yoga and SI joint?

[westcoastmummy]

I've some serious SI joint problems since the birth of second son 16 mnths ago. Pelvis is rotated and a-symmetrical. Hips inflexible (and always were!). Have trouble even sitting cross-legged since baby #2! Someone mentioned yoga might help from a meditation standpoint, but would it be good for my SI area problems?

I'd really like some help and advice from any yogis out there!

[mommajb]

Have you been to a chiro? In the past I have gotten specific exercises/stretches to help me from mine. I know at one point he suggested only certain twists for me yet I couldn't always tell the difference between the good and the bad. I do know that I am much better and when i would do what he said not to I would slow my healing/relapse.

My point is that w/o knowing your body and its condition it is hard to make suggestions that would help and not hurt. (I don't have the knowledge for those suggestions so maybe I am wrong and the right poster will come along.)

[westcoastmummy]

Thanks for your reply. Yes, you're right, I need advice really from someone who can see my limitations and not just read about them! I have had treatment for over a year from physios, TCM, and more, and have had mixed advice about yoga and SI joints. But am still tempted. Guess I should just jump in and give it a try!
Hugs to you for taking the time to reply!

[herbalshakti]

I have experienced issuse with SI joint, probably due to posterior birth of 1st child and also birth of big 2nd child. I find that my yoga practice helps out a LOT, however, you have to be really mindful of some other areas that really help hold things together=muscles. Transvere and the rest of your abdominals are super crucial in balancing movements and protecing you lower back from injury at the same time pelvic floor strength is also needed. I find that I cannot distinguish any of these from the other and really feel the best in my body when I am working towards strength in all these areas, a chiro or osteopath could help with adjustments (which could help provide immediate relief) but overall I do believe that it is the muscles that need to be retrained and strenghtened back into a place of stability. Also, in everday movements, its important to not stress the area by sitting incorrectly (body weight should be on bottom of ischium not SI joint) its easy to fall into these patterns after being pregannt and having babies, so it really takes retraining our bodies until it just becomes natural again.

Two books that have really helped me and should help you in your search are:

1) Exercise After Pregnancy: How to Look and Feel Your Best by Helen Byrne

2) Relieving Pelvic Pain: During and After Pregnancy by Cecile Rost

Both are written by physical therapists who are pretty much authorities in their fields

FYI: I do find that many practitioners yoga instructors, chiros etc. are really clueless when it comes to the specifics of post baby body issues unless you seek out someone who specifically has experience

[Linda on the move]

Originally Posted by herbalshakti

I do find that many practitioners yoga instructors, chiros etc. are really clueless when it comes to the specifics of post baby body issues unless you seek out someone who specifically has experience

yes, and the education of yoga teachers is all over the board. Some one can teach yoga at a gym after takinga weekend course. Teachers at yoga studios usually at least 200 hours of yoga teacher training. I'm a 200 hour teacher, and it is really isn't much when dealing with special issues like yours. I'd recommend seeking out a teacher with 500 hours and experience working with issues like yours.

Call yoga studios and ask questions about the teachers. Well qualified teachers are comfortable taking about their crediatials and experience. If someone doesn't want to talk about it, consider it a red flag.

My yoga teacher (who is a 500 hour teacher) would want to see you for a private lesson to learn about what is going on with you, have you do some poses and talk about how they feel, etc before wanting you to come to a group class.

[Violet2]

I don't think Yoga would hurt, but have you also looked at neuromuscular therapy or orthobionomy or some kind of positional release along with pilates? The bodywork should help release the 'pattern' your body holds now and then the pilates reinforces normal, neutral posture.

I recommended this to all my massage clients back in the day.

V