Cold Laser Therapy for Sacroiliac Joint (SIJ) Dysfunction in Perth

Cold Laser Therapy for Sacroiliac Joint (SIJ) Dysfunction in Perth

Introduction

The sacroiliac joint (SIJ) connects the sacrum at the base of the spine to the iliac bones of the pelvis. When this joint becomes inflamed or restricted, it can cause pain in the lower back, buttock, or even down the leg often mimicking sciatica.

SIJ dysfunction is common among people who sit for long hours, lift heavy loads, or have uneven leg length or postural imbalances.

While chiropractic care, exercise, and manual therapy remain the mainstays of management, cold laser therapy (also known as low-level laser therapy or LLLT) may assist in reducing inflammation, easing pain, and improving joint mobility as part of an integrated treatment plan.

Common Symptoms

Patients with sacroiliac joint dysfunction often describe:

• Deep aching pain near one side of the lower back or buttock
• Pain radiating to the thigh, groin, or hip area
• Discomfort when sitting or standing for prolonged periods
• Pain that worsens with transitional movements (e.g., standing up from sitting, climbing stairs)
• Stiffness or restricted motion in the lower back and pelvis

How Cold Laser Therapy May Help

Cold laser therapy uses specific light wavelengths (typically red or near-infrared) to stimulate tissue repair and modulate inflammation at the cellular level.

For SIJ dysfunction, laser therapy may assist by:

• Reducing inflammation: LLLT has been shown to downregulate inflammatory mediators such as prostaglandins and cytokines, helping calm irritated joint structures.
• Improving circulation: Enhanced local blood flow may help decrease muscle tension and promote nutrient delivery to surrounding ligaments and fascia.
• Pain modulation: Laser exposure may reduce the excitability of nerve fibres, potentially lowering pain sensitivity in the affected region.
• Supporting tissue repair: By increasing cellular ATP production, laser therapy can promote repair of strained ligaments and stabilising muscles that support the SIJ.

This non-invasive and drug-free approach makes it a valuable adjunct for patients who are managing chronic or recurrent lower back pain.

Integration with Chiropractic and Other Modalities

At Cold Laser Perth, SIJ dysfunction is often addressed through a multimodal approach:

• Chiropractic care: Gentle joint mobilisation or manipulation to restore movement and reduce compensatory stress on the spine and pelvis.
• Cold Laser therapy: Focused application over the SIJ, gluteal, and lumbosacral regions to assist with inflammation and pain.
• Rehabilitation: Strengthening of the gluteus medius, core, and pelvic stabilisers to prevent recurrence.
• Lifestyle modification: Advice on posture, ergonomics, and load management to reduce mechanical stress on the joint.

Combining these methods often helps patients move more comfortably and return to daily activity faster.

Recent Research

Recent studies highlight the anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects of LLLT in musculoskeletal joint conditions:

• A randomized comparative study investigated the effects of laser photobiomodulation therapy (lPBMt) versus ultrasound therapy (UST) in patients with chronic non-specific low back pain (CNLBP). Over 8 weeks, both laser and ultrasound groups (each combined with an exercise program) showed improvements in pain, disability, and function, but only the laser group showed a statistically significant improvement in lumbar range of motion.
• This systematic review (and discussion of mechanisms) assessed randomized, placebo-controlled trials of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) in acute pain settings, summarizing possible biological mechanisms and clinical effects. The review considers how LLLT might act via anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and microcirculatory pathways.

Book an Appointment

If you’re experiencing persistent lower back or buttock pain that worsens with sitting or movement, it may be related to sacroiliac joint dysfunction. Our team at Cold Laser Perth, located within Lakeside Chiropractic Joondalup, offers evidence-informed care combining laser therapy, manual therapy, and rehabilitation strategies to help support recovery.

📍 Find us in Joondalup

📅 Book online at coldlaserperth.com.au

📞 Or call (08) 9300 0095 to schedule an appointment today.

Serving Perth’s Northern Suburbs

We proudly serve patients across the City of Joondalup and nearby suburbs including Yanchep (6035), Tapping (6065), Carramar (6031), Currambine (6028), Wanneroo (6065), Heathridge (6027), Edgewater (6027), Gnangara (6077), Mullaloo (6027), Padbury (6025), Kingsley (6026), Woodvale (6026), Banksia Grove (6031), and Duncraig (6023).

References

1. Tantawy, S. A., Abdelbasset, W. K., Kamel, D. M., Alrawaili, S. M., & Alsubaie, S. F. (2019). Laser photobiomodulation is more effective than ultrasound therapy in patients with chronic nonspecific low back pain: a comparative study. Lasers in Medical Science, 34, 793–800. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10103-018-2665-8
2. Bjordal, J. M., Johnson, M. I., Iversen, V., Aimbire, F., & Lopes-Martins, R. A. B. (2006). Low-level laser therapy in acute pain: A systematic review of possible mechanisms of action and clinical effects in randomized placebo-controlled trials. Photomedicine & Laser Surgery, 24(2), 158–168. https://doi.org/10.1089/pho.2006.24.158