The Road to Relieving Pain in Your Sacroiliac Joints

Joint pain and inflammation are no walk in the park, and discomfort in your sacroiliac (SI) joints may worsen as you go about your daily activities. Something as simple as taking a stroll in the park may leave you with pain in your lower back and hips.

A physical therapist will develop a treatment program with strengthening and stretching exercises to keep your body active and relieve the tension causing you pain.

What are the leading causes of pain in the SI joints?

The SI joints are responsible for linking the pelvis to the spine and provide your body with stability. These joints have a limited range of motion for typical body functions but play a significant role as shock absorbers for the upper body. A considerable amount of stress affects these joints regularly. If any surrounding muscles and ligaments stiffen, pain will start to radiate to the hips, legs, and lower back.

As we age, our joints and muscles naturally weaken, leading to persistent pain if they stay inactive. Some of the most common causes of pain in the SI joints include:

• Pregnancy
• Contact sports
• Osteoarthritis
• A traumatic injury
• Ankylosing Spondylitis
• Prolonged sitting or standing

Joint Replacement Preparation, Prehab, and Recovery

Chronic joint pain may point to a damaged joint, limiting your range of motion and affecting your quality of life. If left untreated, the pain may become too severe or damaged, leading to the need for joint replacement surgery.

For this type of surgery to be successful, you must take steps beforehand. Preparing your body for the surgery will help you recover much faster and rebuild some of your lost strength and mobility.

Tips for your joint replacement surgery prehab and preparation:

• Be conscious of the foods you eat and focus on a well-balanced diet.
• Reduce your alcohol intake and stop smoking to help your body speed up the natural healing process.
• Rearrange your home to prepare yourself for the lifestyle change while healing. You’ll need to adapt to new routines and a new home environment.
• Learn as much as possible about your joint replacement surgery and attend a pre-operative education class.
• Prioritize physical therapy to keep your body active. A physical therapist will guide you through your recovery and develop an exercise plan to begin well before your surgery is scheduled.

Future Joint Pain Prevention

Exercise, posture training, and physical activity are the best ways to preserve your range of motion and prevent joint pain. By staying active and using your muscles, you’ll keep your SI joints (...or any other joints as you exercise them) from stiffening and wearing down. Start slow and gradually work your way up to regular strengthening routines.

Work with a licensed outpatient physical therapist to push you to continue living a more active life, reducing your symptoms of joint pain. Luna PTs will provide at-home care and provide you with the convenience and ease of physical therapy delivered right to you.

With Luna, there’s no need to sit in traffic or wait for hours at your local clinic to get the quality care you need. Contact us today to find a PT near you and start living your fullest life!