Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction: Why You Need PT

back pain with activity

How Physical Therapy Helps Back Pain From Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction

Introduction

Physical therapy is a holistic form of healthcare that takes into account the whole body and its associated systems. It is a treatment option that has many benefits, particularly for those struggling with chronic pain or injury. Physical therapy can help improve mobility as well as reduce pain, thereby improving quality of life. For people with sacroiliac joint dysfunction and back pain, physical therapy can be an effective treatment option that helps ease pain and facilitate healing.

Whether you are recovering from an injury or seeking to improve the quality of your day-to-day life, physical therapy can be an excellent addition to your wellness regimen. The benefits of physical therapy are numerous and far-reaching, promoting overall health and well-being. Don’t wait to seek the benefits of this holistic and personalized form of healthcare – make an appointment with your physical therapist today!

What to Expect at Physical Therapy

In physical therapy sessions, a therapist evaluates your posture, range of motion, and other factors potentially affecting your condition. With these findings, they customize a plan to address your needs. Specific exercises designed to increase strength and flexibility, as well as techniques to ease muscle tension or spasms, may be included. Your therapist will give recommendations regarding modifying activities and adjusting lifestyle habits that may cause strain on the SI joint.

What Types of Exercises You Might Do

Exercises for Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction:

Strengthening exercises:

   – Bridges: Improve gluteal and hip strength, stabilizing the sacroiliac joint.

   – Hip abductor stretches: Enhance hip stability, reducing stress on the sacroiliac joint.

   – Lateral hip raises: Strengthen hip muscles, contributing to joint stabilization.

Stability exercises:

   – Squats with a stability ball: Promote core stability and balance, supporting the sacroiliac joint.

   – Clamshells with mini bands: Activate hip abductor muscles, providing stability to the joint.

   – Side-lying leg lifts with gluteal contractions: Strengthen hip and gluteal muscles, improving joint support.

Joint mobilization exercises:

   – Wall slides for thoracic spine mobilization: Enhance thoracic spine mobility, reducing stress on the sacroiliac joint.

Stretching exercises:

   – Hamstring and psoas stretch: Relieve tightness in muscles that may contribute to sacroiliac joint dysfunction.

Consult a physical therapist for a tailored exercise program specific to your condition. These exercises aim to alleviate back pain by targeting the sacroiliac joint and promoting strength, stability, and flexibility.

How Long Recovery Takes

Recovering from sacroiliac joint dysfunction back pain varies based on various factors like age and condition severity. Typically, a combination of physical therapy with prescribed at-home exercises and rest periods brings relief within 4-6 weeks. It’s important to keep discussing progress with your therapist to adjust the program, if necessary, for longer treatment courses based on individual circumstances.

Conclusion

Physical therapy effectively manages sacroiliac back pain by improving strength and flexibility while teaching patients how to modify strain-inducing activities. With a personalized plan and consistent home exercise, recovery typically takes 4-6 weeks and reduces pain levels due to SI joint dysfunction.