Does manual therapy treat sacroiliac joint dysfunction?

The sacroiliac joints connect the base of the spine with the pelvis. Symptoms can include pain near the lower back or buttock, stiffness, and discomfort with standing, walking, turning or changing position. Hands-on treatment may include gentle joint mobilisation or work on nearby muscles. The right approach depends on the examination and should not force a painful movement.

A physiotherapist can check the back, hips and legs, then build a plan around your symptoms and goals. Treatment may combine manual techniques with hip and trunk strengthening, mobility exercises, pacing, and advice about lifting or prolonged positions. Continue only the home exercises that have been prescribed, and report pain that steadily worsens or begins to travel down the leg.

Seek assessment when pelvic or lower-back pain interferes with work, sleep or walking, or does not settle with sensible self-care. Get urgent help for new bladder or bowel problems, numbness around the inner thighs, marked leg weakness, fever, or severe pain after trauma.

Ask what may be causing the pain, whether manual therapy is appropriate, which exercises support the joint, and what changes should trigger a review.