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SIJ Taping for Back Pain

  • Writer: Jess Mcdonald
    Jess Mcdonald
  • 1 day ago
  • 3 min read

Supporting the Sacroiliac Joint

with Rigid Tape


Jess McDonald

Sports Physiotherapist – MOVE Sports Physiotherapy & Pilates Geelong


skeletal image of SIJ

Pain in the Sacroiliac Joint (SIJ) is a common cause of lower back discomfort, especially in people who spend long hours sitting, lifting, running, or returning to exercise after pregnancy. For some clients, the SIJ can feel unstable, irritated, or “locked,” especially during bending, walking, or transitioning from sitting to standing.

Rigid SIJ taping can provide immediate support, proprioceptive feedback, and a sense of stability while you continue through rehabilitation.

Below is a clear, physiotherapist-designed taping method for supporting the SIJ region. This is not a replacement for strengthening and movement training — but it can be an excellent short-term strategy for reducing pain and improving confidence.



Who SIJ Taping Can Help

This taping method is useful for clients experiencing:

  • SIJ pain

  • Lower back pain with locking or catching

  • Pregnancy-related pelvic girdle pain (when appropriate)

  • Sensitivity during walking, stairs, or transitional movements

  • Flare-ups when bending or lifting

  • Instability following prolonged sitting or standing



Step-by-Step Guide: How to Tape the SIJ for Lower Back Pain


Step 1: Position the client

Expose the area around the Posterior Superior Iliac Spine (PSIS) — the two bony points at the back of the pelvis.

Ask the client to gently internally rotate their toes. This increases “force closure” of the SIJ and can make taping feel more supportive. (This step is optional and used only if comfortable.)



Step 2: Apply the First Tape Strip

Start on one side of the SIJ, close to the PSIS.

Apply with tension

Pull the tape firmly across the SIJ region. The tension provides:

  • Proprioceptive feedback

  • Compression

  • A sense of stability

This can help during movements such as bending forward or extending the back.



Step 3: Apply the Opposite Side

Mirror the same application on the other side of the SIJ.

Use a firm, controlled pull while stabilising the client’s position.

This ensures balanced support across the pelvis.



Step 4: Layer the Tape for Stronger Support

Continue alternating sides for 3 to 4 layers.

Each strip should:

  • Follow the same line

  • Be pulled tight

  • Reinforce the previous layer

These layers create artificial force closure, giving the client additional support during everyday movement.



Step 5: Optional Cross-Pattern for Extra Stability

For clients who need stronger reinforcement (e.g., running, heavy lifting, postpartum):

Use a crisscross (X) pattern

  • Start slightly below the SIJ

  • Pull the tape diagonally upward across the glutes

  • Mirror the angle to create an “X” shape over the SIJ

This pattern supports transverse force transfer across the pelvis and may feel more stable during walking and single-leg tasks.



Step 6: Secure the Tape Edges

Anchor and lock off

Cover all loose edges with short finishing strips.

Because SIJ tape may stay on for 3–4 days, securing the ends helps prevent peeling during:

  • Sitting

  • Bending

  • Clothing changes

  • Exercise



Step 7: Tape Safety & Client Comfort

Advise clients to remove the tape if they experience:

  • Itching

  • Burning

  • Heat

  • Skin irritation

Avoid wearing the tape too long, as rigid tape can create tension on the skin and increase the risk of irritation.


Step 8: Check movement feedback

Ask the client to:

  • Bend forward

  • Extend their back

  • Perform a single-leg stand

They should feel supported at the end ranges of motion — the positions where SIJ pain is most commonly aggravated.



Why SIJ Taping Helps (But Isn’t the Whole Solution)

SIJ taping is beneficial because it:

  • Increases proprioceptive awareness

  • Adds external pelvic compression

  • Supports irritated ligaments and fascia

  • Reduces painful shear movement

  • Improves confidence during daily tasks


However, long-term improvement comes from:

  • Glute strength

  • Core (deep and superficial) control

  • Pelvic stability training

  • Functional loading

  • Identifying movement habits that contribute to flare-ups


At MOVE, we combine taping with Clinical Pilates, strength training and load management to help clients achieve lasting results.


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Need help with SIJ, low back pain or pelvic instability?


Book a Physiotherapy Assessment at MOVE Sports Physiotherapy & Pilates Geelong, and let us help you feel supported, stable and confident again.






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