Common Symptoms of Sacroiliac Joint Pain

• Deep buttock or lower back ache, often on one side
• Sharp pain when standing up from sitting
• Pain when walking, climbing stairs or standing on one leg
• Groin, hip or lateral thigh pain
• Pain when rolling in bed
• Symptoms aggravated during menstruation
• Worse with prolonged sitting or standing

Why Sacroiliac Joint Pain Occurs

SIJ pain generally results from either hypermobility (instability) or hypomobility (stiffness).

Hypermobility (Instability)

• Weak core stability
• Weak deep hip rotators
• Pelvic floor weakness
• Pregnancy-related ligament changes
• Sudden twisting or trauma

Hypomobility (Stiffness)

• Ankylosing spondylitis
• Pelvic asymmetry
• Muscle tightness restricting rotation

How Physiotherapists Diagnose SIJ Pain

• Movement and loading tests
• Pelvic stability and strength assessment
• Postural and gait analysis
• Palpation of SIJ, hip and lower back

Imaging is rarely needed unless symptoms persist or inflammatory disease is suspected. Your physiotherapist may also assess related factors such as posture and walking technique.

Physiotherapy Treatment for Sacroiliac Joint Pain

1. Manual Therapy

Hands-on treatment may help reduce sacroiliac joint pain and improve mobility. Physiotherapists may apply joint mobilisation, soft-tissue therapy, manipulation and movement retraining. Research supports manual therapy combined with strengthening rather than passive treatment alone.

2. Strength and Stability Rehabilitation

Strengthening is essential for long-term SIJ stability. Your physiotherapist may prescribe:

• Core stability retraining – see our core strengthening information
• Gluteal strengthening and deep hip rotator exercises
• Pelvic floor activation
• Walking and movement pattern correction

3. Posture, Lifting and Movement Coaching

• Improved sitting posture
• Better lifting mechanics
• Safer bending strategies
• Walking and gait correction

4. SIJ Support Belts

External pelvic compression may help stabilise hypermobile SIJs. Many people find benefit from the Serola SIJ Belt and similar SIJ braces and sacroiliac supports.

You can also view our full range of SIJ braces and sacroiliac supports in the product section below.

5. Pain Relief Strategies

• Heat or ice therapy
• SIJ taping techniques
• Load modification
• Activity pacing

Some people benefit from targeted lower back exercises designed to support pelvic control.

Expanded Evidence Summary

• Exercise-based rehabilitation provides the strongest long-term outcomes for many people with sacroiliac joint dysfunction.
• Manual therapy plus strengthening tends to outperform passive treatment alone.
• Gluteal and core strengthening reduces recurrence and improves pelvic stability.
• Better Health Channel – Back pain provides independent spinal health information.

Related Conditions

• Lower Back Pain
• Sciatica
• Gluteal Tendinopathy
• Trochanteric Bursitis
• Common Causes of SIJ & Buttock Pain

People Also Ask

What are the symptoms of sacroiliac joint pain?
Sacroiliac joint pain may cause lower back, buttock, groin or hip discomfort. Pain may increase when walking, climbing stairs or rolling in bed.

What causes sacroiliac joint pain?
SIJ pain may occur from instability, stiffness, weak core or gluteal muscles, pregnancy-related ligament changes, trauma or inflammatory arthritis.

How do you relieve sacroiliac joint pain?
Physiotherapy, strengthening exercises, manual therapy, SIJ belts, movement retraining and pacing strategies may relieve symptoms.

Is walking good for sacroiliac joint pain?
Yes. Gentle walking maintains mobility and promotes circulation without overloading the sacroiliac joints.

Sacroiliac Joint Pain FAQs

Can sacroiliac joint pain feel like sciatica?
Yes. SIJ pain can refer into the buttock or leg. A physiotherapist can identify whether symptoms stem from sacroiliac joint, neural or lumbar origins.

Is walking good for SIJ pain?
Walking usually helps SIJ pain by promoting movement and improving circulation.

Should I wear an SIJ belt?
An SIJ belt may help short-term instability. A physiotherapist can confirm fit and suitability.

How long does SIJ pain take to settle?
Most people improve within 4–12 weeks with exercise, load management and technique coaching.

When should I see a physiotherapist?
If pain affects walking, standing, sleep or lasts more than a few days, an assessment is recommended.

Related Articles

• Common Causes of SIJ & Buttock Pain
• Best SIJ Treatment Options
• Lower Back Pain
• Sciatica
• Hip and Gluteal Tendinopathy

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References

1. Wong M. Anatomy, Abdomen and Pelvis, Sacroiliac Joint. NCBI Bookshelf. 2023.
2. Migliorini F, et al. Management of sacroiliac joint pain: current concepts. 2025.
3. Yan H, et al. Core stability exercises and mobilization for sacroiliac joint dysfunction. Front Physiol. 2024.
4. Dogan N, et al. Effects of mobilization treatment on sacroiliac joint dysfunction. Rev Assoc Med Bras. 2021.
5. Better Health Channel. Back pain. Victorian Government. Updated online.