SI joint pain is frequently caused by too much or too little movement of the joint itself. SI Joint Physical Therapy may help to strengthen and stabilize the joint.

No matter the cause of SI joint dysfunction, when improper movement of the SI joint or strain on its surrounding ligaments occurs continuously, it can lead to pain. In many cases, your doctor may suggest specific SI Joint Therapy and exercise as initial treatment approaches, before other treatments are prescribed.

When your physician has prescribed a course of SI Joint Therapy designed to help manage pain and restore proper SI joint function, you may be curious about what it will involve. A physical therapist, also referred to as a PT, is a licensed health professional who is educated and trained in helping people who are injured or ill, to manage their pain and to help improve or restore their normal range of motion. In aiding patients who are suffering specifically from SI joint problems, a PT can tailor the course of treatment to include stretching or stabilizing exercises that are designed to help reduce the pain.

SI Joint Therapy can range from passive activities, like massage and professionally applied ice/heat therapy to more active strengthening exercises and range of motion techniques designed to increase flexibility and strengthen muscles.

Passive SI Joint Therapy;

During passive SI joint therapy, the PT performs the majority of the therapy. This can include massage and application of ice/heat therapy to the affected side.

Active SI Joint Therapy;

Active SI joint therapy aims to stabilize improperly working SI joints through specific stretching and exercise techniques. Your PT may advise exercises targeting the muscles and ligaments that surround the joint, strengthening the natural support and protective tissues. SI joint therapy is focused on restoring normal function of the joint itself; the patient must play an active role in carrying out the therapy.

Exercise for Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction;

For most people intense or rigorous exercise is not recommended as an appropriate SI joint therapy. However, gentle, consistent exercise techniques may help. Your PT may prescribe for you a set of exercises you can do at home that can help you stretch and strengthen your low back muscles, while also helping you maintain appropriate flexibility in your joints.

To achieve the greatest benefit from SI joint therapy, your PT may suggest a combination of passive and active physical therapy techniques. Adding exercise and other specific SI joint therapy as prescribed by your PT may aid in the management of SI joint pain symptoms. In some patients, these techniques do not completely resolve the pain or they only provide temporary relief. When SI joint therapy fails to provide adequate resolution of your SI joint pain symptoms, your physician may prescribe other options.