The PGM Method - Sacroiliac Belt and Patient Education

Original Editor - Deborah Riczo

Top Contributors - Wanda van Niekerk, Tarina van der Stockt, Kim Jackson, Jess Bell and Vidya Acharya  

Introduction[edit | edit source]

Pelvic girdle dysfunction can be a debilitating condition with significant physical, psychological and socioeconomic problems. There are several management options that can be utilised as effective treatment strategies. Patient education and the use of a pelvic belt are some of these strategies that may be beneficial to people with pelvic girdle dysfunction.[1]

Use of a Sacroiliac Belt[edit | edit source]

The use of a sacroiliac belt is often prescribed for patients with pelvic girdle dysfunction.  Pelvic compression belts or sacroiliac belts are being used in the rehabilitation of pelvic pain in a variety of populations such as sportspeople and peripartum women.[2] In athletes, it is sometimes prescribed and applied when pain provocation tests for the sacroiliac joint (SIJ) are positive without the belt and negative when the belt is fitted with adequate tension.[3]

The application or use of an SIJ belt is often seen as a method to restore pelvic stability.[4] The mechanism by which external pelvic compression exerts any changes is still unclear.[2] Soisson et al[5] investigated the effects of a pelvic belt on pelvic morphometry, muscle activity and body balance in patients with sacroiliac joint dysfunction and found little evidence that compressive forces were exerted on the SIJ or pelvis. Although a majority of SIJ patients reported decreased pain intensity with a pelvic belt, the mean pain-altering affects averaged over all the patients in the study were minute in the short-term and non-significant. The authors suggest that further research is necessary to investigate and establish differences between SIJ patients and controls in a more long-term and dynamic setting to interpret the dynamic effects of pelvic belts.[5]

Other studies have shown that the use of a sacroiliac belt may provide SIJ and pelvic girdle stability by an increase in force closure[6][7], but this remains controversial.[5] Studies have also shown that pelvic compression belts can reduce SIJ laxity and improve neuromuscular performance in the stabilising muscles of the pelvis.[8][9] Kim et al[10] (2013) investigated effects of a pelvic belt on EMG activity of the abdominal muscles and found that the wearing of a pelvic belt decreased EMG activity of the rectus abdominis (RA), the external obliques (EO) and the internal obliques (IO), thus less effort was required to perform an active straight leg raise (ASLR) when wearing the belt. Furthermore, Kim et al[11] (2014) investigated patients with chronic low back pain and found that external pelvic compression resulted in a reduction of muscle exertion around the pelvis during hip extension in prone.[11] These results support the thought that persistent pain may be associated with greater activation of the muscles involved in force closure, rather than just SIJ instability.[2]

Arumugam et al[12] (2012) conducted a systematic review on the effects of external pelvic compression on form closure, force closure, and neuromotor control of the lumbopelvic spine and reported moderate evidence for the role of pelvic compression in influencing lumbopelvic kinematic motion, reducing pain, SIJ laxity in individuals with and without lumbopelvic dysfunction.[12]

Bertuit et al[4] (2018) analysed the effect of a pelvic belt on pain in pregnancy-related pelvic girdle pain and found that the use of pelvic belts over an average duration of 9 weeks did reduce pelvic girdle pain, especially in the area of the SIJ. Daily activities such as standing, walking and sitting were easier in this study population. The study also suggested that different types of belts may have different effects on global, SIJ and back pain during pregnancy, but this hypothesis needs further investigation and confirmation.[4]

The use of a pelvic compression belt has been shown to improve sitting to standing quality of movement[13] and improve motor control during bridging.[14]

In the clinical practice guidelines for pelvic pain in the antepartum population by Clinton et al[15] it is recommended that clinicians should consider the application or use of a support belt in the antepartum population with pelvic girdle pain, but the recommendation is based on conflicting evidence.[15]

Types of Sacroiliac Belts[edit | edit source]

There are many different sacroiliac belts available on the market to choose from and it is recommended that patients try different ones before deciding which belt they feel most comfortable with.

[16]
[17]
[18]

Sacroiliac Belt and the Active Straight Leg Raise Test[edit | edit source]

The active straight leg raise test (ASLR) assesses the ability of the pelvis to transfer load. It also assesses the functional integrity of the lumbopelvic force closure system in patients with pelvic girdle pain.[19]

With the patient lying in supine, the patient is asked to alternately actively lift each leg approximately 20 cm of the bed/plinth. Observe for substitution strategies such as: abdominal wall bulging, trunk rotation, breath holding, rib flaring, drawing in of the rib cage or overactivation of the contralateral hamstring to perform the lift. Determine whether the movement provokes any lumbopelvic pain. Ask the patient which leg feels heavier to lift. The physiotherapist can then apply a sustained passive compression and the patient repeats the ASLR. With the application of manual compression during the ASLR test the effort to lift the "heavy" leg can be reduced.[20] The test is positive if the patient reports a marked improvement in the amount of effort needed to perform the ASLR.

[21]

Lee (2004) proposed that by varying the location of the compression during the ASLR, further information can be gained regarding which of the local stabilisers are compromised. For example:

  • Manual compression to approximate the anterior superior iliac spine (ASIS) replicates force closure anteriorly as if the Transversus Abdominis activity is increased.
  • Compression posteriorly to approximate the PSIS replicates force closure posteriorly as if multifidus activity is increased.
  • Compression in the direction of medial femoral rotation approximates the pubic symphysis and replicates pubococcygeus (anterior pelvic floor) activity

If the patient's pain is exacerbated with compression and the ASLR is more difficult to perform, it is suggested that the patient has too much force closure and in these cases, the patient will also not benefit from a SI - belt.

Patient Education[edit | edit source]

Posture[edit | edit source]

Postural assessment and advice are common methods used by physiotherapists with their patients with spinal issues.[22] The concepts of “postural health” and "optimal posture" have been extensively discussed over the years and there are broadly accepted beliefs regarding good and bad postures.[23][24] In a recent study on the perceptions of physiotherapists on optimal sitting and standing posture[22] it is evident that most physiotherapists that took part in the study believe that training a specific spinal posture is relevant in clinical practice. The study also reported that physiotherapists mostly believe that an upright lordotic spinal posture in both sitting and standing are optimal. However, there is a lack of strong evidence that any specific posture is the cause of spinal pain.[22]

Reasons for selecting certain postures are often related to beliefs associated with biomechanical domains and stereotypes for optimal posture. These include better load distribution, a lordotic lumbar curvature, the natural shape of the spine and what posture appears to be more relaxed. These beliefs are likely to influence clinical practice and the advice given to patients on postural re-education.[22]

Physiotherapists seldom select an optimal posture that involves lumbar flexion or forward head posture even though research has shown that healthy individuals often habitually adopt flexed sitting positions.[25][26] Clinicians should also consider that patients may also have strong beliefs on what the correct posture should be and this does influence their behaviour, whether it is based on evidence or not.[27]

Taking into consideration the evidence or lack thereof, the anatomic variation and the complex nature of pain and injury it might be relevant to clinicians to consider that there may not be one optimal posture, but rather that any position (lordotic or kyphotic) that is maintained for a period of time without interruption may actually lead to discomfort and pain[28] and that clinicians should advise their patients accordingly.[22]

See this infographic on posture: Should we re-evaluate how we look at posture?[29]

Non-optimal strategies[edit | edit source]

Diane Lee refers to some non-optimal postural strategies for managing load through the trunk. These are: "butt gripping", "back gripping" and "chest gripping". These non-optimal strategies may lead to a variety of symptoms, such as low back pain, pelvic pain and groin pain.[30]

  1. Butt gripping
    • Butt gripping postures are often seen in men with an athletic history (hockey players, soccer players), dancers who walk with feet pointing out and also in mothers.
    • Muscles that will be overworked in this postural strategy are the piriformis and the ischiococcygeus, and there will be a loss of lordosis in the lumbar spine.
    • The consequence of butt gripping strategy:
      • Head of the femur is forced anteriorly in the hip and stresses the anterior tissue at the anterior pelvis and this may lead to groin pain or symphysis pubis pain
      • Restricted hip movement, especially movements such as bending forward, squatting and sitting
  2. Back gripping
    • This strategy is commonly seen in dancers, gymnasts. It is also referred to as the military stance.
    • Muscles that are overworked in this postural strategy are the erector spinae. Often the rectus abdominus is overstretched in this position and patients may present with a long lordosis
    • Consequences of a back gripping strategy are:
      • Forcing the joints of the spine together, causing mid or lower back pain, especially with long periods of standing
      • Reduced/ limited ability of the spinal joint to flex forward and lengthening of rectus abdominus – leading to a loss of support
  3. Chest gripping
    • This strategy is often seen in postpartum women who are trying to regain a flat stomach, as well as in athletes who perform many sit-ups and oblique abdominal curl-ups.
    • Muscles that are overworked in this type of strategy are the external obliques in an attempt to flatten the stomach. A loss of lordosis is also evident.
    • Chest grippers need to learn how to breathe properly!
    • Consequences of the chest grip strategy are:
      • Compression of joints in the rib cage  - this will influence trunk rotation and extension
      • Restricted ability of rib cage to expand  - this may lead to disordered breathing patterns
      • Increased intra-abdominal pressure – this puts pelvic organs at risk for prolapses and for stress urinary incontinence

You can find some more info and videos on how to address these postural strategies here: Butt-grippers, Back-grippers and Chest Grippers by Diane Lee

For more on posture, you can also read this Physiopedia page: Posture

Body mechanics and Ergonomics[edit | edit source]

Body mechanics describe the ways we move. It includes how we hold our bodies when we sit, stand, lift, carry, bend and sleep. Poor body mechanics and repetitive movements may cause pain and dysfunction. When assessing a patient with pelvic girdle dysfunction things to consider may include[31]:

  • Person always standing on one leg
  • Person always carrying on one side (for example carrying a child on the hip or always carrying the laundry basket on one side)
  • Repetitive overhead reaching activities
  • It is also recommended to assess ergonomics such as the desk set-up, computer set-up, etc of the patient at home and at work
  • Ask the patient what activities he/she does during the day that is perhaps aggravating their condition[31]

For more information on Body Mechanics read this Physiopedia Page: Injury Prevention and Body Mechanics

Pain[edit | edit source]

Physiotherapists are experts in managing pain and very often pain is the reason for patients coming to physiotherapy. The reasons may be for an acute injury, or chronic pain or an acute episode of pain on a chronic pain condition. Patient education is paramount in the management of pain. Things to consider:

  • Tissue Healing Time
  • The use of pain medication by the patient and their beliefs around this
  • Factors such as anxiety and depression
  • Stress Management Skills of the patient
    • How do they cope with stress?
    • Factors that affect stress and also patient outcome include[31][32]:
      • sleep
      • relationships
      • nutrition
      • attitude
      • body weight
      • perceived health
      • finances
    • Read more about stress and pain here: Considering the Stress Pain Cycle
  • Patient Education on Pain
    • Patient education is an essential component of effective patient care in all healthcare settings.[33] It provides a way for clinicians to communicate relevant information, improve patient self-efficacy and self-management skills and improve clinical outcomes such as pain, disability and function.[33]
    • Read more about patient education and pain here: Patient Education in Pain Management
    • Some points to consider when education your patients about pain:
      • Pain is biopsychosocial. Biological factors such as tissue damage, injury and inflammation influence pain. Psychological factors such as perceptions, emotions and stress also influence pain. Pain is also multi-factorial and complex. These various factors interact in ways that are individual, context-dependent and unpredictable.[34]
      • Melzack[35] (2010) describes pain as the output of a highly intricate protective system that functions like an alarm. Threats that are detected in the periphery are communicated to the brain. The brain interprets the information and pain is created if the need for protection is perceived. Different factors such as injury, inflammation, emotions, stress, memories and general health influence the sensitivity of this system.
      • Pain is dependent on perception and pain can be experienced in the absence of tissue damage. For example Brinjikji et al[36] (2015) reported that back pain cannot be linked to specific pathology.
      • Psychosocial factors such as anxiety, catastrophizing and fear of movement increase the risk of chronic pain. Optimism and self-efficacy predict recovery from injury. These variables can be altered through patient education in a positive way.[37]

Greg Lehman has an excellent free workbook on pain science for clinicians and patients and it provides a good overview of pain principles, key messages, pain contributors and recovery strategies. The workbook can be downloaded from here. Recovery Strategies. Your pain guidebook

Below are some videos on chronic pain from leading experts in the field.

[38]
[39]
[40]


References[edit | edit source]

  1. ↑ Vermani E, Mittal R, Weeks A. Pelvic girdle pain and low back pain in pregnancy: a review. Pain Practice. 2010 Jan;10(1):60-71.
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 Booth J, Morris S. The sacroiliac joint–Victim or culprit. Best Practice & Research Clinical Rheumatology. 2019 Feb 1;33(1):88-101.
  3. ↑ Vleeming, A., Schuenke, M.D., Masi, A.T., Carreiro, J.E., Danneels, L. and Willard, F.H., 2012. The sacroiliac joint: an overview of its anatomy, function and potential clinical implications. Journal of anatomy, 221(6), pp.537-567.
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 Bertuit J, Van Lint CE, Rooze M, Feipel V. Pregnancy and pelvic girdle pain: analysis of pelvic belt on pain. Journal of clinical nursing. 2018 Jan;27(1-2):e129-37.
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 Soisson O, Lube J, Germano A, Hammer KH, Josten C, Sichting F, Winkler D, Milani TL, Hammer N. Pelvic belt effects on pelvic morphometry, muscle activity and body balance in patients with sacroiliac joint dysfunction. PloS one. 2015 Mar 17;10(3):e0116739.
  6. ↑ Mens JM, Damen L, Snijders CJ, Stam HJ. The mechanical effect of a pelvic belt in patients with pregnancy-related pelvic pain. Clinical biomechanics. 2006 Feb 1;21(2):122-7.
  7. ↑ Pool-Goudzwaard AL, Vleeming A, Stoeckart R, Snijders CJ, Mens JM. Insufficient lumbopelvic stability: a clinical, anatomical and biomechanical approach to ‘a-specific’low back pain. Manual therapy. 1998 Feb 1;3(1):12-20.
  8. ↑ Damen L, Spoor CW, Snijders CJ, Stam HJ. Does a pelvic belt influence sacroiliac joint laxity?. Clinical Biomechanics. 2002 Aug 1;17(7):495-8.
  9. ↑ Sole G, Milosavljevic S, Sullivan SJ, Nicholson H. Running-related hamstring injuries: a neuromuscular approach. Physical Therapy Reviews. 2008 Apr 1;13(2):102-10.
  10. ↑ Kim YR, Kim JW, An DH, Yoo WG, Oh JS. Effects of a pelvic belt on the EMG activity of the abdominal muscles during a single-leg hold in the hook-lying position on a round foam roll. Journal of physical therapy science. 2013;25(7):793-5.
  11. ↑ 11.0 11.1 Kim JW, Kwon OY, Kim TH, An DH, Oh JS. Effects of external pelvic compression on trunk and hip muscle EMG activity during prone hip extension in females with chronic low back pain. Manual Therapy. 2014 Oct 1;19(5):467-71.
  12. ↑ 12.0 12.1 Arumugam A, Milosavljevic S, Woodley S, Sole G. Effects of external pelvic compression on form closure, force closure, and neuromotor control of the lumbopelvic spine–a systematic review. Manual therapy. 2012 Aug 1;17(4):275-84.
  13. ↑ Kim JM, Je HD, Kim HD. Effects of pelvic compression belts on the kinematics and kinetics of the lower extremities during sit-to-stand maneuvers. Journal of physical therapy science. 2017;29(8):1311-7.
  14. ↑ Cha HG, Wu YT, Kim MK. The effects of a pelvic belt on trunk and lower extremity muscles in the bridge position. Journal of physical therapy science. 2016;28(12):3293-5.
  15. ↑ 15.0 15.1 Clinton SC, Newell A, Downey PA, Ferreira K. Pelvic girdle pain in the antepartum population: physical therapy clinical practice guidelines linked to the international classification of functioning, disability, and health from the Section on Women's Health and the Orthopaedic Section of the American Physical Therapy Association. Journal of Women's Health Physical Therapy. 2017 May 1;41(2):102-25.
  16. ↑ DianeLeePT. Diane Lee's Unique Sacroiliac Belt- The Com-pressor. Available from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vULEJCwvFnY. (last accessed 30 January 2021)
  17. ↑ Ask Doctor Jo. How to use a maternity belt or SI belt. Available from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MD9rOoM2muw&t=222s. (last accessed 30 January 2021)
  18. ↑ Sam Visnic. How to use an SI belt to relieve your sacroiliac joint pain. Available from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MjQyhJxniJk&t=265s. (last accessed 30 January 2021)
  19. ↑ Mens JM, Vleeming A, Snijders CJ, Koes BW, Stam HJ. Reliability and validity of the active straight leg raise test in posterior pelvic pain since pregnancy. Spine. 2001 May 15;26(10):1167-71.
  20. ↑ Mens JM, Vleeming A, Snijders CJ, Stam HJ, Ginai AZ. The active straight leg raising test and mobility of the pelvic joints. European Spine Journal. 1999 Dec;8(6):468-73.
  21. ↑ Physiotherapy University College Copenhagen. Active Straight Leg Raise. Available from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UbVD7Qrv3iY. (last accessed 30 January 2021)
  22. ↑ 22.0 22.1 22.2 22.3 22.4 Korakakis V, O'Sullivan K, O'Sullivan PB, Evagelinou V, Sotiralis Y, Sideris A, Sakellariou K, Karanasios S, Giakas G. Physiotherapist perceptions of optimal sitting and standing posture. Musculoskeletal Science and Practice. 2019 Feb 1;39:24-31.
  23. ↑ Kim D, Cho M, Park Y, Yang Y. Effect of an exercise program for posture correction on musculoskeletal pain. Journal of physical therapy science. 2015;27(6):1791-4.
  24. ↑ O'Sullivan K, O'Sullivan P, O'Sullivan L, Dankaerts W. What do physiotherapists consider to be the best sitting spinal posture?. Manual therapy. 2012 Oct 1;17(5):432-7.
  25. ↑ Edmondston SJ, Chan HY, Ngai GC, Warren ML, Williams JM, Glennon S, Netto K. Postural neck pain: an investigation of habitual sitting posture, perception of ‘good’posture and cervicothoracic kinaesthesia. Manual therapy. 2007 Nov 1;12(4):363-71.
  26. ↑ Korakakis V, Giakas G, Sideris V, Whiteley R. Repeated end range spinal movement while seated abolishes the proprioceptive deficit induced by prolonged flexed sitting posture. A study assessing the statistical and clinical significance of spinal position sense. Musculoskeletal Science and Practice. 2017 Oct 1;31:9-20.
  27. ↑ O’Sullivan PB, Caneiro JP, O’Keeffe M, Smith A, Dankaerts W, Fersum K, O’Sullivan K. Cognitive functional therapy: an integrated behavioral approach for the targeted management of disabling low back pain. Physical therapy. 2018 May 1;98(5):408-23.
  28. ↑ Sorensen CJ, Norton BJ, Callaghan JP, Hwang CT, Van Dillen LR. Is lumbar lordosis related to low back pain development during prolonged standing?. Manual therapy. 2015 Aug 1;20(4):553-7.
  29. ↑ Slater D, Korakakis V, O'Sullivan P, Nolan D, O'Sullivan K. “Sit up straight”: time to Re-evaluate. journal of orthopaedic & sports physical therapy. 2019 Aug;49(8):562-4.
  30. ↑ https://dianeleephysio.com/education/butt-grippers-back-grippers-and-chest-grippers/
  31. ↑ 31.0 31.1 31.2 Deborah Rizco. The use of a sacroiliac belt and patient education Course, Physioplus. 2021
  32. ↑ Mackenzie J, Murray E, Lusher J. Women's experiences of pregnancy related pelvic girdle pain: a systematic review. Midwifery. 2018 Jan 1;56:102-11.
  33. ↑ 33.0 33.1 Forbes R, Mandrusiak A, Smith M, Russell T. A comparison of patient education practices and perceptions of novice and experienced physiotherapists in Australian physiotherapy settings. Musculoskeletal Science and Practice. 2017 Apr 1;28:46-53.
  34. ↑ O’Sullivan PB, Caneiro JP, O’Keeffe M, Smith A, Dankaerts W, Fersum K, O’Sullivan K. Cognitive functional therapy: an integrated behavioral approach for the targeted management of disabling low back pain. Physical therapy. 2018 May 1;98(5):408-23.
  35. ↑ Melzack R. Pain Theories. The Corsini Encyclopedia of Psychology. 2010 Jan 30:1-2.
  36. ↑ Brinjikji W, Luetmer PH, Comstock B, Bresnahan BW, Chen LE, Deyo RA, Halabi S, Turner JA, Avins AL, James K, Wald JT. Systematic literature review of imaging features of spinal degeneration in asymptomatic populations. American Journal of Neuroradiology. 2015 Apr 1;36(4):811-6.
  37. ↑ Louw A, Zimney K, Puentedura EJ, Diener I. The efficacy of pain neuroscience education on musculoskeletal pain: a systematic review of the literature. Physiotherapy theory and practice. 2016 Jul 3;32(5):332-55.
  38. ↑ Intermountain Healthcare. Understanding Pain Rebrand. Available from watch?v=aH9NG1c6mlY (last accessed 30 January 2021)
  39. ↑ Tame the Beast - It's time to rethink persistent pain. Available from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ikUzvSph7Z4&t=9s (last accessed 30 January 2021)
  40. ↑ FXNL Media. Persistent pain explained in 3 minutes. Available from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jyHeAQbFs34 (last accessed 30 January 2021)
Retrieved from "https://www.physio-pedia.com/index.php?title=The_PGM_Method_-_Sacroiliac_Belt_and_Patient_Education&oldid=267022"