The sacroiliac (SI) joint may be small, but when it’s not functioning well, it can cause big problems—especially for active women. Located where the spine meets the pelvis, the SI joint plays a key role in transferring force between your upper body and lower body. Every time you walk, run, lift, or twist, your SI joint helps stabilize and support that movement.
READ: How to Rebuild Core Strength After Pregnancy with Physical Therapy
At Battle Born Health in Reno, we see a growing number of women dealing with SI joint pain that limits their workouts, daily routines, and overall energy. The good news? With targeted sports physical therapy and a personalized approach, SI joint dysfunction can be treated effectively—and often prevented altogether.
Why Active Women Are Especially Susceptible
Women are more prone to SI joint issues for several anatomical and hormonal reasons:
- Wider Pelvis: The natural structure of the female pelvis creates a greater angle at the SI joint, which can lead to instability.
- Hormonal Changes: Hormones like relaxin, which increase during pregnancy and the menstrual cycle, can affect ligament laxity and joint stability.
- Postpartum Recovery: After childbirth, many women experience lingering joint instability—especially if rehab is skipped or rushed.
- Core and Hip Imbalances: Many active women unknowingly rely on compensations during workouts that strain the SI joint over time.
Even with strong fitness routines, these factors can make the SI joint vulnerable to pain, tightness, or dysfunction—especially if movement patterns aren’t aligned or muscles around the joint are imbalanced.
Common Signs and Symptoms of SI Joint Pain
SI joint dysfunction doesn’t always feel the same for everyone. Some women describe it as a sharp pain near the low back or buttock, while others experience more of a dull ache that worsens after standing, walking, or exercising.
You might be dealing with SI joint issues if you notice:
- Pain on one side of the lower back or pelvis
- Discomfort when transitioning from sitting to standing
- Difficulty lying flat or rolling over in bed
- Increased pain during workouts, especially with lunges, squats, or running
- A sensation of instability or “catching” in the pelvis
If left untreated, SI joint pain can lead to compensation in the hips, spine, or knees—potentially triggering new injuries down the road.
How Sports Physical Therapy in Reno Can Help
At Battle Born Health, our team of movement specialists uses sports physical therapy to not only relieve SI joint pain but also address the root causes behind it. We take a whole-body approach to healing and prevention, tailored to the needs of active women.
READ: Beyond the Gym: How Physical Therapy Supports Full-Body Strength and Injury Resilience
Here’s how we approach SI joint care:
- Thorough Movement Evaluation: We assess posture, core activation, hip mobility, and joint alignment to understand how your body moves as a system.
- Manual Therapy: Hands-on techniques help reduce muscle tension, improve joint mechanics, and restore normal movement patterns.
- Targeted Strength Work: We build stability in the core, glutes, and pelvic floor—areas that are essential for SI joint support.
- Functional Retraining: We help you re-learn efficient movement patterns during lifts, runs, and daily activities.
- Personalized Progressions: Whether you’re returning to CrossFit, running, or hiking the Reno trails, we tailor your rehab to meet your goals.
You’ll not only get relief from your current symptoms—you’ll be set up for long-term strength and stability.
Don’t Push Through the Pain—Get Expert Help
Many active women try to “stretch it out” or push through SI joint pain, assuming it’s just tight muscles or normal post-workout soreness. But when pain lingers, gets worse with movement, or starts to affect your form, it’s time to seek help.
Ignoring SI joint dysfunction can lead to more serious compensations or recurring injury cycles. Early intervention with sports physical therapy can dramatically reduce healing time and get you back to doing what you love—with more control, confidence, and comfort.
Schedule appointment today.
