Sacroiliac Joint Syndrome?

I delt with this for roughly 5 months before visiting a chiro certified in ART. I am now 6 treatments into the therapy ... which is very uncomfortable at times ... but I am already 75% better. I have also added a couple of stretching techniques that my chiro recommended and use a roller on my hip/butt. During this time, my training has not decreased. I am training roughly 11-13 hours per week and will be ramping up to 18-20 hours in preparation for IM Cozumel.

Good luck ... this syndrome can be a real pain in the arse.

Edited by snausa 2009-07-29 8:02 AM

I have dealt with this for years, due to my powerlifting/strongman competitions.
While deadlifting, it would get very sore. I had to stop for 6-8 weeks and then ease back into it.
My point is, whatever you are doing that is aggravating it, you should stop until it gets better and then ease back in.
I also agree with going to a chiro that deals with ART. That is always the first thing I do when mine acts up. You also need to make sure your hamstrings are getting stretched really well, especially the upper part, as that is where it ties in to the SI joint.
Good luck.

As a chiropractor, I would say visit a chiro with a sports background, or one that treats many athletes. ART is a good technique, but not the only one out there that can effectivly treat your condition. Ask questions on the phone when you are making your appointment. (do they have experience treating high level athletes, what techniques do they use, do they have knowledge of rehab exercises, will they work with/share notes with your primary physician....)If the receptionist can't answer them, leave a message for the doc.

Even once you see the Doctor make sure they understand you want to train through your recovery. (assuming there is no risk of serious damage) We treat SI problems here all the time in athletes. For me it is important to keep them active, so I know they are really recovering and not just feeling better because they rested their injury.......


Just my 2cents

thanks, all good advice.

Ryan

Good advice ... I have often been told that ART is just a name brand attached to a commonly used technique in the PT and chiro world. 

I have dealt with SI pain for over 18 months and can tell you that there is no silver bullet, one-stop-shop cureall but instead a regiment of treatment that must be followed through the course of time.  In the end, though, you will be a better athlete as I am told that the pain you feel now is often a symptom of weakness in other areas.

In my case, I over utilize large muscle groups (quads) and underengage others (core + glutes). This has had an effect of muscle imbalances (my quads are a lot stronger than my hamstrings and glutes).  Add to this chronically tight hamstrings that pull down on the SI joint and you have a myriad of problems to address ... and solutions to implement. 

First, tight muscles are a root cause.

Solution: (1) stretching after each exercise for a minimum of 10 minutes. Also, your chiro or PT can prescribe a number of stretches to do on a daily basis (I did them while watching TV). Chances are that "Cat" and "Cow" will become part of your daily parlance. (2) Sports/deep tissue massage on a regular basis.  Don't think this will be pampering ... it is not. The therapist works out the tightness in the muscles ... and the thing that hurts the most afterwards is me teeth - from clenching them and/or biting down on a towel as they work through the muscle groups.

Second, strengthen the surround muscle groups.

Solution: (1) Core exercises ... for me these were best done in a class as there definitely is a good vs. better way to do this - and it all has to do with engaging the smaller muscle groups vs. allowing your larger muscle groups to take over. (2) Pilates and Yoga - works not only your core strength but also flexibility. Regular class attendance will bring improvements you would otherwise think impossible. (Note: three iron distance finishers went to our Lifetime Fitness to attend a class ... and promptly got our butts kicked by The Housewives of Johns Creek ... that stuff is hard!)

Third, correct muscle imbalances. If you are quad dominant like I am then work on your hamstrings. If your glutes are under utilized then strengthen them ... etc.

End result? A strengthened core brought almost immediate results in performance in each sport. For swimming, I was more on top of the water. For cycling, I particularly felt stronger ascending. Running? ... greater endurance.  Most importantly, the above brought an end to the back pain.

I have slacked off somewhat over the past months ... and can feel the negative results.

Good luck on getting yours cured!