What is the sacroiliac joint?
Your sacroiliac joint (SIJ) is where the sacrum connects with the ilium, as shown in the diagram below.
What is sacroiliac joint pain/dysfunction and how is it caused?
There are two types of dysfunctional movement that can occur at the sacroiliac joint: hypomobility (decreased/insufficient motion) or hypermobility (increased/excessive motion). SIJ pain is commonly seen in women, during and after pregnancy as their pelvis changes to allow for child birth. It can also be caused by trauma to the area that may have affected the ligaments and muscles that support the pelvis.
Pain is often localised to the buttock and can be described as sharp, dull, shooting or grabbing pain that may also refer down the thigh.
Pain may occur when walking or going up/down stairs: this is because the joint is aggravated in a single leg stance position.
If you feel like you have SIJ pain, it is important that you seek an assessment by a physiotherapist so you can receive the appropriate treatment for you.
Your physiotherapist can guide you through some specific exercises to support to the SIJ and also provide aids such as taping or belts that can help to relieve pain.
If you have further questions about sacroiliac joint pain, please give us a call on 03 6237 0045 and book your assessment! We can help you.
Written by Kirsty Whalan (MPhysio, BExSc, APAM)