Massage Therapy Journal Spring 2024

34 • Massage Therapy Journal

AMTA Continuing Education

Additionally, this chart shows the types of motion the lumbar spine can make and the degrees of range of motion.

The SIJ has a complex structure and is supported by a network of strong ligaments that provide stability. The movement of the sacroiliac joints is called nutation and counternutation. The available movement of this joint is only between 1 and 5 degrees. Nutation is an anterior tilt or movement of the sacrum relative to the ilium, and counternutation is a posterior tilt movement of the sacrum relative to the ilium. 1 See Figure 8 for a diagram of both tilting movements . Finally, see Figure 9 and the chart about SIJ ligaments to review the location and function of the SI ligaments. The Hip Joint: Anatomy of the Hip Joint The hip joint is a ball-and-socket joint that connects the femur to the pelvis. It is one of the largest and most stable joints in the human body and allows for an extensive range of movements,

Joint

Movement

Range of Motion

Lumbar spine

Flexion

0-60° 0-25° 0-25º

Extension

Lateral flexion

Rotation to left or right

0-5º

The Structure of the Sacroiliac Joint: What is the Sacroiliac Joint? The sacroiliac joint (SIJ) is a joint that connects the sacrum, which is the triangular shaped bone at the base of the spine, to the ilium bones of the pelvis. There are two SI joints in the human body, one on each side of the sacrum. The SIJ is classified as a synovial gliding joint with limited mobility, as it primarily acts as a stabilizing structure rather than a mobile joint.

including flexion, extension, abduction, adduction, medial and lateral rotation.

Figure 8

Figure 9

Ilium movement

Long and short posterior sacroiliac ligaments

Sacrospinious ligament

a.

Sacrospinious ligament Sacrotuberous ligament Super cial posterior sacrococcygeal ligament

Ischiofemoral ligament

Sacrum movement (nutation)

Lateral sacrococcygeal ligament

Rear view

Ilium movement

Anterior longitudinal ligament

b.

Iliopectineal ligament Pubofemoral ligament Sacrospinious ligament Sacrotuberous ligament

Iliolumbar ligament

Anterior and lateral sacrococcygeal ligament

Sacrum movement (counternutation)

Front view

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