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Pura Vida Chiropractic
SI Joint Dysfunction treatment at Pura Vida Chiropractic San Antonio

SI Joint Dysfunction

Sacroiliac joint dysfunction is one of the most common and most frequently missed causes of low back and buttock pain. SOT chiropractic at Pura Vida is specifically designed around the SI joint.

What Is SI Joint Dysfunction?

The sacroiliac (SI) joint connects the sacrum (base of the spine) to the ileum (part of the pelvis) on each side. These joints are stabilized by some of the strongest ligaments in the body and normally allow only a few millimeters of movement. When the SI joint is hypomobile (locked) or hypermobile (unstable), it causes significant pain in the low back, buttock, and sometimes the groin or posterior thigh. SI joint dysfunction is estimated to account for 15–30% of all low back pain — yet it is often misdiagnosed as lumbar disc disease or sciatica. SOT Category II chiropractic protocols were developed specifically to diagnose and correct SI joint dysfunction.

Common Symptoms

  • Unilateral low back and buttock pain, worse on one side
  • Pain that worsens with prolonged standing, sitting on one side, or climbing stairs
  • Pain with transitions — standing up, getting out of a car
  • Tenderness directly over the SI joint (posterior superior iliac spine)
  • Pain mimicking sciatica — radiating into the hip and posterior thigh
  • Relief when lying down

Common Causes & Contributing Factors

  • Acute injury from a fall or sudden load
  • Leg length discrepancy creating chronic asymmetric SI loading
  • Pregnancy and hormonal ligament laxity
  • Hypermobility disorders loosening SI joint stabilizing ligaments
  • Lumbar fusion surgery above the SI joint (adjacent segment stress)
  • Repetitive asymmetric activities (golf, tennis, running)

The Pura Vida Protocol: Chiropractic Care for SI Joint Dysfunction

SOT Category II is the gold standard chiropractic approach for SI joint dysfunction. Dr. Foss uses specific wedge-based blocking to assess and correct the specific direction of SI joint displacement on each side. This low-force, gravity-assisted technique gently restores normal SI joint position and mobility without aggressive manipulation. It is safe for acute flares, post-surgical patients, and pregnant patients. Many SI joint pain patients experience dramatic relief within the first one to three treatments, followed by progressive stabilization of the joint over a full course of care.

At Pura Vida Chiropractic, Dr. Foss uses Sacro-Occipital Technique (SOT) — a gentle, category-based system that addresses the spine, pelvis, and craniosacral rhythm as one integrated unit. SOT restores proper biomechanics, reduces nerve interference, and creates the neurological environment your body needs to heal itself.

Advanced Therapies We Combine With Chiropractic

For many patients, combining spinal correction with regenerative therapies produces faster and more lasting results. Depending on your condition, Dr. Foss may incorporate one or more of the following:

SoftWave Therapy

Patented unfocused shock waves spread over a broad treatment area to reduce inflammation, increase blood flow, and activate stem cells — promoting cellular regeneration and long-term pain relief.

Class IV Laser Therapy

Photobiomodulation with a 10–15W Class IV laser delivers therapeutic light energy deep into tissue, reducing inflammation, blocking pain signals, and speeding healing at the cellular level.

Why Choose Pura Vida Chiropractic in San Antonio?

Pura Vida Chiropractic is a family-friendly, bilingual (English/Spanish) clinic serving San Antonio, TX. Dr. Dan Foss is trained in Sacro-Occipital Technique (SOT), a comprehensive chiropractic system that addresses the whole body — not just the area of pain. We combine hands-on spinal correction with the latest regenerative technology to help patients resolve the root cause of their condition rather than masking symptoms.

We are insurance friendly with most insurance plans including Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas, UnitedHealthcare, Humana, Aetna, Ambetter, Oscar Health, Community First, and Molina Healthcare. New patient appointments are available promptly.

Ready to Get Relief from SI Joint Dysfunction?

Schedule your new patient appointment with Dr. Foss at Pura Vida Chiropractic in San Antonio, TX. We'll identify the root cause and build a personalized care plan.

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