Dpt Programs

The SI joint is one of the most misunderstood areas of the body. It has been the source of much controversy in the medical community for many years. Much of the debate rests on the fact that there are few reliable methods of assessment for the articulation SI.



Contrary to disc injuries, which can be evaluated using many types of diagnostic tools, examining the SI joints has proved to be quite reliable. Clinicians must rely mostly on their experience rather than simple methods used to examine the lower back. Most health professionals do not recognize as a source of pain and dysfunction. Thus, patients leave a medical office with an incomplete evaluation and often times, an inaccurate diagnosis.



The SI (sacroiliac) joint consists of two bones, the sacrum and the ilium. You have two SI joints (left and right). They are located mainly where the spine meets the pelvis. Look for two dimples in your low back. These two joints allow little movement overall as compared to other larger joints such as hip or shoulder. The pelvic girdle is generally described as the two SI joints, the pubic symphysis (pubic bone in front), two hip joints, and the bottom two vertebrae (L4 and L5).



What do you think?



Pain located at or near the SI joint on one side or both sides. Pain located in the lower back, buttocks, and / or groin area. Another common symptom of a SI joint dysfunction is "sciatica". Sciatica is best described as acute pain and often shot that begins in the buttocks and down the back of a leg. SI joint dysfunction may also cause nerve irritation of the nerves that supply the groin or front of your thigh.



Other symptoms include:



aec Weakness in one leg or both legs, difficulty standing on one leg and raise the other leg (like walking)

aec Numbness and tingling in one leg (pins and needles)

aec A burning sensation near the dimples "

aec difficulty raising a chair

aec Muscle discomfort in the buttock, hip and lower back (over 30 muscles attach to the pelvis, from hip, buttocks, thighs, lower back.



How come?



SI joint dysfunction is usually caused by an imbalance in the muscles of the hips and buttocks and can also be caused by a fall or other traumatic event, like a car accident.



A condition known as "hypermobile" may also predispose an individual to SI joint dysfunction. "Hypermobility" is described as a condition in which the joints are too mobile. This condition usually affects women more than men. different levels of hormones in women, especially "relaxin", can influence hypermobility. This hormone is released to prepare the body for pregnancy, and its level in the blood changes throughout the process of pregnancy. It essentially causes the ligaments in "relax" and allow more movement to occur in the region of the pelvic girdle.



The best treatment options



First, assessment is essential to successful treatment of SI joint dysfunction. Most dysfunctions can be treated by manual techniques that generally involve "mobilizations", "manipulations", or "muscle energy techniques. These techniques should be applied by a healthcare professional qualified as a physiotherapist. These techniques can be very useful when used appropriately after a thorough evaluation.



Once appropriate manual techniques have been.