Wellness

[Ainhisg]

Has anyone worn an SI joint belt?  I have been diagnosed with SI joint dysfunction, and my physical therapist had me start wearing a belt yesterday.  It has made a huge difference in my pain level.  In fact, it is almost non-existent with the belt.  She said I will have to wear it continually for two to four weeks except to shower.  During this time, I will continue to see her and do all the home exercises she has prescribed.  Has anyone been able to stop wearing the belt and your SI joint stay in place?

[geezerette]

@Ainhisg 

I do wear one, but this is one of those instances that is difficult to comment on effectively because there are so many variables.  "Dysfunction" can cover a myriad of conditions.

Just to address your question, no.  But then I was never given a time limit for wearing the belt in the first place, but it was told to me it would be a much longer process than just weeks.  My case was not a temporary situation, so it also requires an ongoing lifestyle after initial treatment to maintain.

I'm sure that didn't help you much, but that's really all I can offer.  Everyone's situation is different.

[sunsetbeach]

I am hypermobile and have issues with loose joints resulting in injury and pain.  SIJ dysfunction is something I have dealt with in the past and unless you have been in an accident or something to really damage your pelvis, what I have found should be helpful for you.

 Approximately 10 years ago I went through chiropractors. and multiple physical therapists trying to find out what was wrong with me.  Finally after 3 years I was referred to a Postural Restoration Institute trained physical therapist at Duke University Hospital and it literally changed my life.  I now have a series of 3 specific exercises I do when I feel my SIJ is off.  These are not difficult to do and are done lying on my back and sitting in a chair.  These correct me and I do certain exercises daily for my posture and to keep me in a neutral position.  None are strenuous, many use just a ball and resistance band, and blowing a balloon.  I will do them for the rest of my life. 

This protocal has been life changing for me.  If you search for Postural Restoration Institute trained physical therapists, maybe one is in your area.  Good luck and I wish you good health.  

[Ainhisg]

Thank you for the responses.  I took a very hard fall on my backside (stepped backward off a sidewalk falling onto the lower level sidewalk) in the fall of '21.  5 months later, problem after problem started occuring.  (piriformis syndrome, hip bursitis, IT band syndrome, etc.)  I didn't relate any of this to the fall, because it had been months before even though all these things were occurring on the side on which I fell.  

I finally saw a new PCP in February who ordered physical therapy.  The PT diagnosed SIJD based on my symptoms and especially after she kept questioning me, I remembered the fall that I took.  Using MET, we were able to get my joint to pop back into place.  That being said, it has not stayed there.  It's not getting horribly out of alignment--not like it was before--just enough to cause pain in certain areas.  I can always put it back using MET, but we want it to stay there.  

She suggested the belt on Monday and did not think I would have to wear it very long.  She thought it would allow the muscles to relax and start to strengthen around it--which I have been doing many exercises she prescribed at home but this belt may be the last part of the puzzle.  I feel like the muscles are getting stronger and more controlled, but then my joint will slightly go out, and the muscles then have to work to do the function of the joint again.

So I was just looking for any advice or experiences anyone could offer concerning this condition/the belt.  @sunsetbeach I looked online, and there are no PRI therapists near me.  I have to think that the PT I'm seeing does know what she's doing, though, because I am much better than I was. I am praying for that, anyway.

[sunsetbeach]

@Ainhisg 

Hopefully, what she is doing will work for you.  When my SIJ is off, I have 2 options of a specific series of exercises I can do to get things working properly.  I've learned that sometimes certain muscles just turn off and you have to turn them back on again through exercise.  I do certain exercises daily to maintain, but if I don't listen to my body or do too much when I'm tired, things happen.  The key with the Postural Restoration exercises is each uses multiple muscles at the same time, along with breathing techniques.  It is efficient and effective.  I've been discouraged in the past, but keep trying and I hope things will get better for you.