If you’re experiencing deep lower back, hip, or buttock pain—especially during walking, rolling in bed, or standing on one leg—you may be dealing with Sacroiliac Joint (SIJ) dysfunction. This often-overlooked cause of pain can mimic both lower back and hip issues, making it tricky to diagnose without expert assessment.
At Perfect Motion Physiotherapy in Adelaide, we help patients find clarity and confidence in their movement again through precise diagnosis and targeted rehabilitation for SIJ-related pain.
Why Does SIJ Pain Happen?
The sacroiliac joint is where your spine meets your pelvis—a crucial junction that helps transfer load between the upper and lower body. It supports weight-bearing, absorbs shock, and provides stability when standing, walking, or running.
SIJ pain can occur when the joint becomes too stiff (compressed) or too mobile (unstable)—often due to postural strain, poor motor control, pregnancy, trauma, or compensatory movement patterns.
Common Causes and Symptoms of SIJ Dysfunction
We often see SIJ dysfunction in people who:
- Spend long periods standing or sitting
- Have recently increased their activity level (e.g., running, lifting)
- Are pregnant or postpartum
- Have a history of lower back or pelvic instability
You might experience:
- Pain at the base of the spine, one or both sides of the lower back
- Discomfort spreading into the buttock, groin, or upper thigh
- Pain with rolling in bed, standing from a chair, or walking uphill
- Stiffness or reduced movement through the pelvis and hips
- Pain when standing on one leg or during weight-bearing movements
- A feeling of instability or weakness in the pelvis
Understanding Your Condition
SIJ pain can be complex to diagnose because it shares symptoms with lumbar spine, hip, and gluteal conditions. That’s why our approach includes:
- Thorough clinical testing to isolate SIJ involvement
- Palpation and movement-based assessments to confirm sensitivity
- Postural, mobility, and strength analysis of the core and pelvic region
- Rule-outs for disc, hip joint, or nerve-related causes
We identify not just what hurts, but why it hurts—and build a plan to fix it.
How Perfect Motion Physiotherapy Can Help
Our Adelaide physiotherapists create individualised care plans designed to restore control, stability, and comfort to the sacroiliac region.
Your treatment may include:
- Manual therapy for pain relief and joint mobilisation
- Electro Physical agents to reduce pain and improve blood flow.
- Soft tissue techniques to reduce muscular guarding
- Pelvic stability taping or SIJ support belts (short-term aid)
- Motor control retraining for core, glute, and pelvic muscles
- Strength exercises for long-term SIJ resilience
- Postural education and ergonomic advice
- Progressive functional rehab—from walking to high-level sport
- Coordination and balance drills to retrain pelvic movement patterns
Our goal is not just pain relief—but restoring confidence and control in your movement so you can return to the things that matter most.
We also collaborate with your GP or other health professionals if your condition is complex or involves neurological symptoms.
Live Pain-Free and Strong from the Ground Up
SIJ pain can feel confusing, persistent, and frustrating—but it’s highly treatable with the right physiotherapy approach. At Perfect Motion Physiotherapy in Adelaide, we help you get to the root of your pelvic pain and support you with a step-by-step plan that restores comfort, mobility, and lasting strength.
Book your appointment today and take the first step toward a stable, pain-free lifestyle.
Disclaimer:
The information provided on this page is intended for general educational and informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified health professional with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment.
