Recently, I saw one of my clients, Amy, who is super active and likes to hike, run, and play golf. She had been having some right hip pain, so we used the Pilates equipment to help her find more length and balance between her two sides. I added some specific alignment corrections involving her hips and trunk, which helped her pelvic and spinal stability. Amy’s hip pain has diminished significantly and she is able to keep enjoying the activities she loves, yay!
So why do we sometimes get pain on one side, and not the other? There can be many reasons, but a common one is that we often use one side more than the other, for example if you‘re right-handed, or lean over onto one hip more than the other. Balancing out asymmetric patterns is something we work on all the time in my individual sessions and also in my classes. And you can do it in your day to day life, too!
Try these simple but powerful changes!
Cleaning the kitchen
Use your opposite hand more in the kitchen
(wiping down surfaces, pulling out dishes, etc)
Carrying a bag
Carry your bag or purse on your opposite shoulder
Computer mouse
Try using your computer mouse with your opposite hand
Standing balanced
Stand with your weight evenly balanced on both legs
(if you notice yourself leaning towards one side)
It can feel clunky at first, but my clients who practice balancing their movements find that they are able to achieve better alignment, less pain, and improved function over time. Whether it’s through class or 1:1 sessions with me, or both, I am here to help you balance out your body!