Massage Works Dandenong Ranges

24/03/2026

Evolutionary Adaptation of a Short Right Leg and Introducing the Pelvic Block

​We would like to think we are perfectly formed to live a long healthy comfortable life if only we can get back to nature, eat and sleep well, avoid stress and be happy. The truth of it is, being bipedal, nature has dealt us an unexpected challenge in the evolutionary journey to ensure survival of the species. When early Hominid species first began to stand and walk on two legs, structural leg length may have been randomly distributed…some even legged, some short on the left side, some short on the right side. My theory, evolutionary adaptation of comparative leg length has been influenced by our dominant right hand and the question of how to carry baby securely.

​Parents carry baby on the left hip. I clearly recall leaving the house with bags in left hand and attempting to put the youngest one on my right hip before walking out the front door. I struggled to do so three or four times and gave up. He just would not sit securely on the right hip. Putting everything down, I transferred him to the left side and walked out the door.

​I now know this is because my right leg is shorter than the left. The left hip is elevated causing a right leaning tilt across the pelvis. The foundation of the spine at the Sacrum, also right leaning, encourages mild scoliosis with right convexity. The spine being offset to the right of centre, weight distribution is too and the hips shift to the left in a counterbalancing move. Hence, the left hip elevated and projecting laterally is the perfect perch for baby. We hardly have to think about it, left arm casually draped about the baby unlike the right side where we contort our body and have to hang on tight and it still does not feel secure.

​Sceptical when first alerted to the concept a structurally short right leg is common, I subsequently assessed every client presenting in clinic. The claim proved to be true. It is controversial but some formal studies do support it. The vast majority of my clients have a structurally short right leg. It is a dominant genetic trait. I rarely see even leg lengths and have seen only one naturally short left leg case in a decade.
​Considering the Two Signature Traits of a short right leg which are an elevated left hip and elevated right shoulder, this gave mother and child in prehistoric times a greater chance of survival. Child on elevated laterally projected left hip, bag on elevated right shoulder, freeing the strong right arm for work and defence in their hunter gatherer existence in the forest. This was the most successful model. It is also living proof the early hominid species were predominantly right handed. If they were left handed we would be seeing short left legs and carry baby on right hip. We do not see short left legs.

​It is important to understand this evolved purely to aid survival of the species during the child rearing years. There are no other beneficial attributes from a short right leg. To the contrary, the structural asymmetry imposes a constant troublesome strain leading to a vast array of mobility and internal health issues.​
It is a complex condition that affects us more as we age beyond the life expectancy of our prehistoric ancestors. Becoming sedentary, gaining weight and losing flexibility, working on our feet for extended periods of time, the strain on distorted connective tissue about the lumbro-sacral region and hips becomes ingrained and a rigidity sets in. The effects stem from both unbalanced biomechanical forces and blocked energetic Qi flow. While I encounter the occasional juvenile or young adult unduly affected by the condition, symptoms typically become apparent in our 40's. I describe a condition affecting the vast majority of us today, regardless of gender or race, working from the feet up, creating permanent distortion through the pelvis impacting comfort, mobility and internal health.

Osteopaths and Chiropractors are fond of the theory neck or TMJ dysfunction generates dural drag working down the spine, twisting the torso and elevating the left hip. Until they properly consider and account for the effects of structural leg length discrepancy, I am inclined to think they attribute too much importance to the dural drag theory.

I also keep hearing about medial rotation of the right femur contributing to a dropped right pelvis. I have a lot to say about that too and similarly, they are not taking into account the effects of the structurally short leg. It is not included in medical examination. Leg length discrepancy is typically overlooked entirely.

We easily grasp the concept of biomechanical dysfunction but how does structural leg length discrepancy impact internal health? In brief, there are fourteen acupuncture meridians passing through the pelvis. Permanent distortion and strain on the soft tissue of the pelvis and lumbro-sacral region creates a "Pelvic Block" impinging energetic Qi flow in these meridians. I have anecdotal evidence of improved digestive, reproductive and kidney function when addressing structural leg length discrepancy in my Remedial Therapy practice.

Internal health effects from structural leg length discrepancy is little known to conventional and alternative medical practitioners. It is supported by Traditional Chinese Medical theory and is known to some TCM practitioners. It is not taught in their university studies. It is well understood by Chi Gong masters and Yoga guru's whose practice involves much attention to opening the pelvis, improving flexibility and promoting energetic Qi flow. Flexibility is preventative. As we age we can manage this well should we have the dedication and discipline of a yoga guru or dancer. Most do not do so.

I came to these insights through knowledge of energetic Qi flow gained from long association with a Grand Master martial artist and Traditional Chinese Medical practitioner of high esteem when I was a young man combined with the fundamentals of Physiotherapy imparted through the Remedial Diploma at Swinburne University of Technology. This has been validated through considerable personal and clinical experience observing and treating the condition.

24/03/2026

Hip Alignment Influenced by Leg Length Discrepancy

The most common pelvic alignment sighted in my practice is a left hip in high range anterior rotation sagittally about the SIJ, with a level right hip and slight right leaning pelvic tilt in the frontal plane. This is not good posture but it is so common I call it normal. By my definition, high range anterior rotation amounts to 30 degrees or more. Very high range is 45 degrees.

Assessment for this is carried out with the client standing, therapist seated at their side placing fingers of one hand on the posterior aspect of the iliac crest and fingers of the other hand on the ASIS and noting the line between these two points in relation to horizontal. Where they are aligned horizontally in the standing position, that is normal. Where the ASIS is inferior, that is anterior rotation. Where the ASIS is superior, that is posterior rotation.

This method of examining hip alignment was taught in the Remedial Diploma at Swinburne University. On commencing practice, I identified a correlation between high range anterior rotation of the hip about the SIJ and dysfunction down the backline of the lower limb.

High range anterior rotation of 30 degrees is something like six times beyond normal range of motion for the SIJ. This binds and tightens the ligamental structure and connective tissue about the joint. My observation is it blocks energetic Qi flow, causing a subtle thickening and tightening from gluteals to plantar fascia that can escalate to acute pain, dysfunction and injury. Why the hip rotated in this manner and resisted attempts to realign it through treatment and rehab was a mystery.

The first case of plantar fasciitis resolved by normalising left hip position dates back to 2008 in my practise. This client afflicted by the condition for 10yrs had been examined by medical doctors in both Melbourne and London, and subjected to surgical intervention to release the plantar fascia to no avail. Massage and physiotherapy treatment was similarly ineffective. When I realised discomfort and binding at the SIJ from anterior rotation might be cause for distal effects in the lower limb, I applied an intense hip flexor stretch, reducing anterior rotation sufficiently to allow the energetic Qi flow to resume. Within 3 days, the plantar fascia symptoms resolved.

I understand there is scepticism for energetic Qi flow concepts. That is fine. Nevertheless, I have observed the correlation between the twisted SIJ and dysfunction down the backline of the lower limb. That I have repeatedly resolved acute conditions such as Piriformis Syndrome, unrelenting hamstring and calf tightness, and Plantar Fasciitis by normalising hip rotation and releasing the bound SIJ remains a fact. One can give whatever reason they like to explain why a proximal anomaly at the hip and lumbro-sacral region has a distal effect in the limb. It does not invalidate the observation.

I suspect medico’s and therapists generally do not consider hip alignment as I describe above. If so, there would be considerably more discussion on the topic of an SIJ that is typically being forced into chronic high range anterior rotation multiple times beyond normal range of motion. This presentation is so common that despite it not being good posture, I consider it to be normal. Also too, it is not surprising the left SIJ being pushed six to nine times beyond normal range becomes symptomatic. In the short term experiencing pain and impacting the backline of the lower limb. In the longterm (decades), jeopardising stability of the joint and making it vulnerable to injury.

Why the left hip was in unilateral high range rotation was a mystery to me until in 2014 when I was told by an instructor that 68% of his clients had a structurally short right leg. I began examining hip alignment and structural leg length of every client presenting in my practice. I was sceptical of his claim but within two months I got back to him admitting it was true and if anything, it was more like 99% have the short leg condition.

Considering the mechanics of hip alignment, I realised anterior rotation the left hip is an unconscious anatomic adjustment functionally pulling up the longer leg, reducing pelvic tilt, making us feel more comfortable and protecting the lumbar spine to some degree. As the hip rotates sagittally about the SIJ, the femoro-acetabular joint moves in an arc posteriorly and superiorly. The occasional exception case sighted with both hips level will present greater right leaning pelvic tilt and more prominent lumbar symptoms.

13/02/2026

Master Yang at Calligraphy Health
https://www.facebook.com/share/1C9rhtoRpT/

29/01/2026

5 Star Google Review, Lisa, June 2025

I went to Simon 2 weeks ago with a chronic shoulder issue that I have carried for many years, and have had massage, chiro etc gaining temporary relief sometimes, but the pain always returned with vengeance days later.

I saw Simon for a second time this week, and I cannot believe the range of motion I now have in my shoulder, and the pain has gone from a 10/10 to about a 2/10.

He also picked up a discrepancy in my legs, one was longer than the other, causing my hips and everything else to be out of alignment, hence the pain I was feeling in other areas of my body also. So, not only did he work on my shoulder, but he may have just found the source to all my issues for the last 20 plus years.

My hips are now not in pain like they were prior to seeing Simon, and neither are my other joints, that were just mild pain in comparison to my shoulder. I don’t know of anyone else that has studied this short leg issue, and can explain how that affects the rest of the body, putting everything out of balance.

If you have any issue going on in your body, I highly recommend going to see him, I guarantee he will find the source of your pain and you will walk out of there feeling like a million bucks.

I’ve finally found someone that fixes issues at the source, rather than just a bandaid fix. And bonus for me, is that he is not too far from home either.

Highly highly recommend
⭐️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

And P.S I’ve booked my husband in for a session with him tomorrow as I’m confident he will sort out his pain also, and I’ve booked myself in for a follow up appointment next week. 🙌

29/01/2026

5 Star Google Review, Elisa, August 2025

I have been dealing with chronic pain in my shoulder blade, shoulder, arm and wrist since 2020. I visited numerous myotherapists, physiotherapists and chiropractors weekly for years, and have had some ‘quit’ on me saying they were unable to help.

Simon has been helping me since March and I have not felt that good in a really long time.

He is extremely knowledgeable, and has comprehensive information on a broad range of treatments. When Simon believes something new will be helpful, he researches it to apply the techniques successfully. I have been visiting Simon weekly and cannot recommend his services enough. We always have a nice and uplifting conversation during our sessions, and I leave his studio feeling energised and relaxed.

Thank you heaps, Simon!

29/01/2026

5 Star Google review, Nigel, November 2025

I am a 47 year old who started getting severe shoulder pain and stiffness that came out of the blue one day. I went to a doctor who diagnosed me with a frozen shoulder but thought there may be more too it. The doctor sent me off for a MRI which unveiled I was suffering from a full thickness tear in my shoulder extending into my bicep, a labrel tear, a rotator cuff tear as well as the frozen shoulder. I ended up at an orthopaedic surgeon who suggested a hydra dilation injection as well as possible surgery.

I was in such pain that I was taking celebrex daily during the day, and at nights I was on oxycodone to help me sleep as I hadn't barely slept in weeks due to the pain. I was on these painkillers for months.

I wasn't keen on either of the surgeons suggestions so that's when I found Simon online - and I'm so glad I did. Even after the first visit to Simon, I had some easing of the pain and also increased movement in my arm. He used a few different techniques on me including: remedial therapy, shoulder treatment protocol, chinese cupping and Gua Sha.

All I can say is Simon is a genius.

After a few visits, I am totally pain free not taking anymore pain killers at all as well as my range of shoulder movement almost back to normal. I can't thank Simon enough from saving me from having to endure an evasive procedure in shoulder surgery.

Can't recommend Simon enough.

28/01/2026

Rate Change effective from 1 February 2026

Sport, Relaxation, Craniosacral Therapy, Lymphatic Drainage and Remedial Massage Therapy

$90 for 60min
$130 for 90min

Initial Remedial session charge is $130

Corporate and Government accounts $100 for 60min

History: Three years ago I dropped rates from $85 to $60 for the hour due to the Cost of Living Crisis impacting many of my clients. Rates have subsequently been increased in stages to $75 and now $90.

Considering inflationary effects, this does not yet fully reinstate fees to pre-Crisis levels but that is OK. It does represent a considerable discount over other Remedial Massage rates of $115 hourly in this area. Google stating rates are typically $100 to $120.

Price is not necessarily a gauge of knowledge, experience or ability.

Simon Crittenden
Remedial Massage Therapist
Member of Massage & Myotherapy Australia

mbl 0416 268 255

https://www.massageworksdandenongranges.com.au/
https://critsvcs.wixsite.com/shortrightleg

Massage Works Dandenong Ranges
158 Emerald-Monbulk Rd
Emerald VIC 3782

10:30am - 7:00pm Mon, Tues, Thur & Fri
10:30am - 6:00pm Sat

01/01/2026

It's large proportions and dramatic decoration does not convey the sense of peace and tranquillity experienced in this temple.

26/10/2025

Plantar Fasciitis, Achilles Tendonitis, Hamstring and Gluteal Dysfunction, Sciatic Pain - Underlying Causation from Energetic Qi Flow Blockage at the Pelvis

Plantar Fasciitis is a thickening and tightening of the connective tissue in the bottom of the foot causing pain about the Calcaneus at the heel. It is not always debilitating and may waft and wane as activity levels vary. Acute stage Plantar Fasciitis is excruciatingly painful preventing normal activity and can escalate to catastrophic injury where the periosteum, the fascial layer about the bone, tears off and heel spurs develop. While there can be other contributory factors, every case of Plantar Fasciitis I have sighted is accompanied by structural leg length discrepancy that distorts the pelvis and lumbro-sacral region straining soft tissue blocking energetic Qi flow. I describe this as an outcome of a prominent Left or Right Lower Limb Mechanism generated by Short Right Leg Syndrome.

https://www.massageworksdandenongranges.com.au/srls

The fundamental underlying principle is that a proximal energetic block at the hip has a distal effect in the limb. Where energetic Qi flow is blocked, a subtle thickening and tightening occurs in the connective tissue. The soft tissue taking on a gristle like quality down to the bone readily felt by the therapist. Under loading and other influencing factors this can escalate to pain, dysfunction and injury. This plays out along the backline of the lower limb from gluteals through to the plantar fascia. It is a contributory factor in Plantar Fasciitis, Achilles Tendonitis, Hamstring and Gluteal Dysfunction, and Sciatic Pain.

Left sided cases are typically due to anterior rotation of the left hip about the SIJ in the Sagittal plane which is an anatomic adjustment pulling up the longer leg. The tightly bound SIJ has a blocking effect down the backline of the left lower limb.

https://critsvcs.wixsite.com/shortrightleg/first-cardinal-sign
https://critsvcs.wixsite.com/shortrightleg/left-lower-limb-mechanism

Right sided cases are more complex being a combination of gait issues from the short right leg causing rigidity through the right hip and SIJ, and pelvic tilt straining the right lumbar region blocking circulation of energetic Qi flow to the back line of the right lower limb.

https://critsvcs.wixsite.com/shortrightleg/second-cardinal-sign
https://critsvcs.wixsite.com/shortrightleg/right-lower-limb-mechanism

Where energetic Qi flow is blocked and the subtle thickening and tightening of the connective tissue has escalated to an acute condition, direct treatment to the foot or leg provides limited, temporary relief. Poor treatment outcomes for this condition with conventional therapy are common. This can be turned around when energetic Qi flow blockage at the hip is attended to.

Flexibility at the pelvis is preventative. Remedial therapy and rehab exercise to normalise left hip position releasing tightness in lower back, activate and strengthen weakness in the glutes and abdominals, stretch hip flexors, and use of a small adjusting heel lift under the short leg can rapidly relieve the symptoms of left sided Plantar Fasciitis...generally within days in the absence of acute symptoms associated with heel spurs or catastrophic arch collapse. These acute scenarios will be improved but considerable rehab and treatment may be necessary for full recovery.

Right sided cases where the lumbar spine’s integrity may be compromised can take longer to respond to treatment. The presence of pelvic and lumbro-sacral dysfunction and injury can prove problematic, thwarting treatment attempts until they are resolved.

Some have difficulty getting their head around the idea the problem is at the hips and lumbro-sacral region and not in the feet. I do not blame them. It is much the same with the majority of therapeutic practitioners. They do not connect the dots between a seemingly unrelated innocuous condition at the pelvis and lumbro-sacral region and an acute condition in the bottom of the foot.

Yes, there are sceptics and that is OK. I do not expect those who have not undergone the lengthy training to become sensitised to the presence of Qi through Eastern breath and movement practices to understand. It is an experiential thing, not mere intellectual insight. Full knowledge does not come about until experienced first hand. My observations and the treatment outcomes cannot be denied regardless of the explanation one chooses.

Note: In relation to heel spurs, I have heard accounts from two Traditional Chinese Medical practitioners of a TCM treatment for resolving them. I have no first hand experience with the procedure. Few will think it credible nor have the fortitude or patience to attempt what is a painful and slow treatment. Like it is rare for me to encounter a Carpal Tunnel case that has not had the surgical procedure to clip the Carpal Ligament, it is probable the majority of patients might choose the option to have the heel spur surgically shaved off. I can only comment, it is worth trying the non-invasive approach first in conjunction with treatment I advocate for correcting the effects from structural leg length discrepancy on the backline of the lower limbs.

15/10/2025

Remedial Therapy Fusing East and West

A fundamental energetic principle in physical therapy is that a proximal block at hip or shoulder has a distal effect in the limb.

Raised as a youth in the Orient and the son of an engineer, I was surrounded by and immersed in science. Ironically, the paradigm reversed in early adulthood when disoriented by culture shock being thrust back into the West, I received guidance from a Grandmaster martial artist and Chinese medical practitioner of high esteem. He brought a semblance of balance to the disturbed young man. Years of martial and meditative training imparted a directly palpable insight to Eastern philosophy.

Later exposed to the fundamentals of Physiotherapy through the diploma of Remedial Massage, it became apparent the concept of energetic Qi flow relates directly to a vast array of poorly understood symptoms of pain and suffering sighted in clinical practice. Simply put, if energy flow is blocked, thickening and tightening occurs through connective tissue leading to pain and dysfunction.

Clearing these blockages requires knowledge of the underlying cause. Merely massaging tightness can be ineffective as evidenced, for instance, by the multitudes of long term sufferers of Plantar Fasciitis in the foot or Repetitive Strain Injury to the forearm. Direct treatment to the foot and calf or forearm and wrist give limited short term relief but rarely resolve the condition. Focusing on correcting postural anomalies, releasing tightness at the hip and shoulder can be the missing key to a successful treatment with rapid and dramatic outcome.

08/10/2025

The following is a frequent recommendation in the Remedial Therapy Reports prepared for clients following initial consultation...

➤ Consideration for consulting a TCM doctor for assessment. Below are details of Dr Kevin Duong who is a third generation practitioner trained at university in Australia and China. He maintains a TCM dispensary of over 600 herbs. Use of herbal medicine is considered the pinnacle of TCM practice. Acupuncture available on request for acute injury and disease.

07/10/2025

I see some clients who have travelled long distance for assessment and treatment of their condition and a resolution of their symptoms. The expectation is often for a quick ready adjustment that will improve their condition. In some respects that is achievable. Use of an adjusting heel lift, massage treatment, fascial release and joint distraction through the hips and pelvis combined with deep Chinese Cupping to draw out stagnation can have a dramatic beneficial result. Nevertheless, addressing the full condition is a process that can take time and effort to resolve.

The concept of and the effects from rigidity through our structure is not fully appreciated. Often not noted nor considered, it can be the cause of little niggles that escalate into acute injury. Distortion and strain from a minor postural anomaly like leg length discrepancy blocks energetic Qi flow causing a thickening and tightening through connective tissue restricting movement and circulation leading to reduced flexibility, increased rigidity and tissues that rupture rather than give and move under impact. It is like rigidity begets more rigidity.

Left sided and right sided influences through the hips differ considerably and are described by the First and Second Cardinal Signs of Short Right Leg Syndrome and corresponding Left and Right Lower Limb Mechanisms. The right side becomes rigid. This might play out as a jammed SIJ, tweaking in the quads close to their origin at the front of the hip, the hip flexor psoas deep in the abdomen becoming overactive and tight, spasm through the glutes and piriformis accompanied by sciatic pain, a thickening and tightening down the entire backline of the leg from gluteal region to plantar fascia non-responsive to direct treatment, and ultimately damage to the femoro-acetabular joint, possibly accompanied by right sided lumbar disk bulging varying from sub-acute to catastrophic encouraged by the dropped right hip opening disk spacing creating a geometric wedge pushing out lumbar disks and accompanied by tightness through the QL’s. I have sighted all these in conjunction with the effects of the Second Cardinal Sign of SRLS and the Right Lower Limb Mechanism.

Surgical procedures to repair catastrophic injury do not relieve the strain from distortion leg length discrepancy generates. If anything, surgical invasion compounds this aspect of the condition and extra effort is necessary to clear the rigidity. Prospect for recovery is improved by addressing the short leg condition and actively increasing flexibility and mobility through the lumbro-sacral region and pelvis. Interestingly, leg length discrepancy is not included in medical examination even in the event of lumbar injury where it is a primary contributory element. At the core is the sacrum which is structural ground zero.

https://critsvcs.wixsite.com/shortrightleg/structural-vs-functional-leg-length-discrepancy
https://critsvcs.wixsite.com/shortrightleg/insights-to-energetic-qi
https://critsvcs.wixsite.com/shortrightleg/concept-of-energetic-blockage
https://critsvcs.wixsite.com/shortrightleg/sacrum-is-structural-ground-zero
https://critsvcs.wixsite.com/shortrightleg/second-cardinal-sign
https://critsvcs.wixsite.com/shortrightleg/right-lower-limb-mechanism
https://critsvcs.wixsite.com/shortrightleg/right-sided-disk-bulging
https://critsvcs.wixsite.com/shortrightleg/right-lower-limb-mechanism-and-fascial-release

This is important…

https://critsvcs.wixsite.com/.../importance-of-flexibility

That some cases demonstrate high levels of rigidity through the pelvis is unsurprising considering heavy training loads as runners combined with a working life on their feet many hours a day. This is part of the story for those who work on their feet. Managing the effects from the dominant genetic trait of a structurally short right leg are necessary as we age beyond the life expectancy of our prehistoric ancestors.

Bottom line...where one has spent a lot of time on their feet, their structure is uneven (a short right leg is dominant genetic trait), perhaps done much heavy athletic training or physical work, the resulting distortion, strain and rigidity that goes to the core generates dysfunction, pain and injury. Cracking the back or a bit of rubbing or an acupuncture needle or two does not resolve this. Energetic healing treatments can have miraculous effect but they do not last until the physical structural anomaly is addressed. While exercise and rehab treatment can manage the condition, casual Yoga practice does not. Dedicated daily practice for months or years mobilising lumbar spine, SIJ's and sacrum, use of an adjusting heel lift, and remedial release work is what it takes to unwind the effects of years of distortion and strain. There will be a limit to how much adjustment the body will accept initially. This can be increased as condition improves and the body responds. This is my experience.

https://critsvcs.wixsite.com/shortrightleg/spinal-rotation-exercise
https://critsvcs.wixsite.com/shortrightleg/sacral-mobilisation-exercise
https://critsvcs.wixsite.com/shortrightleg/heel-lift-instructions
https://critsvcs.wixsite.com/shortrightleg/short-right-leg-syndrome-treatment-protocol

I am now in the fifth year of self treatment for the effects from Short Right Leg Syndrome that resulted in several lumbar and sacro-iliac joint injuries, knee dysfunction, and afflicted me with a raft of internal health symptoms since my late teenage years from kidney deficiency due to the effects from the Pelvic Block. Inexplicable deterioration of lower limb function and escalating internal health symptoms non-responsive to treatment followed the second and most acute of the lumbar injuries at age 60. When faced with the prospect of retirement from active life at age 65, I commenced treatment addressing structural leg length discrepancy. It has been a long staged process addressing symptoms, unwinding effects of distortion and strain. This might have been accelerated had I known what I know now, yet, it would have still taken months or years to resolve and recover from the effect of six decades under the influence of gravity and structural leg length discrepancy. I do have some confidence I have now drilled down to the core of my disability. Internal health, comfort and mobility is vastly improved.

Outline of treatment protocol for Short Right Leg Syndrome caused by the dominant genetic trait of a structurally short right leg.