Introduction: Pelvic blocks or wedges have been utilised in the Sacro Occipital Technique (SOT) method of chiropractic since the 1960s with a rational for both supine and prone block placements.
Methods: Four same-subject magnetic resonance images were taken supine and prone, two with pelvic blocks and two without pelvic blocks (control).
Results: Comparing control and intervention sequences, there does not appear to be any measurable anatomical changes in the sacroiliac joints between the control studies and the blocked studies.
Discussion: Research has noted that, with pelvic block use, functional changes such as reduced pain, improved range of motion, and muscle strength have been found, yet this may be due to neuromuscular and not mechanical effects. This study had limitations and future studies should utilise greater field strength magnets for better resolution, visualise the whole bony pelvis instead of isolating the sacroiliac joint, and incorporate more extensive three-dimensional analytic technology.
Conclusion: The positive clinical functional changes associated with SOT pelvic block placement may be due to neuromuscular factors and not solely mechanical. Future research utilising the information learned from this study may yield a clearer picture of what is taking place with pelvic block placement(s)
Author keywords: Chiropractic - SOT - SOT blocks - Pelvic - Wedges
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