Massage Works Dandenong Ranges

This will be a new Google review as soon as Google deigns to verify and activate my account at the new location...

"I've been seeing Simon regularly since 2022, and I honestly can't recommend him highly enough.

Over the years I've seen countless massage therapists, physios and osteopaths trying to manage chronic pain and ongoing physical issues, but Simon is by far the best practitioner I've ever found. He has an incredible depth of knowledge and an intuitive understanding of how the body works.

One of the first things Simon identified was that my right leg is slightly shorter than my left, which was contributing to many of my pain and alignment issues. He recommended a heel lift for my right shoe, and the difference it has made has been enormous. On the rare occasions I forget to wear it, I really notice the change in my alignment and how much more discomfort I experience. It was such a simple solution that no one else had ever picked up in decades of treatment.

What I appreciate most is that no two treatments are ever the same. Simon has an extensive range of skills and techniques that he draws upon, and each appointment is completely tailored to what my body needs on that particular day. He has an amazing ability to tune into what's going on without me having to explain very much at all, combining different approaches to create a treatment that feels truly personalised and addresses the underlying cause, not just the symptoms.

He has helped me significantly reduce my ongoing pain, improved my mobility and alignment, and consistently relieves the stress and tension I carry in my neck and shoulders. I always leave feeling noticeably better than when I arrived.

Simon genuinely cares about his clients and takes the time to understand the whole person, not just the injury or area of pain. His knowledge, skill and caring approach are exceptional, and I'm incredibly grateful to have found him. If you're looking for someone who is highly experienced, intuitive and genuinely invested in helping you feel your best, I wouldn't hesitate to recommend Simon."

Case 4, Part 5 - Simon Crittenden, I'm Dirty on the Medico's and Therapists​...webpage rewrite

I am perplexed by the medical world's ignorance of the fact a short right leg is a dominant genetic trait. I am completely dumbfounded they do not understand the fundamentals of the condition and the extent of the long term effects to our health and well being. I am dirty on the medico's and therapists who did not assess me for leg length discrepancy when I was young. They left me to carry a common postural hip anomaly, problematic since my teens, that eventually degenerated to an acute issue disabling mobility and impacting internal health. My life would have otherwise been very different.

It comes back to the First Cardinal Sign of Short Right Leg Syndrome…the left hip rotation thing. In my fourteenth and fifteenth years I grew six inches each year. I suffered as the left hip began rotating doing its anatomic adjustment to accommodate an increasing leg length discrepancy. After a few months the initial discomfort passed but for the rest of my life I was dogged by a twinge in the left Sacro-Iliac Joint that was NQR. In my 60's it degenerated to acute injury and disability. This was accompanied by escalating symptoms of Kidney deficiency as described by Traditional Chinese Medicine from the impact of the Pelvic Block constricting the Bladder meridian in its convoluted passage through the lumbro-sacral region. All of this and several SIJ and lumbar injuries could have been avoided if screened for SRLS in my teens and treated accordingly. A 5mm heel lift proved sufficient to turn the condition around yielding dramatic enduring benefits after 5 years of inexplicable deterioration. Eventually progressing to a heel lift roughly half the leg length discrepancy together with mobilising exercises for spine and sacrum resolved the condition.

Five decades have passed since my fifteenth year. I have lived in six countries. I have attended three universities and achieved a 98.3 Tertiary Entrance Ranking along the way in this country if that means anything. Four times I have trained my body to a level of athletic development surpassing my peers. Training partners in my 50's were retired professional athletes, Olympians and national champions. Spending ten years as a young man in the dojo of a Grand Master martial artist, Prof Wong Lun OBE AOM, 10th dan Tang So Do, I learned to sense, cultivate and control Qi. I have worked in four careers. Life has not always been kind and I have suffered physical and emotional injury. I have now been practicing as a Remedial Therapist for 20 years employing an assessment and treatment framework based on the fundamentals of Physiotherapy incorporating energetic Qi flow principles. It is a fusion of East and West.

I have some understanding of postural assessment and the majority of my clients present with a structurally short right leg and a vast array of complications, pain, dysfunction and injury resulting from it. I am pretty sure I am not being delusional. This is not taught in basic training. It would seem it is not taught at all. I have not yet encountered a medico or therapist that is aware of the condition in its entirety. Most are ignorant of it or choose to disregard it and are blind to its effects. I am not being unkind. This is merely the truth of the matter.

I have identified the key features of SRLS, have a plausible theory for the presence of this dominant genetic trait and specified a rudimentary assessment and treatment protocol. My experience treating the condition is not yet extensive. However, considerable success has been achieved with a number of clients who suffered long term acute conditions. I would describe my understanding of the condition as advanced. My research findings on the topic are described on this site.

https://critsvcs.wixsite.com/shortrightleg

Responding to an enquiry about unremitting knee pain that is defying all treatment...

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

I practice a fusion of East and West with 20yrs experience as a therapist and many decades as a worker and athlete. Through long association as a young man with Prof Wong Lun OBE OAM, 10th dan Tang So Do, a martial arts Grandmaster and Traditional Chinese Medical practitioner of high esteem, I have knowledge of energetic Qi flow and its effects. I have some understanding of the physiology contributing to inactive gluteal musculature, sabotaging stability, straining and overloading lower limbs and knees. I've seen and experienced the effects of age and injury damaging joints. Dietary supplements can assist. In the presence of acute injury, medicinal dosage of collagen is like a wonder drug. Sometimes a thorough deep working through the musculature from lower back through to the plantar fascia in our feet can improve comfort and function...massage, stretch and exercise. This is part of my approach.

However, there is another aspect to my practice not considered by therapists and medico's generally. We all have a structurally short right leg that no Chiropractic or Osteopathic adjustment can alter or remedy. The bones are different lengths. This is Short Right Leg Syndrome.

It came about through evolutionary adaptation giving mother and child a greater chance of survival in prehistoric times. It is to do with the mechanics of carrying a baby on left hip, freeing the strong right arm for work and defence. This was the most successful model and today it is a dominant genetic trait. Even leg length is rare. We do not see short left legs. How this plays out through our structure impacting comfort, mobility and internal health is complex. I have been studying this condition since 2014 and the first dramatically successful treatment commenced in 2016. My research findings, assessment and treatment protocols are described here...

https://critsvcs.wixsite.com/shortrightleg

As we age beyond the life expectancy of our prehistoric ancestors, distortion and strain generates a rigidity through the pelvis which becomes ingrained. Impacting lower limbs through pelvic misalignment and blocked energetic Qi flow. A fundamental energetic principle of physical therapy in my practice is a proximal blockage at hip or shoulder has a distal effect in the limb. Where Qi flow is blocked, a subtle thickening and tightening occurs through the connective tissue. Under the influence of loading and other factors this can escalate to acute dysfunction, pain and injury.

There is much more to the story of the Pelvic Block, the fourteen acupuncture meridians passing through the pelvis and consequent effect on internal health. Also too, an uneven foundation for the spine encourages mild scoliosis working up the spine generating strain through upper back, neck and shoulders leading to chronic dysfunction, pain and injury. This is the bread and butter of the massage industry.

Inexplicable lower limb dysfunction including escalating rheumatic pain in the knees is one outcome from this condition I describe. I am Case 4 (parts 1 to 13) under the Notes tab. Five years deterioration of lower limb function from lumbro-sacral injury at age 60 knocked me out of sport and had me facing the prospect of forced retirement from active life at age 65. Three Medical Doctors, five Allied Health Doctors and multiple physical therapists failed me. Several had huge opportunity to treat the condition. I commenced self-treatment for Short Right Leg Syndrome in January 2021. Dramatic enduring change for the better commenced from the very next day.

https://critsvcs.wixsite.com/shortrightleg/case-4-part-1

This was the beginning of a four stage recovery process that played out over five years before drilling down to the core at structural ground zero in the sacrum. Knowing what I do now, this could have been accelerated to undo what many decades under the influence of gravity and a 21mm structural leg length discrepancy had done to my condition. This is not a unique case. A vast range of acute conditions present in my clinical practice for which the short right leg is a component of the underlying causation.

For your consideration. Thankyou.

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

Signage at new location for Google Maps verification video. Just happened to have a 600x900 piece of perspex to stick the letters to for stealth effect. It's a tight squeeze in the treatment room but I have been managing. Temporary until the studio upgrade is complete.

I was taught the basics of TCM pulse diagnosis long ago. Now frequently monitor my own condition. My knowledge is limited. Requires many years experience and the standing of a doctor to effectively diagnose and treat internal health.

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 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 even in cases of lumbar injury where it is a contributory factor. 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 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.

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.

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. 🙌