Serola Sacroiliac Belt Review Thread

[OITW]

Has anyone biked with the belt on. On vacation we intend on biking around the villages we are staying near.

Yes, I wear for it cardio in the mornings. The first couple of times it was tight and uncomfortable, you get used to it though and I do wear it a tad bit looser than sleeping/golfing/etc. It can also ride up a bit, I found for me riding with the seat one notch higher helped.

 

[salisboss]

Yes, I wear for it cardio in the mornings. The first couple of times it was tight and uncomfortable, you get used to it though and I do wear it a tad bit looser than sleeping/golfing/etc. It can also ride up a bit, I found for me riding with the seat one notch higher helped.

Excellent. Good to know before we leave.

I am relying on this belt to help keep me pain free and weeks of sightseeing. My hips and back always start hurting. My left hip socket is particularly tight right now so the support from the belt is definitely needed.

 

[OITW]

Was having some pain the last few days due to all the golf practice I was doing.

Fell asleep before putting the belt on two nights ago, made yesterday really uncomfortable/painful. Wore the belt last night and i already feel a lot better!

Will be wearing it on the course today for the OC Invitational.

Quoted my earlier post for additional background.

So last week, played a lot of golf and had one day of PT. Was feeling good though.

Played Thursday am, without the belt and I was fine through 14 holes, but my back started bothering me and suffice it to say the wheels fell off and I was miserable during the 7 1/2 hour car ride to MD. Top it off, passed out early and didn't put the belt on that night.

Friday, I wore the belt for most of the day, but I was hurting and the belt wasn't helping too much. I was a bit concerned for the Invitational on Saturday, because I wasn't sure how I was going to feel.

Slept in it and wore it to the Invitational Saturday, had not pain or discomfort at all (I also had a very good warmup as well, so that definitely is a factor too) similar thing on Sunday as well slept in it and played with it on and felt great the whole time.

The only thing though, I had the belt on pretty tight during the golf the last couple of days and I had a nice red line across the tops of my thighs from wear the belt was digging in, toward the end of each round I was in a bit of discomfort, but the pain from that compared to the pain in my back was night and day and definitely tolerable.

This belt is amazing, today I was no worse for wear, slept great with it on last night a little bit looser than normal but still supportive enough.

One other thing to add, from one of Smallvilles posts earlier, I've tried wearing the belt a 1/4 of an inch lower than I was and I definitely feel more support in my hips and less stress on the back which is awesome as well.

Glad everyone else is seeing great results as well.

 

[Smallville]

Brad I'm not sure if you mentioned this yet or not. Being that this is your 10th straight day. Is this a product you would recommend to your patients?

For certain conditions, yes. It's been stated that this is not going to work for sciatica caused by nerve compression, as that magnifies the symptoms. I see it benefiting people who I have gotten the joint in question stable after some adjustments, but need that extra support around the muscles/ligaments so they can heal properly. It is something I think will aid in the healing process quite a bit.

I would say that unless you know you have what dcbrad mentioned, I would recommend this to anyone to give it a shot. At 35 bucks or so on Amazon, it's not a huge gamble. If they sold it for what it was worth, then you would want to test it out someplace first.

Unless something major happens, I don't see myself ever visiting a chiropractor again. At least for my lower back. A nice pop of the upper back and neck always feels awesome though!

I have worn it every waking hour except for a few hours while it was drying, before I got a second one so I could wash one and wear the other since I got it on June 10. Been sleeping in it every night since about the 21st when I got the second one. Only time it isn't on is when I am showering. Otherwise, it's on 31.

 

[dcbrad]

So for the last 10 days, I have been wearing the Serola Belt almost exclusively, with only taking the belt off to shower and to go to the bathroom. I have documented some of my thoughts from the last 10 days. The belt was worn sleeping, working at the office, playing golf, exercising, and just around the house for normal activity. The reviewers have done a great job with some of these areas already, but I wanted to add my thoughts as well, even if they overlap just a bit.

Sleeping - The first couple nights with the belt, I slept OK, was up a few different times (non baby related, LOL) and just felt a bit restless with it. The belt wasn't uncomfortable at all, just seemed to be different enough that it threw me off my normal routine a bit. I noticed that after 3-4 days, I was waking up with less muscular pain in my low back. I usually wake up with a bit of stiffness, just from usually sleeping in one position the entire night, but that seemed to decrease as the testing went on. By the last few days, I was waking up feeling pretty good. Overall, the belt is minimally invasive when it comes to sleep. I would wear it over my gym shorts to bed and would have no issues with sliding or slipping.

Work - As most of you know, I am a chiropractor myself. I put my own body in some compromising positions during the day to give people adjustments to their spines and SI joints. I usually get adjusted every 2-3 weeks because of this and battle a variety of acute issues (I don't let it get to the chronic pain stage). Before the belt had been used, I was battling some lumbar pain that seemed to be worse if I had a lot of low back adjustments to give that day. With the belt on, my spine and hips felt like it had more support than it normally would and the effects of a day at work seemed to be minimized with the support from the belt. I noticed less low back issues and actually felt like I could stretch my time frame for an adjustment out farther than I normally would. This was the largest revelation of the effects of the belt for me, the amount of support and stability I felt when treating patients.

Around the House - This topic has been hit quite a bit by the other testers and I will just add that I saw the same results. Minimally invasive, helped to provide support and stability through normal activities, and I noticed less back pain then I maybe would after vacuuming or dusting/etc. Overall, not a huge difference, but the added support of the belt during these activities was nice.

Exercising - I did notice while taking a few of my TRX classes that I had a bit decreased range of motion from the belt when doing some of the exercises during the classes. Specifically when doing lunges with kettle bells and squats. I noticed the belt prevented me from going through the whole range of motion, so there were times where I had to removed the belt for a period of the class, then put it back on after I had finished. This makes sense, as the belt is designed to help keep individuals from over stretching and working the SI joints/muscles and allowing them to heal. It was a very minor inconvenience and one that isn't a deal breaker.

Golfing - The belt for me, was a bit distracting during golf at first. I found that my range of motion with the belt, especially with the weight transfer on the downswing, felt very different. I found myself dwelling on that a bit and it seemed to affect my swing a bit at the beginning. After a bit of a trial period, I began to get used to it, but it did take a couple of range sessions and a round to do it. I played 4 rounds of golf last week with the belt, and felt very comfortable with it. I would caution to anyone wanting to use it during golf, take it to the range a couple of times before you go out on the course with it. It may not affect everyone, but it definitely is a different feeling and may take an adjustment period to get used to.

Final Thoughts - Overall, this belt does a very good job of supporting the low back and SI joints through whatever activity you can think of. Will it be perfect for all situations? No (see exercising/lifting), but it can be a very useful device when combating chronic low back pain due to SI muscle/ligament instability. I would HIGHLY reccomend you talk with your doctor/PT/chiropractor before you buy the belt to discuss what type of low back pain you have and whether this type of device will help or hinder that pain. It's been stated already that the belt is not for all types of low back pain. While $35.00 may not be a bad investment to some, I don't want to see people go out and spend that money and then regret it because they thought it could help and it ended up not doing anything or making the pain worse. I also would be careful to say that this belt is going to replace the care of any health care professional (HCP). Judging health by a lack of symptoms can be a slippery slope, and while the belt may make you feel better, it may not have fixed the problem, and that is why working with a HCP in conjunction with the belt is a good way to see the best results.

These are just my thoughts, I hope you enjoyed reading it, and please don't hesitate to reach out to me if you have any questions. I always try to do the best I can when trying to steer people in the right direction.

 

[salisboss]

Kept the belt on for Crossfit last night and it really helped keep everything tight especially on the KB swings. My hips tend to get overly loose which stresses my low back but with the belt on, the entire region felt tight, strong, and connected which made for good WOD performance. Although there are some activities that I don't love to wear the belt during, it is great that it can be worn for so much.

 

[J4U]

Doing a bang up job in here! Will be paying a visit to their page today.

 

[J4U]

Quick question: Pole vaulting through college was the primary source of my hips now being misaligned. A couple years ago I had a huge pop in my groin and couldn't jog for a couple months. Was told it was the pubic bone or something crazy.

Will check their site as well, but does thus sound like something that could be helped with the belt? Have trouble starting to move after stirring for a while and in the morning. Pain down the left leg and between the shoulder blades constantly. I know I'm out of alignment as chiropractic care helped while trying to alleviate pain from 3 bulging discs in my neck, but can't afford continued treatments.

 

[Smallville]

Played 18 holes today, and the website says this material is moisture wicking, but I don't see it at all! I am not normally a big sweater, but I could see swamp ass being an issue for heavy sweaters.

I was hitting the snot out of the ball today. Tee shots were sailing. Couldn't score though. Belt doesn't help the short game.

 

[Gohead214]

Quick question: Pole vaulting through college was the primary source of my hips now being misaligned. A couple years ago I had a huge pop in my groin and couldn't jog for a couple months. Was told it was the pubic bone or something crazy.

Will check their site as well, but does thus sound like something that could be helped with the belt? Have trouble starting to move after stirring for a while and in the morning. Pain down the left leg and between the shoulder blades constantly. I know I'm out of alignment as chiropractic care helped while trying to alleviate pain from 3 bulging discs in my neck, but can't afford continued treatments.

That sounds like a phone call to the company and a second opinion from another doctor.

This belt does perform some drastic miracles(it actually works) but for most I believe it's above the waist.


Tapping Away

 

[#Cookie]

Update time!

Well, another few days and nothing drastically different to report. I continue to be pain free approximately 95% of the time where as before I was probably uncomfortably in pain around 50% of the time. Yesterday was a long day in the office sitting in a chair for 10 hours followed by heading straight to the range where I left the belt on for the range session which lasted around 90 minutes.

I must mention that the 5% in pain that I am now is typically generated when sitting/lounging in a non-standard position (slouching on a very soft couch, etc). This pain typically goes away after standing up and stretching out a bit and doesn't require any pain relieving medication. This is in sharp contrast with my pain previously where I would have to take 1/2 of a pain pill to get the pain to something tolerable.

Lastly, I will be ordering another belt tomorrow to arrive Monday (don't want it to arrive Saturday while out of town). Will be washing the review belt for the first time, it finally was a little damp yesterday after a steamy range session.

If you are on the fence about this, get OFF of it now!!

 

[#Cookie]

Interesting twist today.

Around 2PM I had to take off my belt as I was needed to get into the lake unexpectedly.

Well, I accidentally left my belt in my uncles boat so I will be without it "on" for around 24 hours until we get back over there tomorrow. Pissed that I left it but will be a good opportunity to see how I do for a day without it.

Updates to come tomorrow morning, etc.

 

[Smallville]

Update time!

Well, another few days and nothing drastically different to report. I continue to be pain free approximately 95% of the time where as before I was probably uncomfortably in pain around 50% of the time. Yesterday was a long day in the office sitting in a chair for 10 hours followed by heading straight to the range where I left the belt on for the range session which lasted around 90 minutes.

I must mention that the 5% in pain that I am now is typically generated when sitting/lounging in a non-standard position (slouching on a very soft couch, etc). This pain typically goes away after standing up and stretching out a bit and doesn't require any pain relieving medication. This is in sharp contrast with my pain previously where I would have to take 1/2 of a pain pill to get the pain to something tolerable.

Lastly, I will be ordering another belt tomorrow to arrive Monday (don't want it to arrive Saturday while out of town). Will be washing the review belt for the first time, it finally was a little damp yesterday after a steamy range session.

If you are on the fence about this, get OFF of it now!!

I've noticed also that the minimal pain that I feel every so often is nothing compared to what it was. So good to see it is working so well for you.

 

[#Cookie]

As stated on Friday, I was to be without my belt for around 24 hours. Truth be told, I noticed pretty easily that I didn't have the belt on. It didn't happen immediately after removing but likely around 6 hours later before I really noticed. Even then, it was nothing too bad. However, I woke up yesterday morning and was pretty dang tight. I did my stretching but still felt some lingering pain/tightness. It was nothing where it wasn't bearable but it was bad enough where those around me could tell I was getting up/walking around a bit gingerly.

As soon as we got back over to their house yesterday I went out to the dock and got the belt off the boat and put it on right then and there where I could honestly sense some immediate relief. Slept it in last night (which I usually don't do) and woke up today feeling pretty dang good.

Got a round of golf in a few hours where I will have this on. And, I just ordered another belt so I'm not without one while the other is being cleaned.

This is now part of me to be honest and it's hard to imagine not wearing this for any length of time....it's not just a game changer but also a life changer for someone like me with the back issues I have.

 

[tequila4kapp]

Couldn't score though. Belt doesn't help the short game.

I loved this line

 

[tequila4kapp]

Question for the testers - are there any features you would like to see incorporated into a next iteration of the product?

 

[#Cookie]

Question for the testers - are there any features you would like to see incorporated into a next iteration of the product?

Nothing that I can think of....it's effective and unobtrusive which is the 2 important things to me.

 

[dcbrad]

Question for the testers - are there any features you would like to see incorporated into a next iteration of the product?

I would agree with cookie, there isn't too much I can think of that would make the belt significantly better. It's a great design.

 

[Jersey Nate]

Question for the testers - are there any features you would like to see incorporated into a next iteration of the product?

Like Brad and Michael, I can't think of anything lacking. Easy to put on for some great lower back relief and support.

A brief update - this weekend I attended an annual 4th of July party that my friends host (party was yesterday). We arrived on Thursday and helped them carry heavy coolers, ice, beverages, tables, chairs, canopies....the list goes on and on. Back and forth we went helping set this party up so that the 98 people who attended were well taken care of. Wore the belt the entire trip with ZERO back pain all weekend, despite the heavy workload. This thing is just wonderful.

 

[OITW]

No additions for me either. Picked up an issue from last weekend, more operator error thAn anything but i will have more in my update.


Using Tapatalk

 

[ddec]

I played my first round with this on today. I'm not sure I really noticed anything bad or good about it when it comes to the swing. I do know that my back feels really good right now and that is not always the case after a round of golf.

 

[TripleThreat802]

UPDATE:

In case you haven't followed all 20 pages on the thread, I was the guy that has very minor low back pain (more like discomfort due to some slipped discs) and more major mid to upper back pain due to some scoliosis. I was curious if this belt would help with my mid to upper back pain.

I've worn the belt sleeping through the night, for a full day at the office, through mowing the lawn and through 3-4 rounds of golf. I haven't had it on for 24hrs consecutively yet, this is spread out over the course of a week or so.

I can't say for certain that it has helped with my mid / upper back pain...it may just be placebo. However, I really notice it seems to help support and almost "loosen" me at the hips. I do see some gains in range of motion and some of the pressure goes away from the slipped discs. That alone is worth the price of this thing! I can't help to believe that if my lower back is more supported, it wouldn't play a part in helping out my mid/upper back issues.

Although it hasn't been a night and day difference for me, I don't regret the purchase one bit.

 

[Smallville]

Question for the testers - are there any features you would like to see incorporated into a next iteration of the product?

I am not sure they can do much to make this a better product.

 

[Tedfroop]

Question for the testers - are there any features you would like to see incorporated into a next iteration of the product?

It has been the same since it was designed. Dr. Serola was s specialist in Bio Mechanics and the design is very unlike other products designed for the same purpose. It is much wider and the ability to adjust it side to side and overall for support is unlike anything else in the marketplace.

UPDATE: I can't say for certain that it has helped with my mid / upper back pain...it may just be placebo. However, I really notice it seems to help support and almost "loosen" me at the hips. I do see some gains in range of motion and some of the pressure goes away from the slipped discs. That alone is worth the price of this thing! I can't help to believe that if my lower back is more supported, it wouldn't play a part in helping out my mid/upper back issues.

Although it hasn't been a night and day difference for me, I don't regret the purchase one bit.

The upper back issues are tied to the lower back but will not likely resolve themselves with use of the belt. A good chiropractor will likely offer more help than any other method. Treating it sooner than later is also a good plan.

 

[GolferGal]

Once again this belt shows me just how well it works. I was packaging up all the swag for the Ocean City Invitational attendees and my back was killing me. I put the belt on, and I swear within 5 minutes the pain was gone.