Abstract
Purpose: The purpose of this pilot study was to assess the effects of Diversified Manipulation versus Sacro-Occipital Technique in the management and treatment of Sacroiliac Syndrome.
Method: This study consisted of two groups, a Diversified group consisting of 15 subjects with Sacroiliac Syndrome and a Sacro-Occipital Technique group consisting of 15 subjects with Sacroiliac Syndrome. The subjects were between the ages of 18 and 55 years. Potential candidates were examined and accepted based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The Diversified group received Diversified Manipulative therapy to the sacroiliac joint, while the Sacro-Occipital group received SOT Category 2 blocking, from which the subjective and objective findings were based.
Procedure: Each successful candidate was treated six times over a two-week period. Before the commencement of the treatment one, three and six, the candidate completed the Oswestry Back Pain and Disability Index questionnaire and the Numerical Pain Rating Scale. Digital Inclinometer readings were taken of the thoracolumbar and lumbosacral regions of the spine. Sacroiliac Manipulation was then administered to the Diversified group based on the restrictions obtained during motion palpation. Category 2 blocking was administered to the Sacro-Occipital Technique group based on the SOT Category 2 categorization test findings. The same treatment was administered at each of the six treatment sessions.
Results: Objective statistically significant differences were noted on lateral flexion range of motion, in favour of the Sacro-Occipital Technique group. Subjective readings also showed statistically significant differences with regards to Oswestry Back Pain and Disability Index and Numerical Pain Rating Scale in favour of both the Diversified group and the Sacro-Occipital Technique group.
Conclusion: The results of the study indicate that both Sacro-Occipital Technique and Diversified have a positive effect on patients suffering from Sacroiliac Syndrome. However, Sacro-Occipital Technique proved to have a greater overall benefit compared to Diversified manipulation in the treatment and management of Sacroiliac Syndrome.
It should be emphasized that the present study was a pilot study to determine the effects of Diversified manipulation versus Sacro-Occipital Technique in the management of Sacroiliac Syndrome. Accurate conclusions could not be formulated due to the remainder non-significant statistical findings obtained from the study; therefore further research needs to be conducted on this comparative study.
Dr. B. Losco
Dr. C. D. Losco