- Physiotherapy for sacroiliitis
- Exercises for sacroiliitis
- 1. Bridge
- 2. Squeeze a ball between your legs
- 3. Leg elevation
- 4. Circles in the air
- 5. Roll your back
Physical therapy with exercises is an excellent strategy to combat sacroiliitis because it can reposition the joint in the right place and strengthen the muscles involved that help maintain the stabilization of the pelvic region.
Sacroiliitis occurs when the joints between the sacrum and iliac bones in the pelvis are affected by inflammation. It can be classified as being uni or bilateral, and in the latter case both sides are affected, causing pain in the bottom of the back, which can affect the butt and the back or inner thighs.
The treatment of sacroiliitis can be done with analgesic and anti-inflammatory drugs, in addition to physical therapy sessions. The use of orthopedic insoles for continuous use is indicated to balance the height of the legs, when the person has an unevenness greater than 1 cm in the length of the legs.
Physiotherapy for sacroiliitis
Physiotherapy is one of the indicated forms of treatment and among the therapeutic options there is the use of anti-inflammatory devices such as ultrasound, heat, laser and tension, for example. These help to decrease local pain by facilitating movement.
Joint mobilization and osteopathic maneuvers can also be indicated for treatment, in addition to relaxing massages on the back, buttocks and hind legs.
The practice of Pilates is a great ally in the treatment, helping to keep the supporting muscles of the spine properly toned and improves the range of motion. Sitting up correctly, avoiding high impact sports, such as racing and football, are some of the recommendations to be followed.
Placing an ice bag at the site of the pain for 15 minutes, 2 times a day can help with treatment.
Exercises for sacroiliitis
The most suitable exercises are those of strengthening the abdominals, muscles of the inner thigh, and those that help to keep the hip properly stable. Some examples of exercises to combat sacroiliitis are:
1. Bridge
Lie on your back, bend your knees and suck your navel back, maintaining this contraction of the transverse abdominal muscle. The movement consists of raising the hip from the floor, keeping it elevated for 5 seconds. Repeat 10 times.
2. Squeeze a ball between your legs
In the same position you should place a ball about 15 to 18 cm in diameter between your knees. The movement is to squeeze the ball for 5 seconds at a time and then release, without dropping the ball. Repeat 10 times.
3. Leg elevation
Lying on your back, keep your legs straight and suck your navel back, to keep the deep abdominal muscles from contracting. The movement consists of raising one leg as much as you can and then lowering it. Only after that, should the other leg be raised. Raise each leg 5 times.
4. Circles in the air
Lying on your back, bend one leg while the other remains straight. Raising the outstretched leg to the middle and then the movement consists of imagining that you have a brush on your toes and 'drawing' circles on the ceiling.
5. Roll your back
Sit with your legs slightly straight and bend your back and lie down slowly. You should touch the bottom of the back first, then the middle and finally the head. Turn on your side to lift and then return to the starting position. Repeat 3 times.
These exercises can be performed daily, during treatment, which can take 4 to 8 weeks.
Another treatment option for bilateral sacroiliitis is prolotherapy, which consists of injecting sclerosing substances into the ligaments of the joint, which stimulates the production of more rigid and more abundant ligaments and the result of this would be greater joint stability. Some examples of these substances are Dextrose and Phenol.
