Product Review: Serola Sacroiliac Belt

photo from www.serolabelt.com

 I am 21 weeks into my 4th pregnancy and have suffered from Diastasis of the Pubic Symphysis since the 3rd trimester of my second pregnancy.  The pain is so severe, my ability to get dressed and undressed, get into and out of a vehicle, and walk up and down stairs is severely limited. Basically, if it involves unilateral or reciprocal lower extremity movement (especially against resistance), it's excruciatingly painful!

Briefly, diastasis of the pubic symphysis occurs when there is a separation between the two pubic bones where they meet in front.  This joint is called the pubic symphysis and is held together by thick, fibrous cartilage and ligaments.  Pregnancy will often cause a diastasis as the hormone relaxin causes the surrounding ligaments to loosen.  Since I have a history of sacroiliac joint problems, I was prone to diastasis.

Physical Therapy treatment during pregnancy didn't help, so I tried the Serola Sacroiliac Belt.  It's very easy to don and doff and feels like a bearhug around my hips.  While wearing it, I am able to continue working as a Physical Therapist without being crippled with pain at the end of the day.

photo from www.serolabelt.com

 Pros:

•  Easy to don and doff
•  Comfortable to wear
•  Helps decrease pubic and sacroiliac pain, at least during the first 2 trimesters of pregnancy.  (I'll let you know how the third trimester goes!)

 Cons: 

•   At $38-41, it may be cost-prohibitive for some.