Sacroiliac joint pain: 3 physical therapy techniques that may restore stability

Sacroiliac (SI) joint dysfunction can disrupt daily life by limiting mobility and causing lower back pain or pelvic discomfort. This painful condition typically impacts  one of the sacroiliac joints. 

This condition, and the pain it causes, may be the result of inflammation, injury or instability in the SI joints. The SI joints sit in the place where the lower spine and pelvis meet. When inflammation, injury or instability occur in this region, it leads to pain and discomfort. 

Thankfully, REPAIR SI physical therapy for SI joint pain offers several targeted techniques that may help restore your SI joints’ stability and improve your quality of life. 

Symptoms of SI joint dysfunction

SI joint dysfunction often resembles other lower back issues. This can make it difficult to diagnose the condition without the help of a professional. However, its common symptoms include: 

• Pain in the lower back, glutes, or hips
• Discomfort that increases when standing, walking or climbing stairs 
• Sharp or nagging pains on one side of the pelvis
• Stiffness in the back accompanied by a limited range of motion 
• The feeling that the leg may give out at any moment
• Pain that shoots down the thigh, but not below the knee
• Pain that travels throughout the legs, groin or feet
• Pain that decreases when moving but increases when sitting or standing for long periods, climbing stairs or running 

If these symptoms sound familiar, seek out a physical therapist for help easing your SI joint pain. They can help determine whether the SI joint is the true source of your pain.

Common causes of SI joint dysfunction

SI joint problems can be caused by a number of lifestyle and health-related factors. Some of the most common causes are listed below:  

• Injury as a result of an impact or a fall 
• Inflammation from osteoarthritis or inflammatory arthritis
• Bodily changes as a result of pregnancy, including changes to gait or ligament loosening
• Abnormal walking patterns or legs of unequal length
• On rare occasions, it can be caused by an infection
• Overuse or repetition from physical activities such as sports or manual labor

Inflammatory conditions like Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis and psoriatic arthritis can also increase your risk of developing sacroiliitis. And sacroiliitis can lead to SI joint dysfunction. No matter the cause, physical therapy can be tailored to your specific condition to relieve discomfort and restore stability. 

Physical therapy techniques that can work to alleviate SI joint pain

A personalized rehabilitation plan can make all the difference for those living with SI joint pain. These three techniques are often part of SI joint treatment plans because they are effective at reducing SI joint pain and promoting long-term joint stability. 

• Core strengthening exercises

Building abdominal and back strength can help stabilize the SI joint and reduce mechanical stress.

• McKenzie Method®

A movement-based approach that aims to reduce pain and improve function through postural correction and spinal mobility exercises. Another goal of the McKenzie Method® is to help you learn how to address your symptoms outside of your PT sessions.

• Graston Technique®

This technique uses specialized instruments to perform soft tissue mobilization, which may help reduce tension and scar tissue in muscles around the SI joint and improve mobility.

Each of the above practices is designed to address different aspects of SI joint dysfunction. When used in combination, these techniques can help patients achieve long-lasting relief. 

Find relief from SI joint pain at REPAIR SI

SI joint dysfunction can be difficult to diagnose and even more difficult to live with. Thankfully, with the right combination of professional guidance and targeted techniques, physical therapy can help restore stability, reduce discomfort and support a more active lifestyle for those with SI joint dysfunction.

Ready to get started? Reach out to our team today for more information about how we can help you address the pain and other symptoms of SI joint dysfunction or to schedule an initial appointment.