Sacroiliac (SI) Joint Dysfunction (Pelvic Joint Pain)
Sacroiliac joint dysfunction occurs when the joints connecting the spine to the pelvis become irritated, unstable, or restricted. This can lead to pain in the lower back, buttock, or pelvis. Physical therapy focuses on restoring pelvic stability, improving movement patterns, and reducing strain on the joint.
Are you experiencing pain in your lower back, buttock, or pelvis that worsens when standing, walking, or climbing stairs? These symptoms may be related to sacroiliac (SI) joint dysfunction, a common but often overlooked source of low back and pelvic pain.
At Rose Physical Therapy in Washington, DC, physical therapists provide individualized care designed to reduce SI joint irritation, restore pelvic stability, and help you return to comfortable movement.
What Is the Sacroiliac Joint?
You have two sacroiliac joints, located where the sacrum (the base of the spine) connects to the iliac bones of the pelvis.
These joints play an important role in:
• Transferring forces between the upper body and legs
• Providing shock absorption during walking and movement
• Stabilizing the pelvis during standing and activity
Unlike many other joints in the body, the SI joints move only slightly. However, even small disruptions in movement or stability can lead to pain.
What Is SI Joint Dysfunction?
Sacroiliac joint dysfunction occurs when the joint becomes irritated, inflamed, overly mobile, or restricted in movement.
Two main patterns may occur:
Hypermobility (excess movement)
The joint moves too much, often due to ligament laxity or poor muscular support.
Hypomobility (restricted movement)
The joint becomes stiff and does not move properly during walking or bending.
Both situations can disrupt normal movement patterns and place stress on surrounding tissues.
Common Causes of SI Joint Dysfunction
Several factors can contribute to irritation or instability of the SI joints:
Pregnancy or postpartum changes
Hormonal changes can loosen ligaments that stabilize the pelvis.
Trauma
Falls, car accidents, or direct impact to the pelvis may disrupt joint mechanics.
Leg length differences or pelvic asymmetry
Uneven weight distribution can increase strain on the SI joints.
Repetitive activities
Jobs or sports that involve repeated bending, lifting, or twisting.
Poor core or pelvic stability
Weakness in the glutes, abdominal muscles, or deep hip muscles can increase joint stress.
What Does SI Joint Dysfunction Feel Like?
Symptoms may resemble other lower back or hip conditions, but common signs include:
• Pain in the lower back or buttock, often on one side
• Discomfort with standing, walking, or shifting weight
• Pain during transitional movements, such as getting out of a car or rolling in bed
• Tenderness just below the dimples of the lower back
• Pain that may radiate into the groin, hip, or upper thigh
• A sensation that the pelvis feels “stuck,” twisted, or unstable
SI joint dysfunction typically does not cause numbness, tingling, or pain below the knee, which are more commonly associated with nerve-related conditions.
How Is SI Joint Dysfunction Diagnosed?
Because SI joint symptoms can resemble other spine or hip conditions, a detailed evaluation is essential.
At Rose Physical Therapy, assessment may include:
• Postural and movement analysis
Evaluating how the pelvis and spine move during daily activities.
• Joint palpation and mobility testing
Checking for tenderness or altered movement at the SI joints.
• Provocation tests
Specific movements designed to reproduce symptoms associated with SI joint irritation.
• Strength and flexibility assessment
Evaluating core, hip, and pelvic muscle function.
• Gait analysis
Observing walking mechanics and weight distribution.
This thorough evaluation helps identify the true source of pain and guides the most effective treatment plan.
How Physical Therapy Helps SI Joint Dysfunction
Physical therapy focuses on restoring balanced movement and improving the stability of the pelvis and spine.
Treatment at Rose Physical Therapy may include:
• Manual therapy and joint mobilization
Hands-on techniques to restore normal joint movement and reduce muscle tension.
• Pelvic stabilization exercises
Strengthening the core, glutes, and pelvic floor to support the SI joints.
• Postural and movement retraining
Improving mechanics for walking, lifting, and daily activities.
• Targeted stretching
Reducing tightness in muscles such as the hip flexors, piriformis, hamstrings, and adductors.
• Education and activity modification
Learning strategies to avoid positions or movements that aggravate the SI joints.
• Personalized home exercise program
Exercises designed to maintain pelvic stability and prevent symptom recurrence.
Find Relief from SI Joint Dysfunction at Rose Physical Therapy
Persistent pelvic or lower back pain can make everyday movement uncomfortable, but targeted treatment can restore stability and reduce irritation. At Rose Physical Therapy, care focuses on improving pelvic mechanics, strengthening supportive muscles, and helping you move with confidence again.
If SI joint pain is affecting your daily life, Rose Physical Therapy is here to help. Schedule an evaluation at one of our Washington, DC locations:
Farragut North
Friendship Heights
Navy Yard
Early treatment can help reduce pain, restore pelvic stability, and support comfortable movement throughout your day.