Don't sit like a lady

no gutter brain, I'm talking about the orthopedic reason

This is not medical advice.

Just in time for Valentine’s Day, a reference to a movie about man killers. I can think of worse ways to go…

There are many men that also sit like a lady, crossing one thigh over the other. I’ve never quite understood this one. You can make fun of me, that I’m not secure enough in my manhood to sit this way. You tend to see this more with politicians and intellectuals.

Crossing the thighs this way may be fine for many people. In physical therapy we see this cause hip problems. The hip joint is just a ball in a socket. When the knees touch, there is more force applied outward at the hips. This can overstretch the hips overtime, causing weakness, bursitis, increased hip arthritis, limping, etc. Sometimes all these symptoms combine and snow ball, making things worse.

Many people sit this way out of postural habit, and often to one side only. If you still want to sit this way, consider doing it equally on both sides. This may at least balance you out when walking.

This video explains why we often have orthopedic problems at the hip.

The sciatic nerve runs near the ball in the hip. Sometimes this hip posture places greater strain on the muscles that run in front, and behind the nerve.

In children with hip dysplasia, we often place a pillow at the knees, to make the hips more stable.

Sitting with your ankle on the thigh is a different story. That can be a good hip stretch, and beneficial for some low back pain problems. Just make sure you do it equally on both sides.

Hip strengthening is also recommended. Muscle tone is really what helps to stabilize the hips.

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