This is a common complaint that many of our patients present with. These patients typically present with a feeling of something not feeling quite right in their hip or lower back region. A commonly misdiagnosed injury is fixation of the Sacro-Iliac joint (SIJ). The SIJ are the large weight bearing joints, which make up the rear aspect of the pelvis. A dense network of ligaments as well as hip and lumbar muscles supports these joints. These joints become locked causing a structural imbalance of the entire body. Depending on the nature of the fixation, it may cause either shortening or lengthening of the affected side leg.
The cause of fixation injuries can be as simple as a heavy lift or a fall onto their bottom, however sometimes it can just appear for no good reason at all. It is more frequently seen in women, due to increased levels of movement present in the SIJ naturally.
Associated symptoms can include:
- Ache in the hip or buttock region
- Lower back pain
- One leg feeling longer than the other
- Difficulty walking or standing for long periods
- Difficulty running and playing sport
- Experiencing unusual tightness in hamstring or hip flexor muscles
Treatments are aimed at restoring normal alignment and movement as well as addressing any underlying muscle control or tightness issues, which may be contributing to the joint getting fixated.
Treatments techniques may involve
- Joint manipulation/mobilisation
- Muscle energy techniques (MET)
- Muscle retraining /stretching exercises
- Advice on posture and sport
If you suffer from any of the above symptoms, then you may possibly have a SIJ injury, which requires treatment.
