The sacroiliac (SI) joint is an important joint located in your lower back. It connects the triangular bone at the bottom of your spine, the sacrum, to the iliac bones in your pelvis. It’s a synovial joint, meaning it is surrounded by a capsule filled with synovial fluid to help reduce friction. This joint is crucial for stabilizing your pelvis and supporting your upper body while allowing some movement. Because it plays such a big role, any pain or discomfort in this area can seriously affect how you move and go about your day-to-day activities.
SI joint pain can come from different causes, such as:
- Trauma — Trauma to the SI joint, such as a fall or car accident, can cause pain.
- Arthritis — Arthritis can cause inflammation and pain in the SI joint.
- Pregnancy and childbirth — During pregnancy, hormonal changes cause the ligaments to loosen in the SI joint. Loose ligaments, combined with the added stress on the pelvis, can lead to pain in the SI joint.
- Sacroiliac joint dysfunction — SI joint dysfunction is a condition in which the SI joint is misaligned. This can cause pain and stiffness.
The symptoms of SI joint pain can vary, but may include:
- Pain that is aching or stabbing in the lower back, buttocks or hip
- Stiffness in the lower back
- Pain that gets worse when sitting, standing or walking for long periods of time
- Pain that is relieved by rest
- Difficulty walking, climbing stairs or bending
- A feeling of instability or “giving way” in the pelvis
It’s essential to consult with a health care provider for an accurate diagnosis, because SI joint pain can sometimes mimic other conditions, such as:
- Lumbar disc herniation
- Sciatica
- Hip arthritis
Getting a diagnosis and finding an effective treatment for SI joint pain is important. One option for treatment that’s gaining attention is shockwave therapy.
What is shockwave therapy?
Shockwave therapy is a treatment that uses sound waves to help heal damaged tissue in the body. During the procedure, a health care professional, like a physical therapist, uses a special device to send high-energy sound waves to the painful area. These sound waves help boost blood flow and kick-start your body’s natural healing process. You can find shockwave therapy being used in sports medicine, orthopedics and physical therapy.
How can shockwave therapy help SI joint pain?
Shockwave therapy can be helpful for SI joint pain because it promotes healing and reduces inflammation. Here are a few ways it targets SI joint pain specifically:
- Reducing inflammation — The sound waves help to lower inflammation in the SI joint. When inflammation goes down, you may experience pain relief and be able to move better.
- Boosting blood flow — Shockwave therapy helps increase blood flow to the affected area. Better blood flow means more oxygen-and-nutrient-rich blood reaches the damaged tissue, helping it to heal more quickly.
- Breaking down scar tissue — If you have scar tissue from previous injuries or surgeries, shockwave therapy can help break it down. This can lead to better flexibility and movement in the SI joint.
- Stimulating collagen production — Shockwave therapy encourages your body to produce collagen, a key protein for repairing tissue. Collagen production can help heal ligaments and tendons around the SI joint.
- Releasing tight muscles — If muscle tightness is behind your SI joint pain, shockwave therapy can help release these tight spots, providing you with relief and making it easier for you to move.
Benefits of shockwave therapy for SI joint pain
Shockwave therapy can provide several benefits for people dealing with SI joint pain, including:
- Noninvasive treatment — Shockwave therapy is a noninvasive treatment, meaning there aren’t any surgeries or needles involved. You won’t need anesthesia and there’s no recovery time. This makes shockwave therapy convenient for many patients.
- Minimal side effects — Most people tolerate shockwave therapy well, with very few side effects. Some may experience some mild discomfort or redness where the treatment occurred, but these effects usually go away quickly.
- Quick treatment sessions — Shockwave therapy sessions can be short, making it easy to fit into your busy schedule. You can often go right back to your daily activities after treatment.
- Long-lasting results — For many people, shockwave therapy can provide long-lasting relief from SI joint pain, especially when combined with other treatments like physical therapy or therapeutic exercise.
- Range-of-motion improvement — By reducing inflammation and promoting healing, shockwave therapy can help increase your range of motion in the SI joint. This means you can do your regular physical activities you enjoy without discomfort.
- Treatment plan personalization — Your health care provider can customize shockwave therapy to meet your specific needs, ensuring that the treatment effectively addresses the root causes of your SI joint pain.
- Complementary treatment option — Shockwave therapy can be used alongside other treatments, such as physical therapy, for a more complete approach to managing SI pain. This combination can lead to even better results.
If you’re experiencing SI joint pain, shockwave therapy may be a great option for you to consider. Always talk to a health care professional before starting a new treatment. Discussing with a health care professional can help you see if shockwave therapy is right for you.
Don’t let SI joint pain hold you back — REPAIR SI can help you find relief with shockwave therapy
At REPAIR SI, we understand the challenges that come with SI joint pain and the impact it can have on your daily life. Our team of skilled physical therapists is dedicated to providing a personalized treatment plan tailored to meet your specific needs, ensuring that you receive the best care possible. With our comprehensive and holistic approach, we aim to support your healing journey and help you on your journey to overall wellness. If you’re struggling with SI joint pain, consider reaching out to us for more information about how shockwave therapy can make a difference for you.
Contact our team today for more information or to schedule an initial appointment.