Solution of the IGS blockade by osteopathy
Osteopathy defines itself as a medical science whose therapeutic approaches are based on the fact that the physical complaints can be compensated by the body itself. According to osteopathy, complaints are the result of a defective regulation of the physical components. Osteopathy makes use of various mobilization exercises which are used, among other things, in the treatment of ISG blockage.
In principle, osteopathy uses all exercises that can be performed manually by an osteopath. The aim of the exercises is to correct misregulations, for example in the form of tension, by massages, loosening or stretching and thus to release the blockage of the ISG joint. The main focus of the ISG blockage release by osteopathy is the mobilization, i.e. the re-mobilization of the joint.
If this is unsuccessful, a so-called manipulation, a way of repositioning the joint, can be performed. In this case, however, the cause is not treated itself but only a short-term alleviation of symptoms is achieved. If possible, osteopathy concentrates more on the mobilizing exercises.
Exercises
Meanwhile there is a relatively large spectrum of different exercises for the solution of an ISG blockade. A not insignificant part is played by the methods according to Dorn. For the solution of an ISG blockade nowadays exercises according to Dorn are used.The founder of the Dorn Method, Mr. Dieter Dorn(1938-2011), developed exercises that were intended to alleviate symptoms of a wide spectrum.
Besides the solution of an ISG blockade, for which the method is not specific but only applied, there are further indications. These include, above all, complaints that originate from the spine and also affect the surrounding joints and muscles. Symptoms such as pain or joint complaints, for example in the form of blockages, sciatica (inflammation) and arthrosis, etc., can make the application of the Dorn exercises necessary, but also complaints in other parts of the body both in terms of pain and sensory disorders.
The Dorn Method is also helpful in cases of leg length differences or slipped discs. Interestingly, the Dorn exercises are not only applicable for acute therapy, but can also be used as daily exercises for mobilization and prophylaxis of patients with certain complaints. In the case of an ISG blockage, especially an exercise explained in the following is very effective and has proven to be effective in eliminating the shift caused by the ISG blockage: The affected person puts a thick book between two chairs and places the chairs in such a way that the backrests are facing each other in the middle and the seat is facing outwards.
Now the patient stands on the book and uses the two backrests as support. Depending on which side the ISG blockade is on, the leg of the corresponding side is now slowly swung back and forth next to the book, which serves as a raised surface. It is important that when the leg on the affected side is swung back, a slight counter-pressure is exerted forward over the ISG with the fist.
To do this, you use your thumb on your back in the area of the lumbar spine to locate the bony protrusions on both sides, which are palpable as small depressions in many cases. A total of about seven back and forth swings should be performed. During the entire exercise, attention must be paid to breathing.
The best way to exhale is to swing back the affected side of the leg. The inhalation occurs when swinging forward. This exercise should be performed under supervision during the first application.
Later on, patients can practice this Dorn method alone at home without any problems. An advantage of the Dorn Method is that patients actively participate in the exercise and thus severe pain or uncomfortable positions can be communicated immediately. Thus, an exercise can always be individually adapted without changing the effect.
Contraindications for the release of an ISG blockade after Dorn are for example acute injuries in the ISG area (fractures, inflammations etc.) or certain diseases like osteoporosis. Then a precise evaluation with a doctor/therapist should take place to check whether the promoting effect is greater than a possible damage.
In conclusion, although the exercises according to Dorn are effective, the treatment of an ISG blockage in addition to other therapeutic approaches, such as acupuncture or massages, is even more promising. The tennis ball can be used for other purposes as a therapeutic tool for an ISG blockade. The release of the ISG blockade with the help of a tennis ball is possible if there are painful pressure points in the ISG area of the back.
The tennis ball serves as a kind of massage ball, which can release tensions and thus relieve the symptoms of an ISG-blockade. To do this, the person affected must lie on his back and position the tennis ball between the pad and his back in the area of the iliac crest in such a way that the pressure pain points can be felt. Then the tennis ball should massage the corresponding painful tension by slowly rolling back and forth and loosen the ISG again.
Blackrolls are so-called massage rolls, which are suitable for personal use at home or in the gym and can be used for self-massage of tense muscles and muscle fasciae. In case of an ISG blockade, a massage with the Blackroll can definitely help to loosen the blockade. It is applied while lying down.
The Blackroll is placed between (lower) back and floor, so that afterwards slow, powerful rolling movements are performed over the Blackroll. Hardened and shortened back muscles are thus loosened and the blood supply is increased, and painful blockage may even be released. It is difficult to give an exact definition of which exercises can be assigned to the “Dorn exercises” and which are described separately.Frequently, a so-called Breuss therapy is performed in combination with the Dorn exercises.
This is a massage which, according to the founder, can release tension and blockages. Primarily the massage aims at a regeneration of the intervertebral discs after a herniated disc. In the context of an ISG blockade, the massage is usually applied before the execution of the Dornmethod.
In an alternative exercise one has to lie flat on the back and provide a chair. On the chair, the legs are laid down so that a right angle between back and thigh is created by lying up. The aim of this exercise is to relax the muscles, as muscular tension can trigger the symptoms of ISG blockage.
During this exercise the additional up and down movement of the hip can increase the effect. A further exercise can be done in bed in the morning to relieve acute complaints as well as for prophylactic reasons during the day. What is meant is the well-known “riding a bicycle in the air” in the supine position.
Since the sacrum is involved in an ISG blockage, there is an exercise called “sacral integration” which leads to a loosening of the joint connection and surrounding muscles. The patient is in the prone position. A towel roll or soft balls should be placed under his iliac crest.
The position should be taken for a few minutes in order to relieve the pressure on the ISG and release the blockage. In general, it is important in case of recurring complaints of an ISG blockage to take advantage of regular physiotherapy with stretching exercises and special back schools in addition to the exercises. In addition, one should always clarify the cause, since the exercises are based on a certain mechanism of action and are most effective if the cause can be treated with it. The exercises can actually always be done in addition to a targeted muscle build-up, since a strengthened muscle and ligament apparatus can reduce the probability of an ISG blockage occurring and acute blockages can also be better resolved.