Sacroiliac (SI) joint pain can make everyday activities like sitting, standing, walking, or bending uncomfortable and frustrating. When the joints in the pelvis become irritated or inflamed, pain can develop in the lower back, hips, buttocks, or even radiate down the leg.
Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT) is a non-invasive treatment that helps reduce pain, improve mobility, and stimulate healing in the tissues surrounding the SI joint. At Springs Chiropractic, ESWT is often used as part of a comprehensive approach to help patients find lasting relief from SI joint dysfunction and inflammation.
What Are the Sacroiliac (SI) Joints?
The sacroiliac joints are located where the sacrum (the triangular bone at the base of the spine) connects to the pelvis on each side of the body.
These joints play an important role in:
- Absorbing shock between the upper body and legs
- Supporting balance and stability
- Transferring forces during walking, lifting, and movement
Although SI joints only move slightly, they are under constant stress throughout daily life. When these joints or the surrounding ligaments and muscles become irritated, pain and stiffness can develop.
What Causes SI Joint Pain?
SI joint pain can occur for many reasons, often involving inflammation, instability, or abnormal movement in the pelvis and lower back.
Common causes include:
- Repetitive stress or overuse
- Poor posture or movement patterns
- Pregnancy-related pelvic changes
- Trauma or falls
- Muscle imbalances in the hips or lower back
- Inflammation or arthritis
- Ligament strain or instability around the joint
SI joint pain is commonly felt:
- In the lower back
- Around the buttocks or hips
- Along one side of the pelvis
- Occasionally radiating into the thigh or leg
Many patients also experience stiffness or pain when standing up, climbing stairs, or transitioning from sitting to standing.
How ESWT Helps Treat SI Joint Pain
Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy uses focused acoustic waves to stimulate healing in damaged or irritated tissues around the SI joint.
Rather than simply masking symptoms, ESWT works by encouraging the body’s natural healing response.
ESWT Helps By:
- Reducing inflammation around the joint and supporting tissues
- Improving circulation to injured muscles and ligaments
- Stimulating tissue repair and regeneration
- Reducing muscle tension and tightness in the lower back and glutes
- Helping decrease pain sensitivity in irritated tissues
Because SI joint pain is often connected to surrounding soft tissues and ligament dysfunction, ESWT can be highly effective at improving both pain and mobility.
Benefits of ESWT for SI Joint Pain 
Many patients choose ESWT because it offers a non-surgical, drug-free approach to pain relief.
Key Benefits Include:
- Non-invasive treatment
- Minimal to no downtime
- Reduces pain and stiffness
- Improves mobility and daily function
- Supports long-term healing
- Can reduce reliance on medications or injections
Patients often notice gradual improvement over several treatments as inflammation decreases and tissues heal.
Studies are starting to show the ESWT can be an effective non-invasive treatment for SI Joint pain.
What to Expect During Treatment
Shockwave therapy sessions are quick and well tolerated.
- Treatments typically last 10–15 minutes
- A handheld device delivers acoustic waves to the affected tissues around the SI joint
- Patients feel a tapping or pulsing sensation during treatment
- Most people return to normal activities immediately afterward
Treatment plans typically involve several sessions depending on the severity and duration of symptoms.
A Comprehensive Approach to SI Joint Relief
ESWT is often most effective when combined with treatments that improve spinal and pelvic function.
At Springs Chiropractic, your treatment plan may also include:
- Chiropractic adjustments
- Stretching and mobility exercises
- Soft tissue therapies
- Rehabilitation exercises to improve stability and movement patterns
- EMTT (Extracorporeal Magnetotransduction Therapy)
This comprehensive approach helps address both the symptoms and underlying causes of SI joint pain.
Find Relief From SI Joint Pain
If SI joint pain is limiting your movement or affecting your daily life, ESWT may provide the relief you’ve been looking for, without surgery or medications.
Our team will evaluate your condition and create a personalized treatment plan to help you move and feel better naturally.
Schedule Your Consultation
Contact Springs Chiropractic today to learn how shockwave therapy can help reduce SI joint pain and restore comfortable movement.