corrective exercise for instability in sacrum
My sacrum has recently started “flipping” into an awkward rotation causing the entire pelvic bowl to sort of twist (if that makes any sense?!) and thusly creating some major imbalances, muscle spasms, etc etc… Its as if you held me by the hips (illiacus) and tipped one side down (anterior side rotates inferior, posterior rotates superior) while tilting the opposite side up (anterior side rotates superior, posterior goes inferior). I have been a comprehensively trained Pilates instructor, professional dancer & teacher trainer for many many years so I have tapped into all of my experience and resources, yet still having the recurring problem. Have been working with a massage therapist 1x week to get through the fascia and loosen the sacrum to get movement/bloodflow back into pelvis, but still… I am desperately seeking corrective exercises to help me stabilize this wonky pelvis!!!
Interesting question. As both a physiotherapist and someone who has injured his SI twice, I would love to share my input here.
I treat heaps of patients’ with SI pain whether it be a ilium rotation on the sacrum or a sacrum issue on the ilium. There are 12 different dysfunctions that can occur.
If you are a dancer, I agree with some previous responses. Also haven treated many dancers of all types over the past 12 years, sacrum issues/Sacroiliac joint issues are a problem.
From the research though, there is minimal movement that the ilium undertakes on the sacrum.
With your stating that your sacrum started “flipping,” I have never heard that before.Can you elaborate? If you are experiencing muscle spasms, you are spot on, there is not only muscle imbalances present, but also a ilium on sacrum dysfunction or a sacrum on ilium dysfunction.
Then other muscles commonly the hip flexors, ITB, paraspinals and piriformis will shorten to protect.
I would stop with the massage and you need to see a musculoskeletal physio who has extensive experience to fix this. One time usually whereby the physio uses a technique called “muscle energy” is extremely effective which uses the opposing non-affected side to counter rotate the dysfunction(this is with a ilum on sacrum problem). With a sacrum on ilium problem, sacral mobilizations, soft tissue and specific manual therapy techniques are warranted if it is hypomobile. Your condition sounds like it is hypermobile(has too much mobility), and sacral belts can be very effective for pain relief, then isolative lumbopelvic stabilization training and core training(static) to dynamic is what has worked for all of my patients.
Stop with the massage, try these techniques and email me at [email protected] for more help if you are unable to obtain qualified help and relief.
Chris