7 Targeted Sacroiliac Joint Pain Exercises for Increased Mobility
Experiencing sharp lower back pain? Your sacroiliac (SI) joint, which connects your lower spine to your pelvis, might be inflamed. This can make everyday activities like walking or climbing stairs painful. While discomfort may discourage movement, targeted exercises can enhance mobility and provide relief.
7 Best Sacroiliac Joint Pain Exercises
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Piriformis Stretch - Loosens tight piriformis muscles, reducing pressure on the SI joint. How to do it: Lie on your back, cross one ankle over the opposite knee, and pull the supporting thigh toward your chest. Hold for 15–30 seconds per side.
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Hamstring Stretch - Improves flexibility and reduces strain on the lower back. How to do it: Sit on the floor with one leg extended and the other bent inward. Reach toward your extended foot while keeping your back straight. Hold for 15–30 seconds.
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Quadriceps Stretch - Enhances hip flexibility and reduces strain on the SI joint. How to do it: Stand on one leg, grab your opposite ankle, and gently pull it toward your glutes while keeping your torso upright. Hold for 15–30 seconds.
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Glute Bridge March - Strengthens core and glutes for better SI joint stability. How to do it: Lie on your back, knees bent, feet flat. Lift hips, keeping the spine straight, and alternate lifting each foot. Perform 10–15 reps per leg.
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Clamshell Exercise - Targets gluteus medius for pelvic stability. How to do it: Lie on your side, knees bent. Keeping feet together, lift the top knee while keeping hips stable. Perform 12–15 reps per side.
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Hip Abduction Exercise - Strengthens hip muscles, improving joint support. How to do it: Lie on your side, legs stacked. Lift the top leg without rotating hips, then lower slowly. Do 10–15 reps per side.
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Prone Press-Up - Enhances spinal flexibility and posture. How to do it: Lie on your stomach, hands near shoulders. Push up, extending arms while keeping hips on the ground. Hold briefly, then lower. Repeat 10–15 times.
Additional Treatment Options
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Medication – NSAIDs, muscle relaxants, and DMARDs can reduce inflammation and pain.
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Physical Therapy – A therapist can guide you through SI joint-friendly stretches and strengthening exercises.
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Heat/Ice Therapy – Helps reduce inflammation and soothe discomfort.
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Posture Correction – Maintaining proper alignment while sitting and standing can relieve strain.
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Medical Procedures – Injections, nerve stimulation, or surgery may be considered in severe cases.
How to Safely Release Your SI Joint
Self-adjusting the sacroiliac (SI) joint can be risky, so consult a healthcare provider before attempting any techniques. However, certain gentle exercises and stretches may help relieve discomfort.
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Stretching – Prioritize SI joint stretches to ease tension. Try:
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Piriformis Stretch: Lie on your back, cross one ankle over the opposite knee, and pull the uncrossed leg toward your chest.
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Hamstring Stretch: Lie down, extend one leg, and pull the other toward your chest. Use a strap for assistance.
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Quadriceps Stretch: Stand, hold onto support, and pull your ankle toward your glutes.
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Strengthening Exercises – Strengthen surrounding muscles for stability and support.
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Heat & Ice Therapy – Apply heat or ice to reduce inflammation and temporarily relieve pain.
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Posture Correction – Maintain proper posture while standing, sitting, and walking to reduce strain.
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Seek Professional Help – A physical therapist or chiropractor can provide tailored treatment and safe adjustments.
Final Thoughts
Targeted exercises can significantly improve SI joint pain, enhancing mobility and preventing future discomfort. Combining exercises with other treatments like therapy and posture correction can lead to lasting relief.
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