At Port Melbourne Physiotherapy and Pilates we pride ourselves on providing our clients with exceptional quality Physiotherapy services by a qualified and professional team.
Sacro-iliac joint (SIJ) dysfunction is a common cause of lower back and buttock pain. The sacro-iliac joints connect the base of the spine to the pelvis and play an important role in transferring load between the upper body and legs.
Pain can occur when the SI joint becomes irritated, inflamed or restricted, often due to changes in movement, overload, pregnancy, sporting activity or prolonged sitting and standing.
Common symptoms include:
Pain in the lower back or buttock
Pain on one side of the pelvis
Stiffness with movement
Pain when standing from sitting
Discomfort walking or climbing stairs
Pain with rolling in bed
Referred pain into the hip or thigh
Physiotherapy Assessment
Your physiotherapist will perform a detailed assessment to determine whether the sacro-iliac joint is contributing to your symptoms and identify any underlying movement or strength deficits.
Assessment commonly includes:
Detailed history of symptoms
Lumbar spine and pelvic assessment
SI joint provocation testing
Assessment of hip mobility
Strength and stability testing
Walking and functional movement assessment
Postural and movement analysis
Where appropriate, your physiotherapist may recommend further investigation or referral for imaging.
Physiotherapy Treatment
Physiotherapy treatment aims to reduce pain, improve movement and restore pelvic and lower back stability.
Treatment may include:
Joint mobilisation
Soft tissue massage
Dry needling
Exercise rehabilitation
Core and pelvic stability training
Hip and glute strengthening
Movement retraining
Postural and ergonomic advice
Use of stability belts or taping
A tailored rehabilitation program can help improve movement control, reduce irritation of the SI joint and minimise recurrence.
Recovery Following SIJ Dysfunction
Recovery will depend on the cause and duration of symptoms. Many people improve well with physiotherapy and guided exercise, particularly when contributing movement and strength deficits are addressed early.
If you are experiencing persistent lower back, buttock or pelvic pain, physiotherapy can help identify the source of your symptoms and develop an effective treatment plan to support your recovery.
