Lecture Notes: SI Joint Belt and Its Usage

Purpose of the SI Joint Belt

• Main Function: Squeeze the SI joint together to address instability.
• Not Designed For: Restoring left-right balance or leveling the pelvis.

Indications for SI Joint Belt Use

• Extreme Cases: Recommended for those experiencing significant instability (e.g., clicking and popping with movement).
• Stabilization: Necessary for stabilizing the pelvis as it is central to most movements.

Ligament Healing

• Timeframe: Ligaments, similar to ACL or MCL, take months to heal.
• Bracing: Essential for healing; the belt acts as a brace.

SI Joint Belt Placement

• Anatomical Landmarks:
  • PSIS: Posterior Superior Iliac Spine on the back of the pelvis.
  • ASIS: Anterior Superior Iliac Spine at the front.
• Optimal Placement:
  • Belt should go over the PSIS and just above the bottom of the ASIS.
  • Avoid torquing the joint by improper placement.
  • Position belt as low as possible while maintaining functionality.

Considerations for Pelvic Tilt

• Anterior Pelvic Tilt: Common in individuals with chronic back or SI joint pain.
  • Adjust belt over the most prominent part of the pelvis.

Wearing the Belt

• Direct Skin Application: Recommended to be worn directly on the skin, not over clothing.
• Type of Belt: Saunders Group SI belt recommended for stability.

Muscle Interaction

• Potential Atrophy: Minimal due to perpendicular pull directions.
• Complement with Exercises: Strengthen muscles like glutes and piriformis to prevent atrophy.

Stages of SI Belt Usage

• Stage 1: Wear most of the time, except when allowing skin to breathe (e.g., when sitting symmetrically or sleeping).
• Stage 2: Wear during activities, but not passive moments.
• Stage 3: Wear primarily during exercises.
• Duration: Each stage varies; listen to body and adjust accordingly.

Long-term Healing Process

• Adjustability: Adjust the belt's placement to avoid pain.
• Pelvis Alignment: Do not forcefully level pelvis; work with current posture.
• Success Potential: SI joint has a natural potential for stability with proper support.

Conclusion

• Healing SI joint instability is a gradual process.
• Continuous adjustment and exercise complement the use of the SI belt.
• Core Balance Training supports long-term health improvements.