The sacroiliac joint (SIJ) serves as a vital connection between the spine and the pelvis, playing a key role in movement and weight distribution. Pain originating from this joint can be debilitating, affecting everyday activities such as walking, sitting, or even sleeping. At Melbourne Physio Clinic, we aim to help you understand and manage this condition effectively.
What is Sacroiliac Joint Pain?
Sacroiliac joint dysfunction often falls into two categories:
1. Hypermobility (Excessive Movement)
Weakness in Key Muscle Groups: Underactive core, gluteal, and hip rotator muscles can result in instability, leading to pain.
Hormonal Factors: Hormonal changes, especially during pregnancy, can increase ligament laxity which causes an increase in joint movement
Trauma: Accidents or repetitive strain can destabilise the joint.
2. Hypomobility (Restricted Movement)
Inflammatory Conditions: Disorders like Ankylosing Spondylitis can stiffen the joint.
Structural Issues: Anatomical variations or degenerative changes may reduce mobility, causing discomfort.
Common Causes of SIJ Pain
SIJ pain can mimic other conditions, making accurate diagnosis essential. Key symptoms include:
Pain in the lower back, buttocks, hips, or groin.
Aggravation of symptoms during specific activities, such as climbing stairs or prolonged standing.
Pain with position changes (sitting to standing or turning over in bed, for example)
In women, symptoms may intensify during menstruation or certain movements.
Symptoms of SIJ Pain
Because SIJ pain often overlaps with other musculoskeletal conditions, professional assessment is critical. Diagnosis typically involves:
Physical Examination: A physiotherapist uses specific tests to pinpoint SIJ involvement.
Imaging Tools: While helpful, X-rays or MRIs are often secondary to clinical evaluation.
Diagnosing SIJ Dysfunction
Effective Treatment Options for SIJ Pain
Recent studies emphasise the effectiveness of multidisciplinary care, combining physiotherapy with patient education and home exercises. Early diagnosis and intervention are critical to prevent chronic pain and improve outcomes. At Melbourne Physio Clinic, we advocate a holistic approach to managing SIJ dysfunction:
1. Strengthening and Stability Programs
Targeted Exercises: Strengthening the core, glutes, and pelvic stabilisers helps restore balance and joint function.
2. Pain Management Strategies
Support Belts: Temporarily stabilise the joint during acute pain phases.
Medications or Injections: In severe cases, these options may help manage inflammation and pain.
Manual Therapy: joint mobilisation techniques can reduce discomfort.
3. Lifestyle Adjustments
Postural Awareness: Avoid positions that stress the SIJ.
Weight Management: Reducing excess body weight can alleviate joint strain.
Activity Modification: Adapting or modifying current activities to reduce stress on the SIJ.
Recovery times vary depending on the severity of the dysfunction and adherence to treatment. While immediate relief may be achieved through joint mobilisation, long-term improvement relies on consistent strengthening and lifestyle adjustments guided by your physiotherapist.
If you’re experiencing sacroiliac joint pain, expert care can make all the difference. Our team is dedicated to identifying the root causes of your discomfort and crafting a personalised treatment plan. Take the first step toward relief by booking an appointment with us today.
Feel empowered to reclaim your mobility and well-being—your journey to a pain-free life starts here.