RSM-DTM-S001
Written by Hironori Ikeda, MSc Sports Medicine
RSM International Academy · Chiang Mai, Thailand
Deep Tissue Massage clinical guides → Squat Shift to One Side: Hip, Ankle or Trunk?
A squat shift can be compared under two conditions without assuming that ankle stiffness caused it. The aim is to see whether a controlled change alters the task, then decide what deserves further assessment.
In This Article
- In This Article
- 1. Ankle Demand in a Matched Squat
- Record the Starting Squat
- Compare a Supported Alternative
- Return to the Original Condition
- 2. Control Foot Position, Depth and Coaching Cues
- 3. Separate Heel-Support Response From Treatment Response
- Related RSM Clinical Blogs
- Study Deep Tissue Massage at RSM
1. Ankle Demand in a Matched Squat
Record the Starting Squat
Use a comfortable unloaded squat. Mark foot position and toe angle, choose a repeatable depth, and note symptoms, heel contact and the phase when the shift appears. Keep camera position and hand support consistent if recording video.
Compare a Supported Alternative
When appropriate, compare the same task with a small, stable heel elevation. Keep the remaining conditions similar. This changes ankle demand and also changes the mechanics of the whole squat. A different shift therefore suggests a task-dependent contribution; it does not prove a calf trigger point, joint restriction or lumbar cause.
Assess ankle movement separately if it matters to the clinical question. Knee position and foot alignment should be recorded rather than changed silently between sides. Avoid forcing the ankle through a painful limit.
Return to the Original Condition
After any suitable contact or movement practice, remove the comparison aid and repeat the original squat. Document pain, depth and shift separately. Improvement only with heel elevation is a useful adaptation, but it is not evidence that massage restored dorsiflexion.
2. Control Foot Position, Depth and Coaching Cues
During the lowering phase of a squat, ankle dorsiflexion, knee flexion and hip flexion share the movement demand. Mark foot width, toe direction and the intended depth first. Compare one ankle condition without simultaneously changing stance width or adding a coaching cue; otherwise the reason for a different lateral shift is unclear.
3. Separate Heel-Support Response From Treatment Response
An easier squat under altered conditions is useful for selecting the next assessment. To evaluate a treatment trial, return to the original foot position and depth. Keep foot-condition comparison and post-treatment comparison as separate observations.
Related RSM Clinical Blogs
▷ Squat Shift to One Side: Hip, Ankle or Trunk? — Deep Tissue Massage · Explore the full symptom assessment and treatment decisions.
▷ Squat Shifts to One Side: Foot Pressure, Hip & Trunk — Dynamic Posture Assessment · Compare a related clinical question from another assessment angle.
▷ Tight Calves When Running: Load, Ankle Mobility & Foot Mechanics — Sports Massage · Connect the contact finding with movement and load.
Study Deep Tissue Massage at RSM
Develop the anatomical comparison, contact control and re-assessment skills behind this note. View Deep Tissue Massage course details. Explore the clinical guide. Check the official course schedule.
For the landmark and clinical palpation foundation, explore the Trigger Point Therapy course.
About the Author
Hironori Ikeda, MSc Sports Medicine is the lead instructor at RSM International Academy. His teaching connects functional anatomy, clinical palpation, treatment decisions and re-assessment.