Conservative Treatment

Initial treatment is provided by a physical therapist skilled in diagnosing and treating sacroiliac joint pain. Following evaluation and mobilization treatment the therapist will instruct the patient on proper biomechanics to avoid unnecessary and improper strain on the injured si joints. Therapeutic exercise is taught to improve neuromuscular stability of the lower back and pelvis. Self-mobilization techniques are instructed to the patient. Too much movement of the sacroiliac joints may indicate a laxity of ligaments that would normally hold these joints within a normal range of motion. Therefore, additional stabilization procedures, for example pelvic belt fixation and taping techniques may be required. A home program of self-mobilization is necessary: either by self-mobilization exercise or by family members who have been taught to do the family assisted corrections.

Typically the sacroiliac joint dysfunction will stabilize with a good stabilization program over a 6-8 week period of time. Medical options such as prolotherapy, platelet-rich plasma injections (PRP) or surgery may be indicated for those patients who continue to demonstrate too much mobility in the SI Joint after rehabilitation. Our clinicians recommend a series of 6 prolotherapy or platlet-rich plasma sessions spaced between 14-30 days if you continue to experience SI Joint instability after a 6 week trial of Physical Therapy by a skilled expert. Prior to your injection it is recommended that your SI joint be mobilized into proper alignment and maintained with self-correcting and family assisted techniques to allow for adequate tissue healing. Taping and belting are also highly recommended during the 2-3 month period you are receiving the injections.