Date of Award

2009

Document Type

Scholarly Project

Degree Name

Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)

Department

Physical Therapy

First Advisor

Mark Romanick

Keywords

Exercise Therapy -- methods; Low Back Pain -- rehabilitation; Sacroiliac Joint; Case Reports

Abstract

Background and Purpose. This case study describes the evaluation and treatment of a patient with sacroiliac dysfunction and low back pain. The purpose of this case study is to explore the effects of pelvic clocks used as muscle energy techniques in the treatment of sacroiliac dysfunction and low back pain.

Description. The patient was a 62-year-old woman with a 5-month history of SI pain who was seen for outpatient physical therapy over a 5-week period. The client presented with decreased strength in hip abduction bilaterally, decreased knee ROM, sacroiliac pain, and referring pain down to the knee on the left. The treatment of this patient included stretching, patient education, pelvic clocks, strengthening, joint mobilization, and McKenzie techniques.

Outcomes. Following eight treatments, the patient achieved a decrease in pain, increased strength with back extensors and hip abductors, improved gait mechanics, increased knee ROM, increased walking and sitting tolerances, and improved ability to ambulate stairs as per patient report.

Discussion. This case report suggests, based on the patient’s response to treatment, that pelvic clocks may be effective in treating patients with SI dysfunction and low back pain, especially in the short term relief of SI pain.

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