

STEP 3:   Ischial Lift Correction

If you found any asymmetries, the next this step is to place a small lift under each sit bone individually to see if it makes the symptoms and asymmetries better or worse:

1.)  Stay seated in the same position as Step 2.  Have a stack of a few magazines within reach.

2.)  Place a magazine about 1/8th inch thick under the right buttock (sit bone/Ischium)

3.)  Note how you feel.  Is there any tension relieved in the muscles of your spine from your back to your neck, shoulders and jaw?  Do you feel more balanced? Or do you feel worse?  Now switch the magazine to the other side / left buttock.  Note how you feel.

4.)  Next look at your back.  Are any of the asymmetries corrected with the magazine under the right side?  Add another magazine or two to increase the height of the lift.  Look to see if the asymmetries even out or get worse.  Now switch to the other side.  Is is better or worse?Increase the height of the magazines on the corrective side until symmetry is achieved.  In the diagram below, Picture B indicates symmetry with the ischial lift on the right side.



5.)  Switch back and forth a couple of times to experience the difference with the lift on the correct side versus the incorrect side.

6.)  Sit with the magazine(s) on the correct side for 5 to 10 minutes.  Take note of how you feel again and how your back looks.  If the improvements last, you know you have made the proper correction.

7.)  Take the magazine(s) out and measure their thickness.  This is the thickness of the ischial lift you will need to use whenever you sit for any length of time.  You can purchase ischial lifts from your trigger point therapist or online at G/W Heel Lift, Inc.  You will need the same height lift for hard surfaces as in the above test.  However, you will need twice this height if the surface you are sitting on is soft, and three times this height if the surface is cushy, such as a couch.

Over time, it is important to re-evaluate to make sure the correction is still needed.  Sometimes, the asymmetries may be caused by muscles more than by a Small Hemipelvis.  Stretching these muscles or having trigger point therapy performed can correct the muscular dysfunction, eliminating the need for the Ischial lift.