Wonky hips = normal hips

If you've ever had a physical therapist, chiropractor, or trainer mention that your hips are "uneven" or "rotated," you're not alone—and it's not necessarily cause for concern. In fact, one of the most fascinating truths about human anatomy is that our hip sockets are not perfectly symmetrical, and they’re not supposed to be. Here’s why—and how—that asymmetry exists.

Our bodies are built with a remarkable amount of variation. Just like you might have one foot slightly larger than the other or one hand more dominant, your pelvis—and the hip sockets (acetabula) within it—aren’t mirror images. The hip sockets may differ in depth, angle, height, and orientation, depending on a variety of genetic and developmental factors.

For example, one acetabulum, (hip socket), might sit slightly higher or face more forward than the other. These subtle differences often begin in the womb and become more pronounced as we grow and move through life. Even daily habits, like which leg you prefer when standing, the side you sleep on, or how you sit, can influence the positioning of your pelvis and hips over time.

So what does this mean functionally? Surprisingly little—unless there’s pain or dysfunction. The body is designed to compensate for small asymmetries. Muscles, tendons, and ligaments adapt, allowing you to move fluidly despite slight structural differences. In fact, a perfectly symmetrical pelvis is incredibly rare and, arguably, not even ideal. A bit of asymmetry can actually help us move more efficiently by creating natural movement patterns and stability.

Problems typically arise only when asymmetry is excessive or combined with injury, overuse, or muscular imbalance. This can lead to issues like lower back pain, hip impingement, or uneven wear in joints.

Understanding that our hips aren’t symmetrical helps shift the focus away from trying to “fix” what isn’t broken. Instead, the goal should be supporting your body’s unique structure with mobility work, strength training, and mindful movement. This is why yoga is the perfect practice to determine your personal asymmetry. Moving your body through a yoga practice will identify these characteristics and a yoga practice will develop the functional stability and reduce the risk of future injury.

So, the next time someone says your hips aren’t level, smile and say, “that’s nature’s design and I do yoga to be the best I can be”