Download Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction

Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction
St. Luke’s offers a physical therapist with specialized training to evaluate
this complex disorder and create a customized program to improve the
dysfunction associated with this disorder.
Patient
Common risk factors that indicate a sacroiliac joint dysfunction include:
• History of a direct fall onto the buttocks
• History of an MVA or trauma to one side of the pelvis
• Lumbosacral pain in pregnancy or after childbirth
• Unilateral pain radiating to the hip, groin, buttocks and lateral leg
to the knee
• Dull ache or sharp, stabbing or knife-like pain near the PSIS
• Locking or clicking sensation in the region of the sacroiliac joint
• Muscles in a tight or shortened position such as hip flexors, hamstrings
or piriformis
• Leg length inequalities
The sacroiliac joint is a joint in the
pelvis that lies between the sacrum
and the ilium. Between the two
Treatment Approach
surfaces lies articular cartilage. If pelvic
• Muscle energy technique (MET) applied using muscles to change the
pelvic positioning
• Soft tissue massage
• Muscle stretching
• Specific home exercise program to address the components of the
dysfunction
• Correction of true leg length discrepancy via use of heel lift (if one exists)
motion is asymmetric, dysfunction can
occur. Sacroiliac joint dysfunction is
one of the more common causes of
mechanical low back pain.
Treatment Goals
Therapy can reduce patient’s subjective pain complaints, restore pelvic positioning to normal limits, and
provide an independent treatment approach that patients can utilize to help manage their own care. Most
patients notice improvement in their symptoms within 6-8 hands-on treatments, and most can expect 80
percent resolution within 12-18 visits.
Treatment Resources
Our therapists are highly trained and hold additional specialized certifications to help your patients
recover from sacroiliac joint dysfunction and other injuries or illnesses.
To refer your patient, contact:
(509) 473-6869
fax (509) 473-6097
www.st-lukes.org