Sleeping in the wrong way, lifting something too heavy, or just having bad posture at work while on the computer can lead to SI joint pain. The SI Joint or the Sacro-iliac joint is the joint between the sacrum and the iliac bones. The SI Joint can become unstable and not give the proper support that it is supposed to. This can lead to moderate to severe pain in the SI joint area. This can affect all activities including walking, standing and change of position. If you have recently had a slip or fall and your core muscles are weak, this can also affect the Sacro iliac joint and pelvis area. An SI Belt can assist with this type of pain. The sacro-iliac belt can compress the SI Joint together for you and create a more stable moving posture.
The SI belt also works to stabilize the hip joints and helps relieve pain from the sciatic nerve and scoliosis caused by pelvic instability. One important factor when wearing a belt like this is to make sure you are wearing it in the right location. Since it comes in sizes small, through 3 XL size also matters when fitting an SI belt. Where should this belt sit? Its called an SI Belt, so you want to make sure you cover the sacro-iliac joints. If you look at a person from the back, you will notice two dimples that sit at the top of the crease of the buttocks on the right and left side. Make sure the belt covers this area. You want to be on the very top side part of the hip bone.
For the Hip Measurement: Measure around the widest part of your hip for the hip measurement. Measure at fullest part of the buttocks
You do want to wear an SI belt more on the snug side as the compression part of wearing the SI Belt will be beneficial to you the most. Give yourself some extra inches as well, as you do not want an uncomfortable type of tightness. Measurement loose vs skin tight can be 2-2 ½ inches.Best secure fitting is while laying down w/knees bent
How Should this Belt Fit? When you measure, start in the back and finish in the front.The Bottom of support should be at the (crease of buttocks) in the back The Bottom of the support should be at the groin in the front. Normally straps fit right over left. Pull the straps out away from body and then cross. Add compression from bottom to top.
Post Fitting: It is important to sit down to check fitting. Ease and Motion may be more limited.The Belt should not dig into your groin area. When removing, decrease compression from top to bottom. Also When removing, disengage velcro and attach at far posterior of belt where straps originate. **Depending on your condition, the application of the device may need to be done by a secondary care-taker or significant other.
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