Sacroiliac Joint Therapy

Your sacroiliac joints are on either side of your spine, just below the waist area. When you look at your back, the two dimples reveal the exact location of the joints. Injury to or degeneration can occur in these joints. Sacroiliac joint therapy concentrates on stimulating the healing process while gently strengthening and stretching muscles affecting the joint to restore functioning to a healthy level. Consult with your doctor before starting a new exercise regimen.

Healing Standards

Sacroiliac joint therapy needs to utilize some standard healing protocols to stimulate the healing process, according to Dr. Steven Yeomans at Spine-Health website. Applying ice to your back area in 20-minute increments throughout the day while resting can reduce inflammation and pain. Resting also helps lower irritation levels. After intense pain has subsided, applying heat by using hot packs or taking hot baths can further enhance healing.

Boosting Circulation

Sacroiliac joint therapy needs to include gentle, low-impact aerobic maneuvers that improve blood circulation to the area to stimulate the healing process, according to Spine-Health. Choose a favorite activity to prevent boredom and increase the likelihood you will consistently engage in it. Walking is convenient and places minimal stress upon your lower body joints, making it a low-impact activity. Start walking for five minutes at a comfortable pace around the rooms of your home. As you become stronger, start walking outdoors on flat surfaces. To obtain optimum aerobic benefits, aim for walking at a moderately brisk pace for 30 minutes on five or more days weekly.

Water Therapy

Water-based sacroiliac joint therapy exercises can be especially beneficial for severe cases of degeneration or pain, according to Spine-Health. These individuals may experience excessive pain or immobility, making exercising on land cumbersome and difficult. Water supplies a natural buoyancy that takes pressure off joints, making joints more fluid and less painful to move. According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, swimming offers the preferred exercise for individuals afflicted with ankylosing spondylitis, an arthritic condition affecting the sacroiliac joint. Get into chest-deep water and swim across the pool's width. Upon reaching the opposite side, rest for two minutes. Swim back to your starting point. As your strength and endurance increase, increase your pace and duration.

Abdominal Exercise

Include exercises that concentrate on strengthening your core muscles. Strong core muscles help support and stabilize your spinal column while reducing your risks of further injury. Work on your core muscle strength with abdominal isometrics. Lie on your back and bend your knees until your feet lie flat on the surface. Place your hands below your ribs. Tighten your abdominal muscles and pull your navel toward your back. Hold this tension for eight seconds while breathing normally. Release the tension and relax for 10 seconds. Repeat this exercise 10 times.

Gentle Flexing

Include gentle hamstring stretches in sacroiliac joint therapy to reduce lower back pain and increase flexibility. Lie on your back and bend your knees. Gently lift your right leg, placing your hands behind your knee. Straighten your knee until you feel a mild stretch along the backside of your knee. Hold this stretch 10 seconds. Return to the original position and relax 10 seconds. Repeat this exercise 15 times. Do the exercise again with your left leg.