Sacroiliac Joint (SI Joint)

The SI joint is the bony pelvis between the sacrum and the ilium of the pelvis which are joined by strong ligaments.  This joint does not have much motion and transmits all the forces of the upper body to the pelvis (hips) and legs.  It acts as a shock absorbing structure.

As with any joint, the SI joint can become arthritic or its support ligaments can become loose or injured. Dysfunction in the SI joint is thought to cause low back and/or leg/buttock pain, numbness, tingling & weakness. It can cause unilateral leg instability, disturbed sitting patterns as well as pain going from sitting to standing.  Many people have tight hamstrings as a result from SI joint pain.

Possible causes of SI pain or dysfunction are: degeneration of the SI joint, disruption or laxity of the joint, congenital problems, inflammation of the SI joint, fracture, acute/chronic infection, bone disease, tumor - benign or malignant.

Massaging this area will help relieve any soft tissue tension that exists, as well as break down adhesions and scar tissue.  Improving blood circulation and relaxing the muscles around this area can reduce and relieve pain associated with this joint.  Some passive stretches can be done as a preliminary assessment to determine if there is any SI joint dysfunction.

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Quadratus Lumborum

After recently having many clients with tight Quadratus Lumborum Muscles, along with back & hip pain,  I thought it would make sense to cover this muscle on my next blog.  So here is some information you may find interesting!

This QL muscle is found, buried deep, in the lower back and is irregular & quadrilateral in shape.  It originates from the lower border of the last rib (for about half its length) and connects the ribs to the pelvis (hip area) attaching alongside the spine with its medial muscle fibers. It’s role is to stabilize your torso in the frontal plane, acts as a prime mover, a postural & respiratory muscle, with the overall goal of the QL is to provide lumbar stability.

The QL is a common source of lower back pain, constant contraction while seated can overuse the QL, resulting in muscle fatigue.  A constantly contracted QL will experience decreased blood flow and over time can develop adhesions in the muscle & fascia which at the end is muscle spasm.  When you lean to the side, the QL must lengthen and then contract to pull you back up. This muscle can become a key player in the subsequent onset of sciatica symptoms and hip pain. 

One key point to remember, if you have a weak Gluteus Medius muscle the chances are your QL muscle will be excessively over used and strained possibly causing a lot of pain around the lower back or hip area. Answer keep your Gluts and QL muscles is good condition.

How to check if you have a weak QL muscle, perform a side plank and see how long you can hold it. Then compare it to the other side. If you perform 60 seconds on the right side and only hold the left side for 30 seconds, your left side is weak and you need to strengthen it.

Massaging and stretching this muscle will help relieve any pain you are experiencing in this area.

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Pectoralis Major Muscle

It’s the large muscle in the chest that fans from the shoulder to the breastbone.  It is commonly referred to as the “pecs” and create the bulk of the chest area.  This muscle along with the pectoralis minor, which lies beneath the major, is predominantly used to control the movement of the arm.  Its also plays a part in deep inhalation, pulling the rib cage to create room for the lungs to expand.

If this muscle is too tight it fosters a round shoulder posture. Tightness in this area may give you pain in your chest or shoulder.  Massage is great for decreasing muscle spasms, tenderness  and referral pain. Massage will increase the flexibility & integrity of the muscle, which will decrease pain in the neck, back and shoulder area.  Massage brings  more blood to the area and reduces edema around the muscle, with increased flexibility & range of motion.  When a knot is worked on in the muscle it may radiate pain but many people feel better within a few treatments.

Strectching can enhance treatment especially if continued at home.

So if you believe massaging these muscles will contribute to your healing of pain and tightness consider finding yourself a certified massage therapist who can perform her skills.

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