The Sacroiliac Joint vs Sports Related Injuries by Khosi Mkhonto BSc (Physio) WC

The sacroiliac joint (SIJ) is crucial for lower extremity function and athletic movement. In basketball, SIJ issues often arise from repetitive, unilateral forces like jumping, landing, and single-leg stance. The SIJ transfers loads between the lumbar spine and lower extremities, relying on proper muscle activation (abdominal, leg, back) for normal function. When SIJ movement is disrupted due to joint or soft tissue damage, or poor muscle activation, it can affect load transmission and overall movement.

SIJ dysfunction involves pain or instability in the joint connecting the sacrum (lower spine) to the ilium (pelvis). This joint helps transmit forces between the upper body and legs.

Causes include (Vleeming et al., 2012):

• Injury or trauma (e.g., falls, sports injuries)

• Pregnancy and childbirth (hormonal changes, weight gain, birth trauma)- Overuse or repetitive strain (running, heavy lifting)

• Degenerative changes (wear and tear, arthritis, aging)It affects 15-36% of people with lower back pain, commonly impacting athletes, pregnant women, and those with uneven leg length (Mirdamadi et al., 2025).

Physio approaches include:

• Manual therapy (joint mobilisation, massage)

• Exercise therapy (core strengthening, stability exercises)

• Postural correction (improving posture, gait training)

• Pain management (education, modalities like heat or electrical stimulation).

Conclusion

Early identification and targeted physiotherapy can significantly reduce SIJ-related downtime in athletes, preventing chronic issues from sports demands. Combining manual therapy with progressive stability exercises restores optimal load transfer and function (Enix and Mayer, 2019).

References:

ENIX, D. E. & MAYER, J. M. 2019. Sacroiliac Joint Hypermobility Biomechanics and What it Means for Health Care Providers and Patients. PM & R : the journal of injury, function, and rehabilitation, 11 Suppl 1, S32-S39.

MIRDAMADI, N., KHADEMBASHIRI, M. M., MOGHADAM, N. & KORDI, R. 2025. Prevalence and Risk Factors of Sacroiliac Joint Pain in Athletes: A Systematic Review and Proportional Meta-Analysis. Clinical Journal of Sport Medicine, 35, 514-525.

VLEEMING, A., SCHUENKE, M. D., MASI, A. T., CARREIRO, J. E., DANNEELS, L. & WILLARD, F. H. 2012. The sacroiliac joint: an overview of its anatomy, function and potential clinical implications. Journal of anatomy, 221, 537-567.