SACROILIAC JOINT PAIN

The sacroiliac joints (SI joints) are where the pelvis and lower spine (sacrum) meet. These joints are held together with strong, thick ligaments which means they don’t have very much mobility, making them great shock absorbers.

SI joint pain is sometimes referred to as ‘pelvic girdle pain’, ‘sacroiliitis’ and ‘sacroiliac joint dysfunction’.

The SI joints can become painful due to stiffness however they generally become painful when they become more mobile than usual. This can happen if the muscles supporting the SI joints become weak or if the ligaments of the SI joint become more flexible after an injury or most commonly due to hormonal changes during pregnancy.

The symptoms of SI pain can range from being a very mild ache to severe pain that makes walking difficult. Symptoms might include:

• Buttock pain
• Pain down the back of the thigh on into the lower back
• Feeling like the hip could give way
• Pain with stairs, lifting, carrying heavy objects and lying on your side
• Hip weakness

Your physiotherapist will complete a thorough assessment to determine the cause of your SI joint pain and develop a treatment plan based on your needs. Treatment might include:

• Taping or bracing
• Pregnancy or Recovery shorts
• Advice on movements to avoid
• Hands-on treatment to reduce any associated muscle tension
• Hot packs to help with muscle relaxation
• Exercises to improve your buttock muscle strength
• Clinical Exercise to help improve your core and general strength.