Sacroiliac support belts, or SI belts, can be used for a wide range of concerns where there is too much instability along certain hip joints. It is commonly used during pregnancy and in the postpartum period, but can be used by most anyone with back of the hip, pubic, and low back pain. It works by “locking down” joints that have too much motion and giving you stability while you move.
Wearing the SI belt in the correct way can be a bit tricky at first. The key is that it needs to go over the hips and not the waist. The belt should cover the pubic bone in the front and be parallel to the ground in standing. You want to make sure the belt is snug around your body so that it can give you the support you need and not slide upwards with movement. It can sometimes be easier to put on if you recruit the help of a partner. If you do not have a partner, try placing the belt over the right area at the back of your hips and then holding it in place by squeezing it between your body and a wall. While holding it in place with your hips against a wall, fasten the front and adjust as needed. Many belts have “wings” to help tighten the sides. Tighten the wings while the belt is still held between you and the wall so that it doesn’t shift around when you tighten.
You can wear the SI belt throughout the day but take it off at bed. It will likely be too tight when you go to sit down. When you need to sit, you can loosen the belt slightly and then retighten when you’re ready to stand again.
Most belts come in multiple sizes so make sure to check the manufacturers measurements before selecting which size is best for you.