Damage Around the SI Joint?

[Sean87]

Roughly 14 weeks ago, I suffered an injury to my SI joint. At first the chiro told me it was my hip flexor (I don't see how as the pain is right around my glute) but I was later told that it was my SI joint. The joint was set although I was having difficulty holding an adjustment. Finally about 6 weeks ago, the joint decided to stay in place. I still have pain in that area with some days worse than others. I can walk fine and lift moderately heavy objects when needed. I haven't been in a workout routine since the beginning of July. My question is why is there still pain in that area? Is it the joint itself that is still tender or is there soft tissue or ligament damage? Funny thing is I can go a full week at a time with no pain whatsoever but like clockwork on that 7th day the pain is back and usually lasts 2-3 days and its gone again.

[Heidi]

Hi
Are you having regular check-up appointments? If not I would advise this to make sure the adjustment is being maintained.
Another thing I would recommend is a rehab programme if you haven't been given one. This should help to strengthen the muscles which surround the Si joint itself.
The days when the pain suddenly flares up must be to do with an activity that is aggravating it, whether it be sitting for a long time or a particular movement etc. Try writing down what you have done on the days when it flares up. You'll probably start to notice a pattern.
There may well be soft tissue damage in the area, or even just muscular imbalances which are resulting in pain becuase of pulling on the joint.

[Sean87]

I haven't seen a chiropractor in about 6 weeks because I switched jobs and am waiting for my insurance to kick in. I was not given a rehab program, although I have seen information on such. What would be the best stretches/exercises to strenghten the area?

[Heidi]

Hi
Its difficult to advise without knowing all of your assessment details. Generally, strengthening most of the hip muscles including the gluteals and hip flexors as well as the core muscles is advised. You can find more info here: http://www.sportsinjuryclinic.net/cybertherapist/back/buttocks/sacroiliacr/strengthening.php