Sacroiliac (SI) Joint Pain Treatment in Haddington & East Lothian (Lower Back Pain on One Side / Pelvic Joint Dysfunction)
If you’re experiencing sharp pain on one side of your lower back, pain when standing up, or discomfort when walking, you may be dealing with Sacroiliac Joint (SI Joint) Pain. This is one of the most common yet most misdiagnosed causes of lower back and pelvic pain.
At County Physio in Haddington, we specialise in identifying and treating SI joint dysfunction with targeted, hands-on physiotherapy and personalised rehabilitation — helping you move comfortably again.
What Is Sacroiliac Joint Pain?
The sacroiliac joint (SIJ) connects your spine to your pelvis. You have one on each side.
If the joint becomes stiff, irritated or moves excessively, it can cause:
One-sided lower back pain
Pain into the buttock or groin
Difficulty standing or walking
Pain when getting up from a chair
Pelvic or hip-area pain
SI joint pain is extremely common but often confused with:
Sciatica
Disc bulges
Hip pain
Piriformis syndrome
A proper physiotherapy assessment is key to diagnosing it accurately.
Common Symptoms of SI Joint Pain
You may have SI joint dysfunction if you notice:
Sharp or aching pain on ONE SIDE of your lower back
Pain on the back of the pelvis or top of buttock
Pain when standing up from sitting
Pain when walking, especially long distances
Pain rolling over in bed
Stiffness when getting out of bed in the morning
Pain when climbing stairs or getting into a car
Pain radiating into the groin or outer hip
Feeling like the pelvis is “stuck” or “twisted”
Symptoms often worsen with:
Standing on one leg
Prolonged walking
Sitting for too long
Lifting one leg to put on shoes
If this sounds familiar, SI joint dysfunction is highly likely.
What Causes SI Joint Pain?
SI joint dysfunction can develop due to:
Asymmetrical posture or movement patterns
Pregnancy or postpartum changes
Weak glutes or deep hip stabilisers
Previous hip, pelvic or spinal injuries
Leg length differences
Repetitive one-sided activities
Trauma (falls, twisting injuries)
Prolonged sitting or standing
In many people, SI joint pain develops gradually over time.
How Physiotherapy Helps SI Joint Pain
Physiotherapy is the most effective treatment for SI joint dysfunction.
At County Physio, we focus on:
Reducing pain quickly
Restoring balanced movement
Strengthening the muscles that stabilise the pelvis
Thorough Assessment
Your physiotherapist will assess: SI joint movement, Pelvic alignment, Hip flexibility, Core and glute strength, Standing and walking mechanics, Any contributing lower back or hip involvement, This identifies the cause — not just the painful area.
Hands-On Treatment
To relieve pain and restore movement, we use: SI joint mobilisation, Soft tissue release of glutes, piriformis and hip flexors, Trigger point therapy, Dry needling (optional), Lumbar and hip joint mobilisation, Muscle energy techniques for pelvic alignment, These techniques often give instant relief and allow better movement.
Stability & Strengthening Work
Long-term improvement comes from strengthening the muscles that support the pelvis: Glutes (max, med, min), Deep core muscles, Obliques, Hip rotators and stabilisers, We give you simple, targeted exercises that fit your fitness level.
Correcting Pelvis & Hip Movement Patterns
SI pain often develops because one side of the pelvis is overloaded. We help you improve: Standing and walking form, Hip hinge technique, Single-leg control, Movement symmetry, These reduce strain on the SI joint long-term.
Lifestyle, Posture & Activity Advice
You’ll receive clear guidance on: Sitting posture, Best sleeping positions, Safe lifting techniques, How to walk without aggravating pain, Activities to avoid temporarily, How to prevent future flare-ups, Small adjustments often make massive improvements.
Is My Pain From the SI Joint or the Lower Back?
Here’s a quick comparison:
More likely SI Joint Pain if:
Pain is on one side
Pain sits over the dimple area at the back of pelvis
Pain worsens when standing on one leg
Pain increases with walking or stairs
Bending forward is usually tolerable
More likely Disc or Sciatica if:
Pain goes below the knee
Numbness or tingling
Pain worsens with bending forward
Coughing/sneezing increases pain
During your assessment, we identify exactly which structure is responsible.
Who Is This Treatment For?
This service is ideal if you:
Have lower back pain on one side
Feel sharp pain when standing up
Have pelvic or hip-area pain
Experience pain when walking or climbing stairs
Recently had a baby (postpartum SI dysfunction is common)
Have recurring back or pelvic pain
Have been told it’s “just tight muscles” but nothing helps
You can book directly — no GP referral needed.
Why Choose County Physio for SI Joint Treatment?
Experienced physiotherapists specialising in back, pelvic and hip pain
Hands-on treatment in every session
Clear explanations and personalised care
A structured plan to restore proper pelvic movement
Convenient Haddington location serving all of East Lothian
Focus on long-term results, not temporary fixes
FAQ(Frequently Asked Questions)
Can SI joint pain cause sciatica-like symptoms?
Yes, it can irritate nerves and mimic sciatica, but the root cause is in the pelvis, not the spine.
How long does SI joint pain take to heal?
Many people improve within 2–6 weeks with correct physiotherapy treatment and home exercises.
Should I avoid walking?
You may need to adjust how much you walk temporarily, but complete rest usually slows recovery.
Can SI joint pain come back?
It can, but strengthening the pelvis and correcting movement patterns significantly reduces recurrence.
Do I need an X-ray or scan?
Not usually. SI joint dysfunction is diagnosed clinically through movement tests.
Book Your SI Joint Pain Assessment Today
If sharp, one-sided lower back or pelvic pain is affecting your life, the right treatment can get you moving comfortably again.
Further Reading on Back Pain
Want to learn more about back pain, its causes, and how to manage it? Explore our latest articles:
- Physiotherapy Exercises for Lower Back Pain
- Sciatica Explained: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment
- Is Your Back Pain Caused by Arthritis, a Slipped Disc, or Posture?
- Morning Back Pain: Why It Happens & How Physiotherapy Helps
- Best Sleeping Positions for Lower Back Pain
- Can Physiotherapy Prevent Back Pain from Returning?
- When Should I See a Physiotherapist for Back Pain?
- Slipped Disc vs Sciatica – What’s the Difference & How Physiotherapy Helps
