Do I recommend DNRS for SI joint dysfunction?

Hi everyone!

A reader recently wrote in to me with the most interesting question.  She’s been struggling with SI joint issues for years, and has already tried approaches such as osteopath, chiropractor, and PT, and is still struggling.

This reader is (rightly so) very interested in exploring neuroplasticity-based approaches to the SI joint, as I discussed in my last post.

So, after seeing my post about the Dynamic Neural Retraining System, she wrote in to ask if I recommended it for the SI joint.  One of the things she mentioned was using DNRS to help overcome the fear of exercise.

Here is my answer:

As you probably know, I used DNRS for a different condition— mast cell activation syndrome. 

I saw a huge difference in my mast cell symptoms from using it.

DNRS focuses mainly on the concept of limbic system impairment.  While far more research is needed on this idea, generally speaking, the idea is that many chronic conditions (such as allergies, multiple chemical sensitivity, and mast cell activation syndrome) can be caused by a brain that is stuck in a chronic state of fight-or-flight.

I think using it for the SI joint is slightly more complicated, because there are other things you also need to do for the joint — such as building muscle strength and making sure the joint is in alignment.   

DNRS isn’t a substitute for any of these things, and generally speaking, musculosketal injuries aren’t on the list of conditions DNRS aims to treat. 

And in terms of the fear of exercise– to tell you the truth, I think that some fear of exercise is rational.   At least in the sense that I think it’s important not to force yourself to do anything painful, because pain is a sign that you are potentially aggravating the SI joint ligaments (and you want them to heal!). 

**But** I do think DNRS can help a lot, in other ways.

Everyone’s experience with DNRS is different, but I think it’s certainly possible that using DNRS can help with managing pain, and your mental outlook, and can potentially even help with things like muscle tension.

These benefits aren’t necessarily specific to DNRS, of course.  There’s loads of scientific evidence out there to show that things like positive thinking, relaxation, and meditation can also lead to similar benefits.

DNRS is similar to these approaches, except it’s a bit more structured– and when you do it, you are consciously harnessing the power of neuroplasticity.

Other neuroplastic approaches to the SI joint

The reason I wrote my post “the SI joint and the brain” was because I wanted to mention some of the other approaches that readers have told me about that also use the brain, such as Postural Restoration and Somatics.  These neuroplasticity-based approaches are more specifically geared toward musculoskeletal issues than DNRS is. 

I don’t have any personal experience with Somatics (though I’ve heard good things from members of our discussion group).   However, recently I have begun to look into Postural Restoration, and I do think there’s something to it!  (More on that in a future post).

So… with that being said…

I love DNRS and it changed my life.  I think everyone should do DNRS, just because I found it really improves your quality of life and makes you feel like a happier, more whole person.

But I don’t think I would specifically buy it to help with SI joint dysfunction.  I think it can certainly improve your experience, and help with managing pain, but probably will not fix the problem by itself.

I don’t think there’s ever going to be any substitute for musculoskeletal interventions (I know, it can be so hard to figure out what works for each individual, but you’ve got to keep going!).

So, I would definitely do DNRS (and just as a reminder, it comes with a 6-month money back guarantee!)…. but I would expect that you would also need to keep trying new musculoskeletal approaches.

Hope this helps!  And thank you to this reader for her excellent question!