What type of discrepancies are often found to be functional rather than structural?

Leg length discrepancies (LLDs) are often classified as functional rather than structural because they can stem from postural imbalances, muscle tightness, or neuromuscular function rather than actual differences in the length of the bones in the legs. Structural discrepancies typically refer to measurable physical differences in the anatomy, such as one leg being anatomically shorter than the other due to bone development issues or congenital factors.

In contrast, functional leg length discrepancies can be influenced by factors such as pelvic tilt, alignment issues, or the position of the hips, which can create the illusion of one leg being shorter during movement without any actual difference in bone length. This means that addressing muscle imbalances, improving flexibility, or correcting posture can often resolve the functional discrepancies.

Joint immobility, muscle stiffness, and gait abnormalities may reflect underlying issues but are often tied to structural or physiological factors rather than being classified strictly as functional discrepancies like LLDs. They can indicate a need for rehabilitation or strength training, but the essence of functional discrepancies lies in their adjustable nature through coaching and targeted exercise strategies.