Treatment of Chronic Sacroiliitis with Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction-Physiotherapeutic Approach: A Single Case Study

  • Mohamed Nainar A Senior Physiotherapist, Department of PMR, Chettinad Hospital and Research Institute, Kelambakam, Chennai, India
  • Hari Babu L Chief Physiotherapist, Department of PMR, Chettinad Hospital and Research Institute, Kelambakam, Chennai, India
  • Mohamed Zerein Fathima M Assistant Professor, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Vels Institute of Science Technology and Advanced Studies, Chennai, India
  • Alagappan Thiyagarajan Senior Sports Physiotherapist, Department of Sports Medicine, Chettinad Hospital and Research Institute, Kelambakkam, Chennai, India
  • C Ishwarya Vardhini Assistant Professor, Chettinad School of Physiotherapy, Chettinad Academy of Research and Education, Kelambakkam, Chennai, India
  • C Ramesh Professor & HOD, Department of PMR, Chettinad Hospital and Research Institute, Kelambakkam, Chennai, India
Keywords: sacroiliitis, physiotherapy, ultrasound, mulligan mobilization, exercises, pain management, Anterior Innominate.

Abstract

Chronic sacroiliitis refers to long-term inflammation of one or both of the sacroiliac (SI) joints. Sacroiliitis can cause pain, stiffness, and difficulty in activities of daily living. The purpose of this study is to investigate the effectiveness of physiotherapeutic approach using ultrasound, mulligan mobilisation, and tailored exercises for treatment of chronic sacroiliitis with SI joint dysfunction. A 28-year-old male subject presented with pain and stiffness in the lower back with difficulty in walking and doing ADL. He was a known case of chronic sacroiliitis and was suffering from chronic pain for the past 6 months, was treated primarily with a course of NSAIDs, and interferential therapy which did not yield results. Later was given a joint block which did not resolve his
pain or functional ability. He was referred back to the physiotherapy department. The subject was treated with ultrasound and Mulligan mobilisation techniques for 3 weeks. After the treatment period, the subject showed a much better prognosis on the pain scale with a reduction from 8 to 2 points on the VAS Scale and a better functional outcome. The subject was assessed pre and post intervention using three tools: Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) and Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire (RMDQ). The result showed improvement in pain reduction, functional capacity, and overall quality of life. This case study suggests that a physiotherapeutic approach with ultrasound, mulligan mobilisation, and targeted exercises can be effective in managing chronic sacroiliitis with SI joint dysfunction in reducing symptoms and improving functional outcomes.

How to cite this article:
Nainar A M, Babu L H, Fathima M M Z, Thiyagarajan A, Vardhini C I, Ramesh C. Treatment of Chronic Sacroiliitis with Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction- Physiotherapeutic Approach: A Single Case Study. Chettinad Health City Med J. 2025;14(1):106-110.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.24321/2278.2044.202515

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Published
2025-03-31