How do I relieve SI joint (sacroiliac) pain?

That deep, one-sided ache low on the back, just beside the tailbone, is often the sacroiliac joint - the small, sturdy joint where the base of the spine meets the pelvis. It barely moves, but when the load on it turns uneven - crooked sitting, long standing, tight hips pulling on one side - it gets irritated and reminds you of itself with every step and every roll over in bed.

We unload the whole area, not just the sore point. Decompression of the body creates space and takes the downward pressure off the base of the spine and pelvis, while slow, supported stretches release the tight hips and lower back that pull the joint out of balance. The body is wise - where one side is clenched, the other compensates - so we balance everything, and the cranky joint finally gets to rest.

Move gently and let calm return over a few sessions rather than in one go. Tell your trainer beforehand if the pain came after a fall or pregnancy - we set everything up softer and go little by little.