Last Reviewed by: Dr. Steve Knighton | March 18, 2026

SI Joint Treatment in Oakville

What Is Your SI Joint?

Every week, our SI joint pain specialists at our Glen Abbey chiropractic clinic see patients suffering from severe lower spine pain. While some injuries result from athletic activities or dramatic accidents, most cases stem from everyday movements, poor posture, or prolonged sitting.

Patients often describe their pain as radiating across the beltline of the lumbar back or localized to one side of the gluteal region. In many cases, the source of their discomfort is the Sacroiliac (SI) Joint—the two large joints located in the dimples on either side of the pelvis.

The SI joint plays a crucial role in stability and weight distribution between the spine and lower body, yet dysfunction in this joint is responsible for approximately 85% of lower spine cases in our clinic.

If you’re experiencing persistent lumbar spine or gluteal pain, it may be time to have your SI joints assessed by our expert chiropractic team. With evidence-based treatment protocols, we can help restore mobility, reduce pain, and improve function—so you can get back to living pain-free

If your waist line/belt line pain symptoms are related to a workplace injury, learn how to start a WSIB claim and access approved treatment in Oakville.

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Anatomy of SI Joint Oakville (video)

SI Joint Pain Treatment (Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction)

Best Treatment for SI Joint Pain

At our Oakville chiropractic and physiotherapy clinic, we specialize in effective, evidence-based treatment for SI joint dysfunction and pain. Our chiropractors and physiotherapists work together to provide personalized care that targets the root cause of your discomfort.

Dr. Steve Knighton, with nearly two decades of experience, has developed a unique, scientifically-backed treatment protocol for SI joint pain. After personally overcoming severe back injuries, including a near-catastrophic car accident in 2022 that left him with a broken back, Dr. Steve refined his approach by combining proven treatment techniques with his own specialized SI joint adjustment methods.

Our comprehensive treatment plan includes:
✔ Chiropractic Adjustments to restore SI joint mobility
✔ Shockwave Therapy to break down adhesions and promote healing
✔ Interferential Current Therapy (IFC) to reduce inflammation and relieve pain
✔ Targeted Exercises to strengthen and stabilize the hips and SI joints

Learn How To Stretch Your Glutes And Piriformis Here!

What Our Patients Are saying

  • Dr. Steve and his assistant Laura did a great job of healing my jaw pain. Laura was always so professional and her Shockwave treatment really helped ease the pain.

    Suzanne Di Stefano [Staff] Avatar Suzanne Di Stefano [Staff]
    June 7, 2024

    Dr. Jenn thank you for all the years looking after our family, you are nothing short of a miracle worker. Always refer friends to your practice, sorry we are moving, you will be missed. Audrey, thank you for always accommodating us on short notice and following up, lifesaver. ... read more

    Shona Mindzak Avatar Shona Mindzak
    December 7, 2024

    I had a great experience with Dr. Steve and his team! Dr. Steve is very knowledgeable, and the whole team is welcoming and professional. After my visits, my elbow pain is now mostly relieved. Highly recommend their care!

    Li Li Avatar Li Li
    November 7, 2024

  • Phenomenal service and care. Dr Steve and his staff are always very welcoming and knowledgeable.

    AdrianFootball 97 Avatar AdrianFootball 97
    February 6, 2025

    Dr. Stephen and his staff are amazing. I get my chiropractic treatments here.

    Steve W. Brown Avatar Steve W. Brown
    December 7, 2024

    Dr. Jenn was great to work with. I’d recommend her

    Lida Liu Avatar Lida Liu
    November 7, 2024

  • I was initially reluctant to try another chiropractor after a series of bad experiences that left me in more pain. However, my husband visited Dr. Steve at Nottinghill Family Wellness Centre following a scary knee injury and had nothing but amazing things to say about his care. He booked me... read more

    Ingy ES Avatar Ingy ES
    September 7, 2024

    I’ve been to Dr Steve more than once over past several years. I had severe sciatica pain stemming from lower back to right hip to all the way down to right tows. He has magical hands. His sessions healed the issue completely and now I am able to play... read more

    C C Avatar C C
    September 7, 2024

    Great clinic. Pain free after few visits.

    Mario M Avatar Mario M
    February 6, 2025

4 Steps To Treating SI Joint Pain

1. Interferential Current Therapy(IFC)

In most cases, our SI back pain specialists utilize a combination of Suction IFC (Interferential Current Therapy) and heat to treat SI joint injuries. This scientifically proven approach helps relax the surrounding muscles, increase blood flow, and promote healing in the affected area.

At our Oakville clinic, we use vacuum suction IFC units instead of traditional sticky pads, as they provide a superior therapeutic experience. The suction method allows for deeper penetration of electrical stimulation, enhancing blood circulation and muscle relaxation. Patients often describe the IFC treatment as a deep, soothing massage, as it pulsates electrical stimulation into the SI joint and glute muscles, effectively reducing pain and stiffness.

If you’re experiencing SI joint discomfort or upper gluteal region , our expert team is here to help. Book your appointment today and take the first step toward lasting relief!

ifc suction cups on patients glute muscles and si joint

2. Shockwave Therapy For SI Joint

After IFC therapy and heat have effectively increased blood flow to the SI joint, our SI joint pain specialists utilize Shockwave Therapy to target the lumbar spine and glute muscles. Shockwave Therapy is a cutting-edge, air-powered treatment that delivers up to 15 pulses per second, totaling 1,200 to 1,500 targeted pulses per session. The intensity is carefully adjusted to match the patient’s pain tolerance, ranging from 0.3BAR to 8.0BAR.

This scientifically proven therapy is unparalleled in its ability to break down scar tissue, loosen tight muscles, and stimulate new blood vessel formation—enhancing long-term healing and pain relief like no other modality.

If you’ve been to our clinic before, you know how meticulous Dr. Steve is about his shockwave machines and their performance. Unlike many other clinics, he uses a superior applicator head, capable of penetrating up to 55mm into the tissue to maximize healing and recovery.

If SI joint pain is limiting your mobility and quality of life, it’s time to experience the most advanced treatment available. Book your appointment today and start feeling better, faster!

shockwave therapy on patients bum and si joint

3. Active Release Therapy and Trigger Points

After Shockwave Therapy, our SI joint pain specialists utilize Active Release Therapy (ART) and Trigger Point Therapy to further relieve tension and restore mobility in the affected muscles.

During ART, our healthcare professionals apply targeted pressure to tight muscles while simultaneously moving the hip or lower spine through specific ranges of motion. While this technique can be mildly uncomfortable, it is highly effective in breaking up adhesions, loosening tight muscles, and improving flexibility around the SI joint.

Trigger Point Therapy, similar to ART, involves direct pressure on knotted or tight muscles in the glutes, and surrounding areas. Our practitioners focus on key muscles such as the piriformis, quadratus lumborum (QL), and gluteal muscles, which often contribute to SI joint dysfunction and pain. In some cases, our doctors will have patients lie on their back to perform Trigger Point Therapy and ART on the hip flexor muscles, ensuring a comprehensive approach to pain relief and mobility restoration.

Dr. Steve treating patient for glute pain

4. Chiropractic Adjustment for the SI Joint

What truly differentiates our Oakville clinic from others is the comprehensive preparation we perform before a manual chiropractic adjustment of the SI joint. Rather than rushing into an adjustment, our specialists first use a combination of Interferential Current Therapy (IFC), heat therapy, Shockwave Therapy, and Active Release Therapy (ART). These scientifically backed techniques work together to loosen up the stiff joint, relax the surrounding muscles, and maximize the effectiveness of the SI joint adjustment.

At our clinic, SI joint adjustments are performed exclusively by our experienced chiropractors. During the procedure, the patient is positioned on their side, and the chiropractor gently bends the knee toward the chest while applying a controlled rotational force to the spine, delivering a precise and effective SI joint adjustment.

Dr. Steve Knighton, known as one of the highest-rated chiropractors in Ontario, has developed his own modified technique for SI joint adjustments. His method has helped thousands of patients experience lasting relief from SI joint pain and regain full mobility.

a patient lying on their side getting ready for an SI joint adjustment a patient on their side with the chiropractor adjusting their low back

Glute Pain Treatment and SI Joint

Why do my bum muscles hurt?

Your gluteal muscles play a vital role in stabilizing your pelvis and supporting your pelvis and SI joint. The three primary muscles—Gluteus Maximus, Gluteus Medius, and Gluteus Minimus—work together to ensure proper movement, posture, and overall spinal health. However, when these muscles become weak, inactive, or excessively tight, they can directly contribute to acute and chronic SI joint pain.

At our Oakville clinic, Dr. Steve Knighton and his expert team specialize in identifying and treating glute dysfunction and SI joint disorders. Some patients struggle with pain and stiffness due to tight, overactive glutes, while others suffer from poor glute activation, leading to instability, compensation patterns, and strain in the SI joints. The reality is, you can’t have an SI joint issue without a glute issue.

If you’ve been treated by Dr. Steve, you know firsthand the intensity and effectiveness of his hands-on deep tissue techniques. His evidence-based treatments, including shockwave therapy, specifically target deep-seated muscular adhesions in the glutes and surrounding structures. These advanced techniques help break down scar tissue, improve circulation, restore function, and—most importantly—pinpoint exactly where your muscles need treatment to provide lasting relief.

A picture showing pain points on lower back

Best Exercises To Stop SI Joint Pain

The Bridge Exercise for SI Joint Pain

  • Lay on your back with your hands by your sides, your knees bent and feet flat on the floor. Make sure your feet are under your knees.
  • Tighten your abdominal and buttock muscles.
  • Raise your pelvis up to create a straight line from your knees to your shoulders.
  • Squeeze your core and try to pull your belly button back toward your spine. The goal is to maintain a straight line from your shoulders to your knees and hold for 20 to 30 seconds.

A team member at Oakville clinic showing Bridge Exercise for lower back pain

A team member at Oakville clinic showing Clam exercise for lower back pain

The Clam Exercise for SI Joint Pain

  • While lying on your side, keep both knees bent and flex the pelvis to 30 degrees.
  • While keeping your heels touching and pelvis still, open your knees by contracting your glute medius. This is a very slow, small and targeted movement.
  • Place your hand on your gluteus medius (just below and behind your hip) to ensure that it is firing during the movement.
  • Repeat the movement slowly 10 to 15 times and switch sides.

The Single Leg Bridge Exercise

  • Lay on your back with your knees bent and your feet are under your knees.
  • Tighten your abdominal and buttock muscles and slowly lift your pelvis up to create a straight line from your knees to shoulders.
  • Slowly raise and extend one leg while keeping your pelvis raised and level. If your pelvis sag or drop, place the
  • leg back on the floor and do a double leg bridge until you become stronger.
  • Hold to position for 10 seconds and lower. Repeat with the opposite leg.

A team member at Oakville clinic showing Single Leg Bridge Exercise for Back Pain

A team member at Oakville clinic showing Quadruped Extension exercise for lower back pain

The Quadruped Extension Exercise

  • Start in a quadruped position (on your hands and knees).
  • Tighten your core and contract your abs to stabilize the spine.
  • Focus on contracting the left glut. You may need to place your hand on your glut to be sure it contracts.
  • Slowly lift the left leg up while keeping a 90-degree bend at the knee.
  • The left thigh should be nearly parallel with the ground.
  • Slowly lower to the start position and repeat 10 reps per side.
  • To increase the intensity of this exercise, place a small dumbbell behind your knee or add an ankle weight.

Once you have healed your SI Joint. Try these at home exercises to support your treatment:

For help with pain or discomfort please contact our physiotherapy and chiropractic clinic in Oakville at 905-827-4197 OR

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Acupuncture points shown on dummy

Acupuncture for Glute Pain and SI Joint treatment

Here we go, talking about acupuncture again at our Oakville clinic. But it works like a charm! The three glute muscles can also send pain into the butt and even down the legs if they get really tight. A great way to get to the glute min and med, that lay underneath the larger glute max muscle is via acupuncture. The needles are great at getting deep down into the muscles and creating a change in the tension and activation efficiency of the muscle.

If your muscles are too tight, the needles will draw more blood flow the area and help the muscles relax and release. The great thing about this is that you won’t even feel the needles go in. It’s a pain free experience that gets amazing results. As mentioned above, muscle imbalances can also cause glute and SI joint pain. Inserting needles into ‘sleepy’ muscles that need to wake up and activate better can also create positive change in this painful position.

Our chiropractor and acupuncture provider, Dr. Jenn, can also insert some muscles into the joints themselves. With patients laying face down, and a pillow under their pelvis, this opens up the joints in the back. Small needles can be placed into the SI joints, right around the area of the ‘back dimples’. These needles stimulate the healing response and lead to a quicker recovery time.

SI Joint Pain Treatment FAQs