SI Joint Pain
We specialise in treating sacroiliac (SI) joint pain through a holistic approach, encompassing osteopathy, targeted massage therapy, manual therapy and innovative shockwave therapy. We employ hands-on techniques to address SI joint misalignments, restoring balance and function to the pelvis region, whilst reducing pain, tension and discomfort. We aim to provide comprehensive relief from SI joint pain, fostering increased comfort and improve functionality for patients experiencing discomfort in this area.
At Body Unity in Hemel Hempstead, we understand how debilitating Sacroiliac Joint (SIJ) pain can be, affecting your lower back, hips, and even legs. Our focused approach, combining the expertise of Osteopathy and targeted Rehabilitation in our fully equipped gym, offers a comprehensive solution to address SIJ dysfunction and help you regain comfort, stability, and pain-free movement.
Common Symptoms
- Lower Back Pain
- Buttock Pain
- Hip and Groin Pain
- Lower Back Stiffness
- Pain on Weight Bearing
- Tenderness to Touch
- Feeling of Instability
The Body Unity Approach: A Coordinated Path to SIJ Pain Relief
At Body Unity, we believe that the combination of Osteopathy to restore pelvic mechanics and Rehabilitation to build strength and stability offers the most effective long-term solution for SIJ pain. Your personalised treatment plan may involve:
- Comprehensive Assessment: To accurately diagnose the specific issues contributing to your SIJ pain.
- Targeted Osteopathic Treatment: To address joint restrictions and muscle imbalances.
- Individualised Rehabilitation Programs: Utilising our fully equipped gym to strengthen core and hip muscles, improve flexibility, and enhance stability.
- Combined Sessions: Integrating osteopathic treatment with rehabilitation exercises for optimal results.
- Education and Self-Management Strategies: Empowering you with the knowledge and tools to manage your SIJ pain and prevent future problems.
Take the First Step Towards a Stable and Pain-Free Pelvis
Don’t let SIJ pain limit your movement and enjoyment of life. At Body Unity in Hemel Hempstead, our dedicated team is here to help you find lasting relief and regain pelvic stability.
Book your initial consultation today!
Our Targeted Approach to SIJ Pain Relief
At Body Unity, we focus on addressing the specific biomechanical issues contributing to your SIJ pain through a combination of Osteopathy and Rehabilitation.
Osteopathy: Restoring Pelvic Mechanics and Reducing SIJ Strain
Our experienced Osteopaths are skilled in assessing and treating SIJ dysfunction. Through gentle, hands-on techniques, they aim to:
- Accurate Diagnosis: A thorough assessment helps identify the specific movement restrictions and imbalances within the pelvis and surrounding structures contributing to your SIJ pain.
- Restore Joint Mobility: Gentle manipulation and articulation techniques are used to address any stiffness or restrictions within the SIJs themselves and related joints in the lumbar spine and hips.
- Release Muscle Tension: Soft tissue techniques, including massage, stretching, and trigger point therapy, help to alleviate muscle spasms and tightness in the muscles surrounding the pelvis, such as the glutes, piriformis, and lower back muscles, which can contribute to SIJ pain.
- Improve Pelvic Alignment: Osteopathic treatment aims to restore optimal alignment of the pelvis, reducing stress on the SIJs.
- Address Contributing Factors: Your Osteopath will also assess and address any other contributing factors, such as leg length discrepancies or postural imbalances.
- Provide Home Exercise and Advice: You will receive tailored advice on stretches, exercises, and postural modifications to manage your pain and prevent future flare-ups.
Rehabilitation in Our Fully Equipped Gym: Stabilising and Strengthening the Pelvis
Our on-site, fully equipped gym plays a vital role in the long-term management of SIJ pain. Our Rehabilitation specialists will design personalised exercise programs to:
- Strengthen Core Muscles: Developing strong core muscles (abdominals, obliques, and deep spinal muscles) provides essential stability to the pelvis and reduces strain on the SIJs.
- Strengthen Hip and Gluteal Muscles: Strong hip and gluteal muscles help to control pelvic movement and provide support to the SIJs.
- Improve Flexibility: Targeted stretches can address any muscle tightness in the hips, hamstrings, and lower back that may be contributing to SIJ dysfunction.
- Enhance Proprioception and Balance: Exercises can improve your body’s awareness of pelvic position and stability, reducing the risk of further injury.
- Gradual Return to Activity: We will guide you through a safe and progressive return to your normal activities and hobbies, ensuring you maintain pelvic stability and pain-free movement.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) - Sacroiliac Joint (SIJ) Pain
We understand you may have questions about how Body Unity can help you find relief from your Sacroiliac Joint (SIJ) pain. Here are some of the most common queries we receive:
SIJ pain is discomfort arising from the Sacroiliac Joints, which connect the base of your spine (sacrum) to your hip bones (ilia). Pain can be felt in the lower back, buttocks, hips, and sometimes radiate down the thigh.
Our Osteopaths are trained to assess and treat SIJ dysfunction using gentle, hands-on techniques. They aim to restore proper joint movement, release muscle tension around the pelvis, improve pelvic alignment, and address any biomechanical factors contributing to your pain.
Our Rehabilitation specialists will design personalised exercise programs to strengthen the core and hip muscles that support the pelvis, improve flexibility in the surrounding tissues, and enhance pelvic stability. This helps to reduce strain on the SIJs and prevent future pain.
Many individuals with SIJ pain benefit from a combination of both Osteopathy and Rehabilitation. Osteopathic treatment can address immediate pain and joint restrictions, while rehabilitation exercises provide long-term support and stability. However, your practitioner will assess your individual needs and recommend the most appropriate treatment plan.
The number of sessions required will vary depending on the severity and chronicity of your SIJ pain, as well as your individual response to treatment. Following your initial assessment, your practitioner will provide you with a recommended treatment plan and an estimated timeframe. Some people experience significant relief within a few sessions, while others may require more ongoing care.
For an Osteopathy appointment, your Osteopath will take a detailed medical history and conduct a physical examination to assess your posture, movement, and specifically evaluate your SI joints and pelvic mechanics. They will then explain their findings and discuss a treatment plan with you. Treatment may begin during the first session.
For a Rehabilitation session, our specialist will assess your strength, flexibility, balance, and functional abilities related to your SIJ pain and begin to develop a personalised exercise program to address your specific needs.
Our practitioners use gentle and tailored techniques. You may experience some mild discomfort during treatment as stiff joints are mobilised or tight muscles are worked on, but this should be temporary and should not be excessively painful. Rehabilitation exercises will be carefully progressed to avoid exacerbating your pain. We will always work within your comfort levels.