Effect of Passive Pelvic Fixation on Non-Specific lumbopelvic Pain: A Case Report

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of passive pelvic fixation in a patient with lumbopelvic pain. A 35 year old male patient (Mr A. T) came to the Physiotherapy Department with the complaint of lumbopelvic pain and difficulty in forward bending since 30 days. He experienced severe pain which was 7.1/10 on Visual Analogue Scale on active lumbar flexion. On physical examination, paraspinal muscle spasm was present in the lumbopelvic area. Range of active lumbar flexion was 2cm as per Schober's method. Active Straight Leg Raising (ASLR) on right side was painful and range was 70 degrees. Hence, an attempt was made to find out an immediate effect of passive pelvic fixation on intensity of pain and active range of lumbar flexion. Pelvis was stabilised manually and patient performed active lumbar flexion 10 times. Patient was re-evaluated after every set of 10 repetitions. Total three sets of the above were given. There was remarkable relief of pain by 3.2/10 and 0.5cm increase in lumbar forward flexion range as per Schober's method. ASLR on right side increased to 85 degrees after the treatment. Hence, it was concluded that passive pelvic fixation can be used as an adjunct to routine physiotherapy interventions for immediate relief of low back pain and increase in spinal mobility.