Whole Body Wringing (For Therapists)

In the most common presentation of pelvic torsion (PT)—characterized by hip flexor tension on the left and hip adductor tension on the right—the entire body exhibits a twist to the right.

Pelvic Rotation and Muscle Dynamics

•Pelvic Blades:

•The left pelvic blade rotates forward, causing a depression of the anterior iliac spine.

•The right pelvic blade rotates backward, causing a depression of the posterior iliac spine.

•Muscle Involvement:

•The dominant hip flexors on the left and the quadratus lumborum with the 12th rib on the right create this pattern.

•The hip adductors, which are closely coupled with the quadratus lumborum, contribute to the contralateral pull.

•Leg Alignment:

•Both legs rotate to the right, leading to compensatory alignment in the leg and foot joints.

•The right foot typically lifts along the inner edge, while the left foot lowers the first metatarsal.

Effects on the Trunk and Upper Body

Trunk Twisting

•The pelvic rotation results in a corresponding trunk rotation to the right, including the 12th ribs.

•On the right side:

•The 12th rib and sacroiliac joint (SIJ) are relieved by elevation.

•The quadratus lumborum is similarly relieved.

•On the left side:

•The ilium and 12th rib are typically anteriorly positioned.

•After releasing tension in the left quadratus lumborum, the SIJ is often relieved as the ilium shifts into a posterior position.

Shoulder and Neck Twisting

•Shoulder Girdle:

•The left scapula tilts forward, while the right scapula tilts backward (elevated by the levator scapulae).

•Arm movement is asymmetrically restricted due to tension in the anterior serratus.

•Neck Twisting:

•The head is pulled forward and to the right by the right adductors through the oblique abdominal muscles.

•Simultaneously, it is pulled backward and to the left by diagonal fascial pulls and the upper fibers of the sternocleidomastoid (SCM).

•This usually results in a prominent left transverse process of the atlas palpable behind the left auricle.

•If the atlas is pulled to the right, it often signals an interruption of the myofascial longitudinal tracts, typically due to a blockage in the thoracic spine, often involving the third or fourth rib on the right.

•Before treating the atlas, release tension in the SCM anteriorly and the neck extensors posteriorly.

Leg Twisting

•Pubic Symphysis:

•The pubic symphysis is consistently blocked in the presence of PT.

•Tarsal Joints:

•On the right, the foot usually twists outward, with the first metatarsal lifted and the talus displaced forward and to the right.

•On the left, the first metatarsal lowers, and the talus shifts forward and to the left.

Relief is achieved using ortho-bionomic techniques, emphasizing the patient’s natural pattern of tension. Patients should practice these as individualized home exercises.

Key Joints and Their Role in Pelvic Torsion

Certain key joints are critical in evaluating the relationship between PT and the autonomic nervous system (ANS):

•Temporomandibular joints (TMJ)

•Atlanto-occipital joint (atlas)

•12th rib (associated with the kidney and adrenal region)

•Sacroiliac joint (SIJ)

•Coccyx

•Tarsal joints

Testing Key Joints

Use the Integral Stress Test to determine whether a key joint is contributing to PT or is affected by it:

1.Gently touch the joint.

2.If this provides immediate relief of PT, the joint is likely a source of stress for the ANS.

By addressing the source of irritation, you can relieve PT and promote balance in the ANS.