What is Sacroiliac Joint Syndrome?

Sacroiliac Joint Syndrome is a common condition of pain for the sacroiliac joint. Which is usually caused by an abnormal motion or malalignment of the sacroiliac joint.

Cause of Sacroiliac Joint Syndrome:

  • Trauma.
  • Abnormality of sacrum bone.
  • Pregnancy.

Symptoms Include:

  • pain will be sharp, dull, achy, stabbing, or shooting pain directly over the affected joint.
  • Low back pain.
  • Thigh pain.
  • Difficulty sitting in one place for too long due to pain and while climbing stairs.
  • Local tenderness at the posterior aspect of the SI joint.
  • Pain aggravated when mechanically stressed for example forward bending.
  • Pain is usually localized over the buttock.

Physiotherapy Management:

The primary aim of physiotherapy is to Reduce Pain, inflammation, and improve mobility & stability.

Physiotherapy helps in relaxing tense muscles and ligaments that limit natural motion at the joint. And conditioning the surrounding muscles and ligaments to better support the joint.

Aerobic training help to improve circulation and hence promote the supply of several nutrients and oxygen throughout the body, promoting the healing process in weakened or injured soft tissues in the sacroiliac joint.

Physiotherapy treatment of Sacroiliac Joint Syndrome include:

  • Cryo-therapy Or Thermal therapy. for example:
    • Ice packs,
    • Cryo-air machine,
    • Hot packs,
    • Contrast bath, etc.
  • Therapeutic modalities, such as:
    • Extracorporeal shock wave therapy,
    • The super inductive system,
    • High-intensity class 4 laser therapy,
    • Combo therapy, etc.
  • Manipulation & Mobilization.
  • Core stability.
  • Strengthening exercises. such as:
    • Bridge
    • Hip abduction strengthening: Lie on the back with the knees slightly bent and a resistance band around the knees. To strengthen the outer thigh and buttock, gently push the knees apart while keeping the back arched. 5 seconds hold, and 10 repetitions.
    • Hip adduction strengthening: Lie down on the back with both knees bent and place a medium rubber exercise ball/pillow between the knees. Repeat this 10 times with both knees squeezed for 5 seconds each.
    • Lying iliopsoas march with loop band.
    • Side plank
  • Stretching exercises. for example:
    • Hamstring stretch: Sitting on the floor with one leg folded and another resting straight in front of the body. Try gently stretching the hamstring muscles in this position by reaching your toes. 15 to 30 seconds hold the stretch. stretch both hamstrings 5 times.
    • Quadriceps stretch: Stand with one arm against a wall for support. Grab the foot or ankle of the right leg with your right hand while pulling the right leg up behind the body, with a bent knee. 15 to 30 seconds hold. Do 2 times for both quadriceps.
    • Hip adductor stretch: sit with the legs straight and apart to form a triangle, then gently lean forward. Starts holding the stretch for 5 to 10 seconds then gradually increase the hold time up to 15 to 30 seconds.
    • Press up stretch: Stretch the muscles in the lower abdomen and front of the pelvis by raising the upper body to the elbows and holding for 15 to 30 seconds while lying on the stomach. Repeat 5 to 10 times.
    • Single knee to chest isometric stretch: Hold and pull one knee up toward the chest while pressing the other leg straight into the ground while lying on your back. holding the stretch for 5 seconds for 5 to 10 times.
  • Aerobic training.
    • Running
    • Jogging
    • Running on an elliptical
    • Stationary biking
    • Swimming or water aerobics