The mechanical effect of a pelvic belt in patients with pregnancy-related pelvic pain

Elsevier journal of Clinical Biomechanics

Jan M.A. Mens, Léonie Damen, Chris J. Snijders and henk J. Stam

Clinical Biomechanics

October 2005

Renowned researchers from The Netherlands have examined the effect of wearing a pelvic belt on Sacro Iliac joint laxity. Because of hormonal changes that lead to ligament laxity and the widening of the pelvis in preparation for childbirth, Sacro Iliac joint pain is common in pregnant women. Conventional lower back and SI joint supports are not feasible to wear due to the developing 'bump', so Pelvic belts are a common physical treatment.

The theory behind the use of a pelvic belt is that the articular surfaces of the SI joint will be pressed together and/or that the SI joint will be placed in an extreme position to provide stability but, prior to this research, there was no proof of this mechanical effect. Anecdotally, there is quite a lot of evidence to suggest that the use of a pelvic belt is effective in relieving symptoms, as the treatment is extremely common in pregnant women.

Twenty five patients were selected from the outpatient clinic of a rehabilitation centre, which specializes in the treatment of pregnancy-related low back pain. Women who had low back pain prior to pregnancy were excluded from the study.

The authors used a method called Doppler Imaging of Vibrations (DIV) to detect SI joint laxity changes. Vibrations were applied to the pelvis at a set frequency and intensity. This can then be interpreted using a form of ultrasound scan. In a stiff joint, there is a small or imperceptible difference in vibration amplitude between both sides. In a lax joint there is a large difference between the DIV measures of both sides of the SI joint.

The SI joint laxity values were measured without a pelvic belt, with a pelvic belt in low position and with a pelvic belt in high position. SI joint laxity values showed a significant decrease with the application of a pelvic belt in low and high position, compared to the condition without a belt. The application of a pelvic belt in high position was found to decrease SI joint laxity to a significantly greater degree than the application of a belt in low position.

Although the authors acknowledge that there is no definitive evidence that the DIV method is a true indicator of SI joint laxity, the findings indicate that pelvic belts can be beneficial to women with pregnancy related SI joint pain. The exact mechanism through which a pelvic belt works is still unknown.

The authors postulate that a pelvic belt in high position may simulate the action of the transversus abdominis muscle (corset muscle around the tummy) and the action of the multifidus (stabilizing muscle of the spine) while approximation of the pelvic belt at the level of the pubic bone may simulate the action of the pelvic floor muscles.

Go to the journal article >






Recommended Products for Sacro Iliac Joint Dysfunction





Back Pain Relief


Basic Product

Mentholatum Deep Relief Gel

Mentholatum_Deep_Relief_Gel

£6.99 inc VAT Was £7.99 Save £1.00 (13%)

Buy Now

Deep Relief dual action gel with ibuprofen is a clear, non-sticky and non-greasy gel with a mild,...
 (2 reviews)

More Details

 
 

Basic Product

Tenscare Touch TENS Machine

Tenscare_Touch_TENS_Machine

£30.99 inc VAT Was £41.99 Save £11.00 (26%)

Buy Now

Easy to use dual channel digital TENS machine for effective pain relief featuring seven preset...
 (3 reviews)

More Details




Back Supports & Braces


 
 

Mobilis Elite Maternity Support Belt

Mobilis_Elite_Maternity_Support_Belt

£32.99 inc VAT

Buy Now

Takes some of the weight of your baby off your abdominal muscles and lower back without hindering mother and baby through all...

More Details


 
 
Elite Product

Bauerfeind LumboLoc Forte Back Brace

Bauerfeind_LumboLoc_Forte_Back_Brace

£156.99 inc VAT

Buy Now

A top-quality stabilising back support, with metal stays, which improves spinal posture, as well as providing superb support and...

More Details


 
 
Elite Product

Bauerfeind LumboLoc Back Support

Bauerfeind_LumboLoc_Back_Support

£81.99 inc VAT

Buy Now

A top-quality stabilising back support, with metal stays, which provides superb support and back pain relief....

More Details


 
 
Elite Product

Bauerfeind SacroLoc Lower Back Support

Bauerfeind_SacroLoc_Lower_Back_Support

£128.99 inc VAT

Buy Now

Stabilising back support for Sacro Iliac (SI) Joint pain treatment and prevention. ...

More Details


Basic Product

PhysioRoom.com Magnetic Waist Support

PhysioRoom.com_Magnetic_Waist_Support

£12.50 inc VAT Was £39.99 Save £27.49 (69%)

Buy Now

NEW Neoprene back support with enclosed magnets for the treatment and...
 (2 reviews)

More Details

 
Elite Product

PhysioRoom.com Elite Back Support

PhysioRoom.com_Elite_Back_Support

£29.99 inc VAT Was £54.99 Save £25.00 (45%)

Buy Now

NEW A top-quality neoprene back support with metal stays, which provides...
 (15 reviews)

More Details


Basic Product

Mobilis Sacro Iliac Joint Dysfunction Support

Mobilis_Sacro_Iliac_Joint_Dysfunction_Support

£27.99 inc VAT

Buy Now

Specialist elasticated back support for Sacro Iliac (SI) Joint pain treatment and prevention....
 (1 review)

More Details

Advanced Product

ProCare Maternity Belt

ProCare_Maternity_Belt

£26.99 inc VAT

Buy Now

A comfortable elastic belt to support the 'bump' and treat back pain and Sacro Iliac joint pain...
 (1 review)

More Details

Elite Product

ProCare Posture Corrector (with Compression Straps)

ProCare_Posture_Corrector_with_Compression_Straps_

£37.14 inc VAT Was £43.99 Save £6.85 (16%)

Buy Now

A low profile lower back support with double compression straps....
 (3 reviews)

More Details


 
Advanced Product

Vulkan Sciatica Support (Deluxe)

Vulkan_Sciatica_Support_Deluxe_

£38.99 inc VAT Was £41.99 Save £3.00 (7%)

Buy Now

Contoured Aerotherm® neoprene back support for improved comfort. Ideal for treatment and prevention of Sciatica and back...

More Details

Elite Product

Vulkan Back Support

Vulkan_Back_Support

£63.99 inc VAT

Buy Now

Our best neoprene back support, particularly good for use during sport and work activities....
 (1 review)

More Details





Seating Supports


 
Advanced Product

ExtraComfort Coccyx Chair Cushion

ExtraComfort_Coccyx_Chair_Cushion

£21.99 inc VAT

Buy Now

High quality wedge shaped, high density foam chair cushion with 'cut out' section at the Coccyx (tail bone) region. The Coccyx...

More Details




Heat Packs & Wraps


Basic Product

PhysioRoom.com Instant Heat Pack

PhysioRoom.com_Instant_Heat_Pack

    1+ £1.42
    6+ £0.89 (Save 37%)
  12+ £0.79 (Save 44%)
  24+ £0.59 (Save 58%)
  50+ £0.39 (Save 73%)

Buy Now

SAVE UP TO 60%!A mouldable pack that becomes an instant single use heat pack. Ideal for soothing warm pain relief....

More Details

Advanced Product

WHEATeeze Lower Back Warmer

WHEATeeze_Lower_Back_Warmer

£17.99 inc VAT Was £18.99 Save £1.00 (5%)

Buy Now

Fabric pack that contains wheat. Can be put in the microwave or freezer to provide a hot or cold pack....

More Details

Elite Product

WHEATeeze Full Back Warmer/Cooler

WHEATeeze_Full_Back_Warmer_Cooler

£29.99 inc VAT

Buy Now

Fabric pack that contains wheat. Can be put in the microwave or freezer to provide a hot or cold pack....

More Details





Home Rehab Kit


 
 

PhysioRoom.com Water Floatation Belt

PhysioRoom.com_Water_Floatation_Belt

£24.99 inc VAT Was £39.99 Save £15.00 (38%)

Buy Now

The Water Floatation Belt is ideal for early non weight bearing cardiovascular training as its...
 (1 review)

More Details


 
 
Elite Product

PhysioRoom.com Foam Water Noodle

PhysioRoom.com_Foam_Water_Noodle

£3.99 inc VAT

Buy Now

Made from buoyant, lightweight foam the Foam Water Noodle is ideal for use as a floating and buoyancy device and is suitable for...

More Details


 
 
Elite Product

Mobilis AquaJogger 100 Floatation Belt

Mobilis_AquaJogger_100_Floatation_Belt

£53.99 inc VAT Was £59.99 Save £6.00 (10%)

Buy Now

The AquaJogger 100 is a floatation belt. One particular benefit is that it allows an early return...
 (1 review)

More Details


 
Advanced Product

Home Physio Treat your own Back Pain DVD

Home_Physio_Treat_your_own_Back_Pain_DVD

£16.99 inc VAT

Buy Now

Leading Chartered Physio-
therapist Judith Pitt-Brooke shares her tried and tested back pain self-treatment programme in...

More Details

Elite Product

Mobilis Back Stretcher

Mobilis_Back_Stretcher

£31.99 inc VAT Was £52.99 Save £21.00 (40%)

Buy Now

BEST SELLER! Fully adjustable, lightweight and portable back stretching device....
 (2 reviews)

More Details


 
 
Elite Product

Donjoy Chattanooga Stabilizer Pressure Biofeedback

Donjoy_Chattanooga_Stabilizer_Pressure_Biofeedback

£83.08 inc VAT Was £93.99 Save £10.91 (12%)

Buy Now

Provides a visual indication of whether you are working the correct postural muscles, in the right manner, when performing...

More Details

FREE Next Day Delivery




Insoles & Orthotics


 
Advanced Product

Spenco Full Length Arch Cushion

Spenco_Full_Length_Arch_Cushion

£17.99 inc VAT

Buy Now

Replacement soft cushion insoles to support the arch of the foot, for the treatment and prevention...
 (4 reviews)

More Details

 

 
Advanced Product

Mueller Arch Support

Mueller_Arch_Support

£17.99 inc VAT

Buy Now

An arch support designed to relieve foot pain caused by Plantar Fasciitis....
 (1 review)

More Details

Elite Product

Spenco 3/4 Length Orthotic Arch Supports

Spenco_3_4_Length_Orthotic_Arch_Supports

£23.99 inc VAT Was £26.99 Save £3.00 (11%)

Buy Now

BEST SELLER!Orthotic insoles that provide increased stability and support for the...
 (1 review)

More Details





Memory Foam Products


 
Advanced Product

ComfortSleep Supreme Visco Elastic Memory Foam Pillow

ComfortSleep_Supreme_Visco_Elastic_Memory_Foam_Pillow

£36.99 inc VAT

Buy Now

A superior visco elastic, temperature reactive memory foam pillow used to enhance sleep for those with neck problems. Complete...

More Details

Elite Product

ExtraComfort Restore Memory Foam Mattress

ExtraComfort_Restore_Memory_Foam_Mattress

Prices From £416.99 inc VAT

Buy Now

The ExtraComfort Restore Memory Foam Mattress is a highest quality orthopaedic mattress and can relieve pain due to arthritis,...

More Details

FREE Next Day Delivery




Related Articles

Worldwide Shipping
Why Shop With Us?
100% Secure
Shopping

Money Back
Guarantee

£FREE Delivery
Orders Over £65

NEXT DAY Delivery
Order By 2pm

FREE Guides
Expert Injury Help

Newsletter

Receive our latest news and offers.

NHS and local authority orders

 

FREE Medical Supplies for your Sports Club
Social Hub