KT TAPE: SI Joint

CHECK OUT THE NEW VERSION: bit.ly/wjJtdH
Low back pain is often caused by complications arising from the SI Joint. Though the SI Joint is not the singular cause of low back pain, attention to the joint is important in assessing and treating the pain. Athletes from all sports and people from all walks of like experience problems with the SI Joint due to its pivotal position in the body. The joint joins the sacrum to the pelvis (identified by the "dimples" on the low back) and is designed for stability rather than mobility, though motion does occur. Its function is to spread the load of the torso throughout the hips and from the hips back throughout the torso. The joint is very sensitive to pain due to the many muscles that act on the joint and the fact that the joint is highly innervated by many nerves. This fact could explain why SI Joint can take so many forms and cause pain in many unique ways. Women are thought to be at an increased risk for this pain because of their broader pelvises and shorter limb lengths. Additionally, hormones released during childbirth to relax the ligaments can cause later complications with hypermobility and chronic pain.
Causes of SI Joint pain are many, and many of these are not fully understood. However, there are some common causes of low back pain related to SI Joint dysfunction. Asymmetric motion due to leg-length inequality, major muscle imbalances, poor physical condition, arthritis in the hips, and scoliosis are some of the more serious causes that are due to position of the pelvis. Biomechanical problems such as poor form in sport, inflammation due to overuse, trauma, and poor nutrition leading to degeneration are other causes that are very commonly found in conjunction with SI Joint pain. Poor footwear and training habits can be linked to SI problems as well. Motion does occur at the joint, therefore subluxations (small misalignments) or a locked and stuck position can cause pain due to unnatural movement or no movement at all. These conditions will often present as misaligned, rotated, or tilted hips.
Pain is the most obvious symptom of SI Joint pain and can range from dull and achy to sharp and debilitating. Most individuals report that the pain began suddenly with or without an event. Pain patterns are difficult to describe with SI Joint pain outside of low back ad buttock pain. Patterns seem to differ among different individuals in how far it radiates, what sensation is felt, and how intense the pain can be. Sitting for long periods of time is often a trigger, and standing from sitting can recreate the pain acutely. Pain that spreads widely over the back, buttocks, and legs is more than likely something separate from SI Joint dysfunction and should be diagnosed further.
KT Tape can be used to take pressure off of the associated musculature, create additional space by manipulating the fascia, and increase circulation to the area for a sense of pain relief and support. Relief is generally felt immediately. Use KT Tape in combination with massage, ice after activity, myofascial release, rest, stretching, chiropractic adjustments, avoidance of pain inciting activities, NSAIDs, and core workouts such as Pilates.

[@LizEmerson5]

I had someone put this on about 10 minutes ago. Amazing! It's cut the pain by at least 70%. Not completely gone, but it feels SO much better!! Thank you!!!

[@KTTapevideos]

You're welcome. Thanks for letting us know!

[@KTTapevideos]

@RAP2106 Yes- but not easily:) We need to make a video sometime showing how to self apply.

[@KTTapevideos]

You can adjust the two half strips so that one is lower that the other. Another option is to apply the tape so that it looks something like this across the low back -X----X- The two "x's" will be over the SI Joint on either side.

[@melonmorrow]

I'm going to try this!! I play roller derby and my back always hurts after a bout. Hopefully this helps:)

[@RAP2106]

Do you have to apply it to both sides of the back or is it fine to just do it to one side, I dont want to have any irregular back problems.

[@wendymcclelland9948]

I love it but I live alone. I doubt I could do this for myself.

[@annemiekekruit5980]

After changing podo-therapeutic soles for a week ago, now since two days lots of pain right side of SI. Tried all kinds of medical taping, now made a star/flower with max. stretch in the middle, no stretch on the bases. Helps a bit. Need more.... The SI joint on the right seems to be a little lower than the left one...Tips??

[@sarahwithstars]

is there a good way or special technique to apply tape to this area yourself (as the patient) i am failing to find friend every time i want to use the tape!

[@RAP2106]

And is there anyway to apply this yourself, I don't really have a person to do it for me all the time and I didnt want to stretch any muscles that I shouldn't be while applying the tape.

[@ellesmithfagan]

YES - TAPING WORKS - can make further treatment unnecessary - see your doctor if it does not do the trick. IMPORTANT: pay attention to the directions for application...apply to dry, clean, non-oily skin and smooth it with warm hand or blow dryer afterward since the adhesive is heat-activated....make sure edges are rounded, or they will try to peel off too soon. Thanksomuch for tape and these instructions. SUPER IMPORTANT - if you have a condition that has been treated by doctors in the past, make sure to check with them FIRST - don't take chances with such a serious spot for trouble. You might want to tell your doctor you WANT to TAPE and let him/her do it for you the first time, to be sure you are doing it right.

[@Notsorandomwalk]

Curious to try this in conjunction with prolotherapy for a displaced SI joint to support in ligament healing.

[@ramramachandran4295]

you do it so nice and clean it even looks pretty,

[@amandastypul4399]

How long can/ought one wear KT tape?

[@allytang72]

hi! I hv lower back pain that annoying my daily life and also soccer performance so bad, as i feel really tight while bending my back in the front, just as simple as just bend abit forward for brushing tooths... I stretch my lower back for relaxing every single night before sleep, but it cant help much coz it turns bad again in the next day, what can i do?

[@KTTapevideos]

Try this taping method and let us know how it works!

[@cathybelhaouane1959]

Très cool merci

[@shavedhead78]

i used it for my wrist. i play golf and it worked great. but i had to shave the hair on my wrist to get it to stick.

[@KTTapevideos]

Adriana, So sorry to hear your tape didn't last. Send us an email at [e-mail] and we'll get you some that works.

[@sharonng1712]

Hi, I have arthritis on my SI joint I want to ask if I can use this tape to control the pain so I can continue to play sports?

[@keselekbakiak]

Sharon Ng this is something that you should ask a doctor.

[@roghaniorthopaedicandpainc5133]

How to get this tape .?

[@misterbulger]

Im going to try this! I do believe becoming a serious cyclist at a young age has given me a lifetime of SI pain... cant ride anymore.

[@adrianagomez7273]

So disappointed the tape did not work. I don't recommend it for the price you would think it would last at least one day........ :(

[@ringdingersworldwide741]

Just did it to myself....upside down

[@Timetravel1111]

My husband is a pain in the ass! Hopeful not after this. Thank you

[@livetrueenlighten55]

I wish they would use a man as a patient.

[@Nidule86]

Why

[@laboo9762]

​@@Nidule86why do you think!