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Physical Therapy for Rotator Cuff Surgery, Recovery in New Jersey
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he sacroiliac (SI) joint is used every time a person moves or shifts the hips. Dysfunction at the sacroiliac joint is usually characterized by too little or too much movement throughout the joint region. It may be accompanied by mild to severe pain and can impede a person’s movement and daily activities.
The physical therapy and rehabilitation medicine teams at Centers for Neurosurgery, Spine & Orthopedics (CNSO) work with patients to help them manage sacroiliac pain and return to full functional mobility. With locations throughout northern New Jersey, CNSO helps people with sacroiliac joint dysfunction get moving again.
What is the Sacroiliac Joint?
The sacroiliac (SI) joint is a large joint that connects the pelvis and lower spine, specifically the sacrum (the triangular bone at the bottom of the spine,) and the ilium (the top part of the pelvis). The SI joint is a key part of the body’s structure, performing many important functions, including providing stability, shock absorption for the spine, and transferring pressure from the weight of the upper body to the lower body.
What Is Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction?
Sacroiliac joint dysfunction is a painful condition that affects one or both sacroiliac joints. It usually is caused by an abnormal motion or a mispositioning of the SI joint. Sacroiliac joint dysfunction may be caused by some of the following:
- Repetitive motion
- A slip and fall
- Arthritis
- Hypermobility (excessive movement) in the joint
- Pregnancy
- Heavy lifting
- Leg length discrepancy
- Scoliosis
Signs and Symptoms of Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction
Sacroiliac joint pain can range from mild to severe and can often feel similar to sciatica. A patient may feel pain in the lower back, buttocks, and thigh, but pain also can radiate to the groin or upper thigh.
Other symptoms can include:
- Numbness or tingling in the leg
- Weakness in the leg
- Pain that worsens with certain activities
Some patients describe the pain as suddenly sharp and stabbing in the joint. Others feel a more constant dull ache.
Physical Therapy Treatment for Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction
There are several treatment options for sacroiliac joint pain and dysfunction. Physical therapy is a wonderful, non-invasive option for treatment. A physical therapist will evaluate and treat the condition. Treatment may include:
- Pelvic floor and core exercises
- Manual therapy techniques
- Electrical stimulation
- Stretching
- Self-management techniques
Surgical Treatment for Sacroiliac Joint Pain
In some cases, physical therapy and conservative treatments may not alleviate pain or improve function. In these instances, the care team at CNSO may recommend sacroiliac joint fusion surgery.
Sacroiliac joint fusion is a minimally invasive procedure, so patients usually can get back on their feet, walk, and perform daily tasks immediately after the surgery. Patients may experience some mild discomfort after surgery, which is treated with pain medication. Some patients may take a few weeks off from work or school to recover. After three weeks, CNSO strongly recommends physical therapy to help speed up recovery. An SI joint fusion patient usually can return to normal activity within three months.
The CNSO physical therapy team focuses on delivering quality treatment by analyzing the patient and employing a variety of therapy techniques to manage patient needs. The physical therapist begins by reviewing a patient’s medical history and consulting with specialists such as neurosurgeons, orthopedic surgeons, and pain management specialists to understand the issue.
The treatment plans focus on patient goals, such as improved mobility, muscle growth, strength, and flexibility. Each therapist has an in-depth understanding of musculoskeletal care. The goal is to achieve the patient’s wellness goals. For some patients, this means avoiding medical pain management. As such, physical therapy is increasingly growing as an alternative treatment option for patients seeking opioid-free pain management.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sacroiliac Joint Pain Treatment
Can Physical Therapy Prevent SI Pain from Returning?
Regular physical therapy exercises can improve joint stability and muscle strength, which can prevent future pain. Patients should follow the plan recommended by the physical therapist.
What Are Other Treatment Options for SI Joint Pain?
Other treatments like medication, injections, or lifestyle changes may be used in combination with physical therapy. If conservative treatments are not effective, surgery may be recommended.
What Can a Patient Expect at the Initial Physical Therapy Session?
The CNSO physical therapist will assess pain, movement, posture, and patient goals to recommend a personalized plan of treatment and exercises.
What Types of Manual Therapy Do Physical Therapists Use for SI Joint Pain?
Therapists may use techniques such as massage, joint mobilization, or soft tissue manipulation to relieve pain and improve joint mobility.
Trust CNSO for Sacroiliac Pain Treatment
Patients with sacroiliac joint dysfunction do not have to live in pain or with restricted mobility — they can access outstanding treatment and rehabilitation from the specialists at Centers for Neurosurgery, Spine & Orthopedics. With locations throughout northern New Jersey, patients can access comprehensive medical care at CNSO, including physical therapy, pain management, and rehabilitation medicine. To make an appointment with a specialist, contact CNSO today.
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In order to provide an accurate diagnosis with the most effective treatment option for “back problems” and brain tumors, CNSO is led by neurosurgeons and orthopedic spine surgeons. Under the care of our award-winning neurosurgeons and orthopedic spine surgeons, Northern NJ patients can have the confidence that their medical condition will be handled with consideration for their comfort and long-term well-being as well as technical excellence.
