What is SIJ Syndrome, or SIJ Dysfunction? – Ravel Therapies Massage Limassol
The Sacroiliac joints (SIJ) are the joints between your pelvis and your spine. They are responsible for transferring loads from your upper body into your legs through your pelvis. They are consequently heavy-duty joints with minimal movement, and can sometimes get stuck or loose causing lower back pain, pain in the buttocks or hip pain. If you suffer from any of these symptoms, it is worth checking in with your musculoskeletal therapist, such as our remedial massage therapist at Ravel Massage Limassol.
Strong ligaments between the sacrum, lower spine and pelvis limit movement of the SIJ, which is sufficient for activities such as forward and back bending. When these joints get jammed or “fixated”, these movements become restricted, causing the lower back to over flex or extend, causing pain in the lower back joints and muscles.
It is very common for SIJ joints to get fixated. The fixation usually arises when the sacrum rotates a certain way, or when the pelvis rotates or tilts a particular way. A fixation due to torsion in the sacrum is called sacroiliac fixation, and a fixation due to a pelvic rotation is called iliosacral fixation.
In some cases, the ligaments of the SIJ can be injured (such as due to trauma) or weaken (such as due to pregnancy). In these cases, the joints become hyper mobile, and can cause pain as a result.
SIJ Dysfunction Assessment at Ravel Massage Limassol
SIJ Dysfunction is relatively easy to assess in the clinic in most cases. There are a number of orthopaedic tests available to the orthopaedic masssage therapist including ones which compress or distract the SIJ. Our remedial massage therapist’s preference however is to use motion testing of the joints. Using palpation of the joints, and specific movement by the client, it is quick and easy to locate a fixated SIJ, and also to determine whether the fixation is coming from a sacrum torsion or a pelvic rotation.
SIJ Syndrome Treatment at Ravel Massage Limassol
Treatment for SIJ fixations is also usually relatively quick. Once the cause of the fixation has been identified, our remedial massage therapist will use a combination of soft tissue massage techniques and direct joint release techniques to release the joints. The latter is done by placing the joint in a position which “challenges” it, and the joint is slowly allowed to release itself.
The soft tissue massage techniques are aimed at softening muscles which may be contributing to holding the joint in a fixated position.
People suffering from hypermobile SIJ’s need exercise therapy to help strengthen their core muscles which contribute to stability in the pelvic and lumbar areas. In time, the SIJ’s will become more stable and less mobile.
Visit Ravel Therapies Massage Limassol
Ravel Therapies
Noe 3, Ayia Phyla
Limassol 3117
Cyprus [map]
Call : 97 783 383
Email : sunil@raveltherapies.com.cy
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Disclaimer : Please note that the contents of this article are the opinions of the author only, and do not constitute medical advice. If you have any symptoms of pain, please consider booking in with Ravel Therapies for a proper consultation.
