SI joint/PT/Prolotherapy/URRGGH!!

That's great that you ordered the SI belt AND that it has helped you! In my experience now wearing the belt for about 3 or maybe 4 weeks, it helps, but it doesn't cure the problem. I'm continuing PT for my hip and can't emphasize enough how important to get a good PT and how difficult to find one. You should see weekly improvement.

Also, I think a lot of docs and PTs don't really know much about prolo but they seem to give lots of opinions. I kind of ignore whatever anyone says about prolo unless they have actual first-hand experience with giving prolo to athletes for the condition that I have. They theorize a lot but unless they have tried it, I don't buy it.

Check out caringmedical.com and read about prolo for SI joint. They are also on FB and post sometimes about patient stories. They could just be marketing hype--I still don't know--but I am prepared to try if I don't continue improving in PT.

My current PT (also just theorizing) says that she has read that prolo CAN help for SI joint problems. And my local doc (ortho surgeon for athletes) said the same thing. But again they also don't really have experience in this area. So I get hope from their comments but still not sure.

The bad news it sounds like for you is that insurance does not normally cover prolo . . . I've called several offices and asked for myself. If you don't need the PRP prolo, which is only for things like arthritis and labral tears, then you should be able to try the sugar solution . . . and prices seem to be about $600 for initial visit (includes consult), then $300 for follow-up visits. Sometimes people are cured with one or just a couple of visits, which is what I'm hoping would be true for me since my injury isn't severe. I think it would be worth saving to try to at least get one round of shots and see what happens IF PT doesn't work for you.

I'm actually planning a road trip from FL to Chicago (I hate flying!!) in a month or so IF PT doesn't continue to work. I need running in my life like I need air...

Another couple of things: you have to wear the SI belt on the widest part of your hip, on your bare skin, as TIGHT as you can comfortably manage during a run. I have noticed if not as tight, more pain after run. I can manage five miles with little pain during run if belt is super tight. I still have some pain/tightness after run, which is why I'm still concerned and continuing PT. And PT has instructed me only to run every other day, which I've been doing.

See other thread re: performance on low mileage re other info on prolo...important to choose best doc to give injections.

Also I wear the SI belt (per PT's instructions all day long--anytime I am weight-bearing (standing)--except in middle of night to go to bathroom and in shower and to put the belt on--per her instructions. She said I would have to wear this thing for several months due to the length of my injury (3 years and counting). I wear it as tight as is comfortable, a little tighter when I'm running. I also have to adjust during my run (even tighter) b/c of water weight loss, which makes it get looser.

Good luck and keep posting back about your progress. I will do the same. I'm not out of the woods but running more lately with less pain than I've managed in 6 months. And like I said I'm planning to try prolo in a month or two if PT isn't continuing to help.

Just move to NY already Missy :)

I was wondering about your name on letsrun...just told my husband about your surgery over dinner. He wants me to call Aetna re a quote request sent to our biz...but honestly I want to try prolo first *despite* what doc said b/c I think he was just speculating about the potential damage. I know, I know, stubborn is my first last and middle name actually...wish I could move to NY but WAYYYYY too cold...we need you down in Fl anyway. Found a great new 10 mile route on dirt road that you would surely LOVE the other day!!!

And what's the name Neliah2507 have to do w/anything??!!

I feel "caught"! Dont think I'm dismissing the labral tear possibility. I just have to believe the people who have seen me until I know for sure that they are wrong. I know that the doc in NY would know *best* about whether surgery would help me. My husband agrees. But again not sure we can purchase insurance so *hoping* SI joint really is my problem and since you haven't seen me, and you even mentioned that might be the problem a looooonnnnggg time ago (remember?), I'm just hoping it is. Guess this is getting way more private message material than normal letsrun convo but hey who cares, right?

running PT12a, I have been reading the thread on SI Joint dysfunction, and I am really impressed with your approach to SI treatment. I have been plagued with SI issues for 4 years. Last year, I finally found a fantastic PT, but she has since retired. I live in the Greenville, SC area and would be really interested in having a consult with you. please let me know if you are still in the Greenville area.

Yep, I'm still in Greenville - shoot me your email and I'll sent you back clinic info - Thanks!

Sorry, didn't provide you my address to reply to