Are you struggling with lower back pain that prevents you from completing daily activities? You may have a condition called sacroiliac joint dysfunction (SIJD). Fortunately, you can start strengthening sacroiliac joint function by seeing a qualified physical therapist.
At Exchange Physical Therapy Group, we provide the best physical therapy in Jersey City. Our professionals explain everything you need to know about SIJD and how to alleviate pain. Consider the following information, then schedule a consultation with our team.
Understanding Sacroiliac Joint Pain
The sacroiliac joint supports the base of the spine between the sacrum and ilium bones. A healthy joint will reduce pressure in the lower back while you run, walk, or bend over. Sacroiliac joint dysfunction occurs when nerve damage, spinal misalignment, or tears in the surrounding tissue prevent the joint from absorbing shock.
Those who manage SIJD may experience joint pain in their hips and legs. They may also feel a sharp, radiating sensation run up their lower body when standing or sitting. Many patients with SIJD notice escalating lumbopelvic pain over time.
Diagnosis
If you experience persistent lower back pain, you should schedule a consultation with a medical professional and physical therapist. Doctors will assess your condition using state-of-the-art digital imaging technology like X-rays or MRIs.
Your physician will ask you about your daily physical activity and medical history. This way, they can rule out other underlying conditions. Once they identify problems with your sacroiliac joint, they will determine an appropriate treatment plan.
Treatment
One of the best ways to treat your SIJD is by strengthening sacroiliac joint function with a physical therapist. Experienced therapists will target core muscles around the joint and attempt to reinforce them with guided exercise. Some rehabilitation methods include:
- Manual therapy: This solution restores mobility in the soft tissue around your sacroiliac joint. It encourages light leg and hip movements, eventually healing the area.
- Core strengthening: Training your core and lower back is a great way to alleviate pain quickly. This technique requires non-invasive tools, like an SI belt, to provide extra stability during exercise.
- Stretching: Your physical therapist can guide you through light stretching exercises to strengthen your muscles and joints. This method reduces direct pressure on the sacroiliac joint and improves your overall blood flow.
- Lifestyle modifications: This type of rehabilitation requires ongoing discipline and care, even outside the clinic. A therapist may discourage you from engaging in certain physical activities or recommend dietary changes to facilitate joint/muscle repair.
You can benefit from dozens of rehabilitation strategies when working with a physical therapist. Depending on your age, weight, and health, it may be appropriate to try multiple exercises. A clinician will walk you through each solution in detail so that you know what to expect.
Recovery
You may notice significant improvements within days or weeks of starting treatment. For example, moving should become more manageable. Many patients who undergo treatment also experience better posture.
Your physical therapist will recommend at-home exercises that enable you to maintain your progress throughout the week. After a few follow-up appointments, your joint specialist may determine that your recovery is complete. At this point, they will offer advice on preventing future injuries and monitoring your body as you age.
Connect With a Physical Therapist in Jersey City, NJ Today!
Why wait to partner with a joint specialist you can trust? At Exchange Physical Therapy Group, we pride ourselves on delivering our patients the highest quality care. Our friendly team provides a safe and comfortable environment for you to focus on recovery.
You can enjoy one-on-one communication during every visit. Our physical therapists will help you understand your condition with vocabulary that makes sense to you. Additionally, we will provide encouraging verbal support throughout your treatment.
We stay committed to your convenience. Know why your lower back keeps popping by enlisting our team.
Contact Exchange Physical Therapy Group in Jersey City, NJ. Learn more about the importance of strengthening sacroiliac joint function at 201-721-6130.
