The Long and Short of It: Understanding Leg Length Discrepancies
When your pants always seem uneven or one shoe wears out faster than the other, it might not be your laundry or the way you walk — it could be a leg length discrepancy. But before you panic or break out the measuring tape, let’s break down what this actually means and how chiropractic and massage therapy can help even things out (literally and figuratively).
There are two main types of leg length discrepancies: anatomical and functional. While they may present similarly — hip imbalances, lower back pain, uneven walking patterns — their root causes (and therefore their treatments) are very different.
Let’s dive into the difference between the two, how we diagnose them, and how your friendly neighborhood chiropractor or massage therapist can help.
Anatomical Leg Length Discrepancy: When Bones Are to Blame
What it is:
An anatomical leg length discrepancy means there's an actual difference in the length of the bones in your legs — usually the femur (thigh bone), tibia (shin bone), or both. This can be something you’re born with, or it can develop after an injury (like a broken bone that healed slightly shorter), surgery, or growth plate issues during development.
How it presents:
- One leg is physically shorter than the other.
- You might notice a pelvic tilt or a sideways shift in your posture.
- It can lead to compensations in your spine, hips, knees, and ankles.
- Common complaints include low back pain, hip pain, or even headaches caused by uneven weight distribution and muscle compensation.
How we diagnose it:
While a chiropractor or physical therapist can spot signs during a physical exam, imaging like X-rays or CT scans provide a definitive measurement of bone length. Standing X-rays are particularly useful to assess how the legs bear weight in real time.
Functional Leg Length Discrepancy: When Muscles Are Playing Tricks
What it is:
A functional leg length discrepancy is an illusion created by muscular imbalances, joint dysfunction, or postural habits. In this case, the bones are the same length, but one leg acts shorter due to tightness, asymmetry, or pelvic misalignment.
How it presents:
- Postural shifts, like a rotated pelvis or elevated hip, make one leg appear shorter.
- One leg may consistently “feel longer” when walking or running.
- You might experience muscle tightness, especially in the lower back or hips.
- Symptoms tend to come and go, especially after long periods of standing, sitting, or activity.
How we diagnose it:
This one’s a bit trickier — but that’s where your chiropractic and massage care team comes in. Through postural analysis, palpation, and orthopedic testing, your provider can determine whether the imbalance is structural or functional. Often, patients lie face down while the provider observes the position of the heels and then compares that alignment during movement — a test that can help reveal functional discrepancies.
Treatment for Anatomical Discrepancy: Support and Stability
Since you can’t “stretch” one femur to match the other, anatomical discrepancies are about support, not correction.
Treatment options include:
Treatment for Functional Discrepancy: Mobilize and Balance
Unlike anatomical differences, functional discrepancies are often reversible. The goal is to restore symmetry by treating the underlying cause — usually joint dysfunction or soft tissue imbalance.
Treatment options include:
- Chiropractic adjustments: Misalignments in the pelvis or lumbar spine can cause a functional short leg. By restoring motion to restricted joints, chiropractic care helps reset pelvic positioning and balance.
- Soft tissue work: Massage therapy can address muscle tightness, trigger points, and fascia restrictions that pull the body out of alignment.
- Stretching tight muscles: Common culprits include the psoas, quadratus lumborum, piriformis, and hamstrings. Your provider can guide you through specific stretches to release tension and restore symmetry.
- Strengthening weak muscles: Often, stabilizing muscles like the glutes or core aren’t doing their job, so others compensate. Corrective exercises help wake up sleepy muscles and encourage proper movement patterns.
- Posture and movement retraining: Habits like always crossing the same leg or carrying a bag on one shoulder can reinforce asymmetry. Identifying and correcting these patterns is key to long-term relief.
Why It Matters
Even small leg length discrepancies — anatomical or functional — can throw off your body's entire kinetic chain. Think of your body like a car. If the tires are uneven, the whole vehicle pulls to one side and the parts wear out faster. In your body, that means joint strain, poor posture, muscle fatigue, and sometimes even injuries.
Identifying the type of discrepancy is essential. Treating a functional issue like it’s anatomical (or vice versa) can lead to frustration and worsening symptoms. That’s why it's important to work with trained professionals who understand the nuance — like your chiropractic and massage team.
So… How Do I Know If I Have One?
You don’t need to be walking in circles or measuring your inseam daily. If you’re dealing with:
- Chronic low back, hip, or knee pain
- Postural imbalance
- A gait that feels “off”
- Uneven shoe wear
- Or one pant leg that always seems longer…
…you might benefit from a full evaluation. At Peak Performance in Buffalo, NY, our evidence-informed team uses movement analysis, muscle testing, and orthopedic evaluation to determine whether you’re dealing with an anatomical or functional leg length difference — and, more importantly, what to do about it.
Even Things Out at Peak Performance
Whether your legs are structurally different or just not quite syncing up, you don’t have to live with discomfort or imbalance. Our chiropractic and massage therapists are here to help restore alignment, reduce strain, and keep you moving at your best.
Book an appointment today and let us take a closer look. We’ll help you put your best (and most balanced) foot forward.
Bethany Wolcott
D’Youville Chiropractic ‘26
If you’ve ever gone for a run and come home with an achy, nagging pain around your knee, you might have experienced the all-too-common condition known as Runner’s Knee. But don’t let the name fool you — you don’t have to be a marathoner to be affected. Runner’s Knee can strike casual joggers, weekend warriors, or even people who rarely run but take a long walk or hike. At Peak Performance, we see lots of patients who are sidelined by this pesky knee pain. The good news? It’s treatable, manageable, and very often preventable. Let’s dive into what Runner’s Knee actually is, how it occurs, how to treat it, and how to keep it from coming back.
Before we talk about how massage affects the nervous system, it helps to understand what the nervous system is and what it does.
Children are constantly growing, learning, and exploring the world around them. From their first steps to their time spent in school and on the playground, their bodies undergo continuous physical stress and development. While pediatric health often focuses on nutrition, vaccinations, and regular checkups, spinal health is sometimes overlooked. Chiropractic care offers a safe, effective way to support proper growth, posture, and overall well-being in children.
Best Chiropractor Therapy Buffalo
Two of our talented massage therapists, Jerardo & Jesse, had the pleasure of participating in the Mother Like No Other Retreat provided by Hope Rises & the New Era Cap Foundation. Providing Therapeutic massage to 25 incredible women was a gift!
Arthritis is a common yet often misunderstood condition that affects millions of people across the world. While it’s often associated with aging, arthritis doesn’t discriminate — it can impact people of all ages, from children to seniors. Living with arthritis can mean dealing with pain, stiffness, and a decreased ability to move comfortably. Fortunately, there are many ways to manage arthritis and improve your quality of life, including chiropractic and massage care. Here are 10 essential things you need to know about arthritis, including the role our team in Buffalo, NY can play in helping you feel better and stay active.
If you’ve ever felt nagging lower back pain, persistent tightness in your hips, or a sense of imbalance between your core and legs, you might be dealing with something called Lower Cross Syndrome (LCS). While it sounds complex, LCS is actually a common muscular imbalance that many people—especially those with sedentary jobs or intense training routines—experience. The good news? It’s manageable, preventable, and treatable. And Peak Performance, your local chiropractic and massage therapy team, can be part of the solution.
As we age, maintaining good mobility and quality of life becomes a top priority. While physical changes like joint stiffness, muscle weakness, and decreased flexibility are a natural part of the aging process, there are ways to manage these changes and maintain an active, fulfilling lifestyle. Chiropractic care for seniors can play a vital role in enhancing mobility, reducing pain, and improving overall well-being. In this blog post, we’ll explore the many benefits of chiropractic care for seniors and how it can help you age gracefully while maintaining your independence. 1. Understanding Chiropractic Care Chiropractic care focuses on the relationship between the spine and the nervous system, emphasizing manual adjustments to the spine and joints to alleviate pain, improve mobility, and support overall health. Chiropractors are highly trained to diagnose and treat musculoskeletal conditions, particularly those involving the spine, joints, and soft tissues. For seniors, chiropractic care is not just about alleviating pain; it's also about improving function, preserving mobility, and supporting the body’s natural ability to heal itself. Chiropractic adjustments are a safe, non-invasive way to promote spinal health, improve posture, and help manage the discomfort that often comes with aging. 2. The Aging Body: Common Challenges for Seniors As we age, the body undergoes several natural changes that can impact mobility and quality of life. These changes often include: Decreased Flexibility: As muscles and connective tissues lose elasticity, seniors often experience joint stiffness and reduced range of motion. This can make simple tasks like bending, reaching, and walking more difficult. Osteoarthritis: This common condition involves the gradual breakdown of cartilage in the joints, leading to pain, swelling, and decreased function. It can affect various areas of the body, including the knees, hips, and spine. Postural Changes: Over time, poor posture habits can lead to misalignments in the spine, contributing to back pain, muscle tension, and limited mobility. Falls and Balance Issues: As the body’s balance system weakens with age, seniors are at higher risk of falls. Chiropractic adjustments can help improve balance and reduce the risk of falls by promoting proper spinal alignment and improving joint function. 3. How Chiropractic Care Benefits Seniors Chiropractic care offers a variety of benefits for seniors looking to maintain mobility and quality of life. Below are some of the key advantages: Pain Relief One of the most common reasons seniors seek chiropractic care is to address chronic pain. Whether it’s back pain, neck pain, arthritis, or headaches, chiropractic adjustments can help alleviate discomfort by restoring proper alignment to the spine and joints. This helps to reduce pressure on nerves, improve circulation, and promote the body’s natural healing processes. Improved Mobility and Flexibility Chiropractic adjustments can improve joint mobility, helping seniors regain flexibility and increase their range of motion. This is especially beneficial for individuals suffering from arthritis or age-related stiffness. By restoring alignment and function to the joints, chiropractic care can reduce pain and improve overall movement, making it easier to perform daily activities and enjoy recreational pursuits. Enhanced Posture As we age, our posture tends to decline, leading to slumping, rounded shoulders, or forward head posture. This can result in back and neck pain, muscle fatigue, and limited mobility. Chiropractic adjustments help realign the spine and improve posture, reducing strain on the muscles and joints. Better posture can also increase energy levels and reduce discomfort, allowing seniors to feel more comfortable and confident in their daily lives. Injury Prevention and Fall Risk Reduction Chiropractic care can help improve balance, coordination, and overall physical function. This is especially important for seniors who may have an increased risk of falls. Through regular adjustments, chiropractic care helps keep the nervous system functioning optimally, enhancing balance and coordination. Additionally, chiropractic care can identify and treat musculoskeletal imbalances that may contribute to falls, such as hip misalignments or weakened muscles. Stress Relief and Better Sleep Chronic pain and tension can increase stress and make it difficult to get a good night’s rest. Chiropractic care can help reduce muscle tension and alleviate pain, leading to a greater sense of relaxation and reduced stress. By improving spinal alignment and supporting the body’s natural healing processes, chiropractic adjustments can promote better sleep and improve overall emotional well-being. Support for Other Health Conditions Chiropractors don’t just treat musculoskeletal issues. They can also help seniors manage a variety of other health conditions, such as: Headaches: Chiropractic adjustments can reduce the frequency and severity of tension headaches and migraines by improving spinal alignment and reducing muscle tension. Digestive Issues: Misalignments in the spine can affect nerve function, leading to digestive issues like constipation. Chiropractic care can help improve nerve communication, promoting healthy digestion. Sciatica: Many seniors experience sciatica, which is a sharp pain that radiates down the leg. Chiropractic adjustments can alleviate pressure on the sciatic nerve and reduce pain. 4. Safety and Considerations for Seniors Chiropractic care is generally considered safe for seniors, but as with any medical treatment, it’s important to consider individual health conditions. Before beginning chiropractic care, seniors should consult with their primary care provider to ensure that chiropractic adjustments are appropriate for their specific needs. Some seniors may have certain health conditions, such as osteoporosis, severe arthritis, or recent surgeries, that require modifications to their chiropractic treatment plan. Chiropractors are skilled at tailoring their techniques to accommodate these conditions and ensure that the care provided is safe and effective. Additionally, seniors should choose a chiropractor who is experienced in working with older adults. A knowledgeable chiropractor will understand the unique needs and concerns of seniors and will be able to develop a treatment plan that supports their health goals. 5. The Importance of Regular Care For seniors, chiropractic care is most effective when it is part of a regular maintenance routine. While one or two adjustments may provide temporary relief, regular visits to the chiropractor can help sustain improvements in mobility, pain levels, and overall health. Chiropractic care can complement other health practices such as physical therapy, exercise, and a healthy diet, allowing seniors to maintain an active and independent lifestyle for years to come. Conclusion Chiropractic care is an excellent option for seniors looking to maintain mobility, manage pain, and enhance their overall quality of life. With its emphasis on spinal health, mobility, and pain relief, chiropractic care can help seniors stay active, improve their posture, reduce the risk of falls, and support their overall well-being. By working closely with a chiropractor who understands the unique needs of older adults, seniors can enjoy greater mobility, independence, and vitality well into their golden years. If you’re a senior looking to improve your mobility or address age-related discomfort, consider reaching out to a chiropractor to learn how chiropractic care can support your health and enhance your quality of life. Bethany Wolcott D’Youville Chiropractic ‘26
As temperatures rise and the days grow longer, summer sports enthusiasts take to the fields, courts, and waters to enjoy their favorite activities. Whether you’re playing soccer, swimming, cycling, or engaging in outdoor workouts, preparing your body for the unique physical demands of summer sports is crucial for performance and injury prevention. A targeted approach to conditioning, hydration, and recovery can help you stay active and injury-free throughout the season. The Physical Demands of Summer Sports Summer sports often involve high-intensity movement, endurance, and exposure to environmental factors like heat and humidity. Common physical challenges include: Cardiovascular Endurance: Many summer activities, such as running, cycling, and swimming, require sustained energy and stamina. Agility and Speed: Sports like soccer, tennis, and basketball demand quick movements and rapid directional changes. Strength and Power: Activities like beach volleyball and wakeboarding require muscular strength to generate force and maintain control. Heat Adaptation: Exercising in hot weather adds stress to the body, increasing the risk of dehydration and heat exhaustion. Understanding these factors helps you tailor your training and recovery strategies to maximize performance and safety. Pre-Season Conditioning: Building Strength and Endurance To prepare your body for the demands of summer sports, focus on a well-rounded training program that includes: 1. Cardiovascular Training Boosting your endurance ensures that you can sustain activity over extended periods. Consider: Interval Training: Alternating between high-intensity bursts and low-intensity recovery improves stamina. Cross-Training: Mixing activities like cycling, swimming, and running helps build overall cardiovascular fitness while preventing overuse injuries. Heat Acclimatization: Gradually increasing outdoor workout time allows your body to adapt to higher temperatures. 2. Strength Training Strengthening muscles reduces the risk of injury and enhances performance. Key areas to target include: Lower Body: Squats, lunges, and calf raises improve power and stability. Core Strength: Planks, Russian twists, and medicine ball exercises enhance balance and coordination. Upper Body: Push-ups, pull-ups, and shoulder presses support sports that require upper-body endurance, such as swimming and tennis. 3. Flexibility and Mobility Work Flexibility and mobility exercises help prevent muscle tightness and improve range of motion. Incorporate: Dynamic Stretching: Before activity, perform movements like leg swings and arm circles to warm up muscles. Static Stretching: After workouts, hold stretches for 20-30 seconds to release tension and improve flexibility. Foam Rolling: Helps reduce muscle tightness and improve circulation. 4. Sport-Specific Drills Practicing movements specific to your sport enhances performance and reduces the likelihood of injury. Examples include: Lateral drills for soccer and basketball Plyometric exercises for explosive movements in tennis and volleyball Stroke drills for swimming efficiency Preventing Common Summer Sports Injuries Increased activity levels and warm weather conditions raise the risk of sports-related injuries, including: Muscle Strains: Overuse or inadequate warm-ups can lead to strains in the hamstrings, quadriceps, or shoulders. Heat-Related Illnesses: Dehydration and prolonged sun exposure can cause heat exhaustion or heat stroke. Joint Injuries: High-impact activities may result in knee, ankle, or wrist injuries. Sunburn and Skin Damage: Outdoor sports increase exposure to harmful UV rays, leading to burns and long-term skin damage. Injury Prevention Strategies: Hydrate Adequately: Drink water throughout the day and replenish electrolytes lost through sweat. Wear Proper Gear: Choose footwear and protective equipment suited to your sport. Apply Sunscreen: Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher. Listen to Your Body: Rest when needed to avoid overtraining and fatigue. Recovery and Post-Activity Care Recovery and Post-Activity Care A proper recovery routine ensures that your muscles heal and your energy levels stay optimal. Key components of recovery include: 1. Active Recovery Engaging in light activity, such as walking, yoga, or swimming, promotes circulation and reduces muscle soreness. 2. Nutrition for Recovery Eating nutrient-dense foods helps replenish energy stores and repair muscles. Focus on: Protein: Supports muscle repair and growth (e.g., lean meats, fish, tofu, eggs). Carbohydrates: Restore glycogen levels for sustained energy (e.g., whole grains, fruits, vegetables). Healthy Fats: Reduce inflammation and support recovery (e.g., avocados, nuts, olive oil). 3. Chiropractic and Massage Therapy Chiropractic adjustments help maintain spinal alignment and joint mobility, reducing strain and enhancing performance. Sports massage aids muscle relaxation and reduces the risk of overuse injuries. 4. Sleep and Rest Final Thoughts Summer sports provide an exciting way to stay active, but proper preparation is key to preventing injuries and maximizing enjoyment. By focusing on pre-season conditioning, adopting injury prevention strategies, and prioritizing recovery, you can perform at your best all summer long. If you’re looking to enhance your athletic performance and prevent injuries, schedule a visit with Peak Performance Chiropractic. Our team can help with mobility, strength, and injury prevention strategies tailored to your summer sports activities. Bethany Wolcott D’Youville Chiropractic ‘26
Pregnancy is an exciting and transformative journey, but it can also bring significant physical challenges. As a mother-to-be, your body undergoes rapid changes to accommodate the growing baby, often leading to discomfort, aches, and postural shifts. Chiropractic care can be a safe and effective way to manage these changes, helping to reduce pain, improve mobility, and prepare the body for a smoother delivery. How Pregnancy Affects the Spine and Pelvis During pregnancy, the body experiences a range of physiological changes, including: Postural Adjustments – As the baby grows, the center of gravity shifts forward, increasing stress on the lower back and pelvis. Hormonal Changes – The hormone relaxin loosens ligaments in preparation for childbirth, which can sometimes lead to instability and discomfort in the spine and joints. Increased Spinal Curvature – The natural curve of the lower back becomes more pronounced, which can contribute to pain and muscle tightness. Pelvic Misalignment – Changes in pelvic alignment can affect the baby’s positioning and potentially lead to a more challenging labor and delivery. Chiropractic care offers a drug-free approach to managing these changes, ensuring the spine and pelvis remain properly aligned for a more comfortable pregnancy. Benefits of Chiropractic Care During Pregnancy 1. Relieves Back, Hip, and Pelvic Pain Many pregnant women experience lower back and hip pain due to the extra weight and shifting posture. Chiropractic adjustments can help realign the spine and relieve pressure on the joints and nerves, providing much-needed relief. 2. Improves Pelvic Balance and Baby Positioning Pelvic misalignment can restrict the amount of space available for the baby to move into the ideal head-down position for birth. Chiropractors trained in the Webster Technique specialize in adjusting the pelvis to create optimal alignment, reducing the likelihood of breech positioning and promoting a smoother delivery. 3. Reduces the Risk of Sciatic Nerve Pain As the uterus expands, it can put pressure on the sciatic nerve, leading to sharp, radiating pain down the lower back, hips, and legs. Chiropractic adjustments help relieve this pressure, reducing discomfort and improving mobility. 4. Enhances Nervous System Function The nervous system controls nearly every function in the body, including those crucial for pregnancy and childbirth. By ensuring proper spinal alignment, chiropractic care helps the nervous system communicate more effectively, supporting overall well-being for both mother and baby. 5. Promotes Better Posture and Balance The additional weight and shifting center of gravity can lead to postural imbalances. Regular chiropractic adjustments help maintain proper posture, reducing strain on muscles and joints. 6. May Contribute to an Easier Labor and Delivery A properly aligned pelvis allows for a smoother labor process by ensuring that the baby has ample space to descend. Studies suggest that chiropractic care may help reduce labor times and the need for medical interventions during delivery. Is Chiropractic Care Safe During Pregnancy? Yes! Chiropractic care is considered safe for most pregnant women when performed by a qualified practitioner. Chiropractors use gentle, pregnancy-specific techniques that avoid unnecessary pressure on the abdomen. Many offices also provide specialized tables and pillows to accommodate the growing belly comfortably. It is always a good idea to consult with your obstetrician or midwife before beginning chiropractic care, especially if you have any pregnancy complications or high-risk factors. When Should You Start Chiropractic Care During Pregnancy? There is no wrong time to start chiropractic care during pregnancy. Some women begin care in the first trimester to help with early postural changes, while others seek treatment later on to address discomfort as their pregnancy progresses. Regular adjustments throughout pregnancy can provide ongoing relief and support. Additional Ways to Support a Healthy Pregnancy Chiropractic care works best when combined with other wellness strategies, including: Prenatal Exercise – Activities like walking, swimming, and prenatal yoga help maintain strength and flexibility. Proper Hydration – Staying hydrated supports spinal health and reduces muscle stiffness. Supportive Footwear – Wearing shoes with proper arch support helps distribute weight evenly and reduces lower back pain. Prenatal Massage – Massage therapy can complement chiropractic adjustments by reducing muscle tension and promoting relaxation. Preparing for Postpartum Recovery Chiropractic care doesn’t stop after delivery. Postpartum adjustments can help realign the spine, support recovery, and address any lingering discomfort from pregnancy and labor. Many new mothers find that chiropractic care helps them regain mobility and energy, making it easier to care for their newborns. Final Thoughts Pregnancy is a time of immense physical change, but it doesn’t have to be uncomfortable. Chiropractic care offers a safe and natural way to support your body as it adapts to pregnancy, helping to relieve pain, improve pelvic alignment, and even contribute to an easier delivery. At Peak Performance, our chiropractors have experience working with expecting mothers and use gentle, pregnancy-friendly techniques to provide the best care possible. If you’re interested in experiencing the benefits of chiropractic care during pregnancy, schedule a consultation with us today! Bethany Wolcott D’Youville Chiropractic ‘26
