Oh my aching back! How many times have you said this out loud or thought about it? It might have been pain from your sacroiliac joint in your lower back. If so, keep reading to discover how to find sacroiliac (SI) joint pain relief.
What Commonly Causes Sacroiliac (SI) Joint Pain?
We have one sacroiliac joint on each side of our body, and it’s where your ilium and sacrum bones join together. The sacrum is the wide flat bone between your tailbone and lumbar spine, and the ilium is often called the hip bone. This joint rarely moves.
A sudden injury or repetitive stress can cause the SI joint to become inflamed and painful.
It may also be linked to:
- Pregnancy
- Pelvic or abdominal surgeries
- Arthritis
- Sitting for extended periods
Conservative Physical Therapy Treatments for SI Joint Pain
Sacroiliac (SI) joint pain responds very well to conservative physical therapy, especially when treatment focuses on restoring movement, strength, and balance throughout the pelvis, hips, and core. At Lokahi Physical Therapy and Wellness in Huntington Beach, CA, care is individualized to address both symptom relief and the underlying causes of SI joint dysfunction.
Activity modification and guided movement
Rather than prolonged rest, physical therapists encourage safe, gentle movement early on. Avoiding excessive twisting or asymmetrical loading while maintaining light activity—such as walking—can help prevent stiffness and support healing.
Targeted strengthening and stabilization
SI joint pain often stems from muscle imbalances or poor load transfer through the pelvis. Physical therapy focuses on strengthening the core, glutes, and hip muscles to reduce stress on the SI joint and improve overall stability. At Lokahi Physical Therapy, we often utilize reformer-based Pilates exercise to help strengthen the core and hip girdle.
Manual therapy
Hands-on techniques may be used to relieve tight muscles, improve joint mobility, and reduce irritation in the lower back, hips, and pelvic region. This can help decrease pain and restore more natural movement patterns.
Postural and movement retraining
Poor sitting posture, prolonged sitting, or repetitive movements can aggravate SI joint pain. Physical therapists assess daily habits and work-related movements to help correct mechanics that may be contributing to symptoms.
Pelvic and lower back mobility work
Gentle stretching and mobility exercises can reduce stiffness while maintaining the necessary stability of the SI joint.
Pain management strategies
Ice or heat may be recommended at different stages of recovery to help manage inflammation and discomfort, along with education on when and how to use each effectively. Red light therapy and ultrasound therapy may also be utilized.
Education and prevention
A key part of physical therapy is empowering patients with tools to prevent recurrence. This includes home exercise programs, ergonomic guidance, and strategies for managing flare-ups.
Lokahi Physical Therapy and Wellness takes a collaborative, whole-body approach—working closely with physicians and other healthcare providers when needed—to ensure patients receive comprehensive care that supports long-term relief and function.
When SI Joint Pain Persists
Most people experience significant improvement with consistent physical therapy and conservative care. In cases where symptoms persist, physical therapists can help guide next steps by coordinating with medical providers and ensuring that movement, strength, and biomechanics are optimized before considering more invasive options.
Finding Relief from SI Joint Pain
SI joint pain can be frustrating and disruptive, but it doesn’t have to become a long-term issue. With the right physical therapy approach, many patients regain comfort, mobility, and confidence in their movement.
If you’re experiencing lower back or pelvic pain and suspect your sacroiliac joint may be the cause, contact Lokahi Physical Therapy and Wellness in Huntington Beach, CA to schedule an evaluation and start your path toward balanced, pain-free movement.