Special Topics: Does Symmetry Matter?

with Jeremy Laverdure, DPT

Course Description

As Pilates teachers, physical therapists, and other movement teachers, we may have been taught that a properly functioning human body is (or should be) symmetrical right to left. At the very least, that idea seems to permeate how exercise and movement are taught! But is symmetry normal? And does asymmetry predict injury or decreased performance? In this 1.5-hour course, we’ll look at the evidence around “structural” asymmetries like leg length discrepancies, pelvic obliquity, and differences in scapular position to see if they predict anything about pain or injury. And we’ll look at the evidence around asymmetries in muscle strength and motor performance as they relate to risk of injury and success at post-injury return to sport. By looking at the evidence as a whole, we’ll be better able to understand when to strive for symmetry and when to let it go!