Pilot study of sacroiliac joint dysfunction treated with a single session of Fascial Manipulation® Method: clinical implications for effective pain reduction

Background and Objectives: Sacroiliac joint dysfunction (SIJD) generally refers to pain in the lower back due to abnormal sacroiliac joint movement, either from hypomobility or hypermobility. It is considered to be the principal cause in up to 40% of low back pain cases. In literature, it emerges that the "fascia", by its anatomical continuity, if altered or densified in different regions of the body with respect to the sacroiliac joint and its surroundings, may have a fundamental role in the genesis of SIJD and low back pain. The purpose of the present study is to evaluate the effectiveness of incorporating a single session of Fascial Manipulation((R)-)Stecco method(R), treating the muscular fasciae at distance from the painful region. Materials and Methods: Twenty patients with acute and chronic sacroiliac joint dysfunction (SIJD) were recruited (16 males and 4 females, mean age of 46.6 +/- 12.98 years). Patients underwent a predefined assessment protocol, followed by an evaluation of myofascial pain and subsequent manipulation of the fascia at points at least 20 cm away from the posterior inferior iliac spines (PIIS). Each patient underwent three pain evaluations: pre-treatment (t0), post-treatment (t1), and at a 1-month follow-up (t2). For the evaluation in t0, t1 the numerical rating scale (NRS) for the intensity of pain and the algometer for the pain threshold at the PIIS were used; in t2 only the NRS scale. Results: The results obtained by comparing the algometer measurements with the NRS values between t0 and t1 were in both cases statistically significant (p < 0.0001), whereas the comparison between the NRS values at t1 and at t2 was not statistically significant (p > 0.05). Conclusions: A single Fascial Manipulation treatment, even when applied at least 20 cm from the PIIS, can potentially decrease pain around the SIJ. The inclusion of this type of approach in SIJD can allow for improved patient management, better tolerance for other treatments and a more rapid application of pain-free exercise programs.