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Sacroiliac Pain Treatment (SI Joint)

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Woman with Sacroiliac Pain

Physical therapy can be very effective in treating SI joint (sacroiliac joint) pain. The SI joint is located between the sacrum (the triangular bone at the base of the spine) and the ilium (part of the pelvis). Dysfunction or inflammation of this joint can lead to pain in the lower back, buttocks, and hips. Back pain problems can be confused with, or related to, hip and leg pain, weakness, or numbness. Our clinicians are skilled at differential assessment and can treat most of these conditions with physical therapy. Try physical therapy before resorting to expensive tests and procedures!

How Saunders Treats Sacroiliac Joint (SI Joint) Problems

Musculoskeletal Evaluation: Our consultation starts with a thorough exam that includes an assessment of your posture, muscle flexibility and strength, spinal symmetry, and a neurological assessment.

Manual Therapy: This involves hands-on techniques performed by our PTs to mobilize and manipulate the SI joint. These techniques can help improve joint alignment and reduce pain.

Strengthening Exercises: Targeting the muscles around the SI joint, such as the glutes, lower back, and core muscles, can provide stability and support to the joint. Strengthening these muscles can also reduce strain on the SI joint.

Stretching Exercises: Gentle stretching of the hip and lower back muscles can help alleviate tightness and improve flexibility. Tight muscles around the SI joint can contribute to pain and dysfunction.

Posture and Body Mechanics Education: Learning proper posture and body mechanics during daily activities can help reduce stress on the SI joint and promote better alignment.

Heat or Cold Therapy: Applying heat or cold to the affected area can help reduce inflammation and relieve pain.

Bracing or Taping: In some cases, we may recommend wearing a supportive brace or using kinesiology tape to provide additional stability to the SI joint.

Low-Impact Exercises: Engaging in low-impact exercises such as swimming or biking can help maintain overall fitness without putting excessive strain on the SI joint.

Woman with Sacroiliac Pain

 

Thoracic Outlet Syndrome Treatment

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woman with thoracic outlet

Physical therapy for Thoracic Outlet Syndrome (TOS) is a conservative, non-surgical treatment approach aimed at relieving symptoms and improving the functional capacity of individuals with this condition. TOS is a group of disorders that occur when there is compression of the nerves, blood vessels, or both in the thoracic outlet, which is the space between the collarbone (clavicle) and the first rib.

Saunders Therapy Centers physical therapists are experts at addressing the many factors contributing to Thoracic Outlet Syndrome. Saunders’ physical therapy for TOS typically involves the following components:

The Saunders Thoracic Outlet Treatment Approach

Assessment: Our physical therapists will perform a thorough evaluation to assess the specific symptoms and functional limitations caused by TOS. This evaluation will help determine the underlying cause of the condition and guide the development of an appropriate treatment plan.

Posture and Ergonomics: Your Saunders therapist will address any postural abnormalities or poor ergonomics that may be contributing to the compression in the thoracic outlet. Correcting posture and providing ergonomic recommendations can help reduce pressure on the affected structures.

Stretching and Strengthening Exercises: Specific exercises are prescribed to strengthen the muscles around the shoulder, neck, and upper back region. Strengthening these muscles can improve stability and support the thoracic outlet, reducing the risk of compression.

Range of Motion Exercises: Gentle range of motion exercises are used to improve the mobility of the shoulder and neck. This can help alleviate stiffness and tension in the area.

Manual Therapy Techniques: Hands-on techniques, such as massage, joint mobilizations, and soft tissue manipulation, may be used by your Saunders PT to reduce muscle tightness, improve circulation, and relieve pain.

Nerve Gliding Exercises: Specific exercises designed to promote the gliding of nerves through the thoracic outlet may be incorporated to alleviate nerve compression symptoms.

Pain Management Techniques: The therapist may teach pain management strategies, such as relaxation techniques, ice or heat therapy, and the use of assistive devices to ease discomfort.

Home Exercise Program: A personalized home exercise program will be provided, ensuring continuity of care and progress in the rehabilitation process.

woman with thoracic outlet
In some cases, if conservative treatments like physical therapy do not provide sufficient relief, more invasive treatments may be considered. Since Saunders Therapy Centers has great success treating TOS, it’s always a good idea to try us first, before you seek more invasive treatments like surgery.

 

Physical Therapy for Dizziness and Vertigo

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physical therapist assisting with balancing exercise

Saunders physical therapists perform a detailed evaluation that can help distinguish between the many potential causes of dizziness (vertigo), balance problems, and related symptoms like nausea and light-headedness. At its best, vertigo is extremely annoying. At its worst, it can lead to a serious fall.

Physical therapy can be an effective treatment for vertigo, especially when the condition is caused by certain types of vestibular disorders. Vestibular disorders affect the inner ear, which is responsible for balance and spatial orientation. Physical therapy aims to help patients improve balance, reduce dizziness, and manage vertigo symptoms. The type of physical therapy used for vertigo is called vestibular rehabilitation therapy (VRT). VRT involves specific exercises and techniques to promote adaptation and compensation for the dysfunction in the vestibular system. Here are some common components of VRT:

VRT Physical Therapy For Dizziness and Vertigo

Gaze stabilization exercises: These exercises involve focusing on a fixed object while moving the head. This helps train the brain to stabilize vision during head movements, reducing dizziness.

Balance exercises: Patients may practice standing on different surfaces or perform specific movements to improve their balance and reduce the risk of falls.

Habituation exercises: These exercises involve repeated movements that provoke dizziness to help the brain adapt and become less sensitive to the triggering movements over time.

Brandt-Daroff exercises: These are a set of exercises used to treat benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), a common type of vertigo caused by loose calcium crystals in the inner ear.

Canalith repositioning maneuvers: These maneuvers are used specifically for BPPV and involve guiding the loose calcium crystals out of the affected inner ear canal.

Vestibular ocular reflex (VOR) exercises: These exercises focus on improving the coordination between eye movements and head movements to enhance gaze stability during motion.

Falls Prevention

It’s important to remember that physical therapy for vertigo should be performed under the guidance of a trained physical therapist. The specific exercises and techniques used by your Saunders physical therapist will depend on the underlying cause of the vertigo and your unique condition. Additionally, not all cases of vertigo can be treated with physical therapy. Some cases may require medical intervention or other forms of treatment, but Saunders Therapy Centers is a great place to start in your journey toward an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment plan.

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