Complex Back, Hip & SI Joint Pain In Ankeny, IA

When You’ve Been Dealing With Pain for Too Long, You Deserve Better Answers.

Persistent back, hip, or sacroiliac (SI) joint pain can be frustrating—especially when you’ve already tried treatments, received different diagnoses, or still don’t understand why the pain keeps coming back.

At Stewart Sport & Spine Physical Therapy, we take a closer look at the whole picture to understand what may be contributing to your symptoms and determine the most appropriate path forward.

When Pain Doesn’t Have an Easy Answer

Your Pain May Be More Complicated Than One Diagnosis.

Back and hip pain don’t always come from one obvious source. Your symptoms may involve the lumbar spine, hip, SI joint, surrounding muscles, movement patterns, strength deficits, or a combination of factors.

That’s why we don’t rely on a one-size-fits-all approach.

Your evaluation looks at how you move, load, compensate, and respond to different movements so we can develop a treatment plan based on your specific presentation.

A Different Approach to Complex Cases

Look Beyond Where It Hurts.

When you’ve been dealing with pain for months or years, simply treating the painful area may not be enough.

We take the time to understand:

• Where your symptoms started and how they’ve changed
• Previous injuries, diagnoses, and treatments
• What movements or activities aggravate your symptoms
• How your spine, hips, and surrounding structures are functioning
• Strength, mobility, and movement limitations
• What you’ve already tried—and what did or didn’t help

From there, we’ll explain what we believe is contributing to your symptoms and what your options are.

Focused Experience With SI Joint & Lower Back Problems

Sometimes the Missing Piece Is Understanding What’s Actually Going On.

Dr. Josh Stewart has developed a particular interest in complex lower-back, hip, and SI joint problems, including patients who have spent years searching for answers.

His approach was also shaped by his own experience dealing with significant lower-back pain in his 20s and understanding firsthand how frustrating it can be when you’re trying treatment after treatment without feeling like you’re getting anywhere.

That perspective influences how he approaches these cases today:
Listen carefully. Evaluate thoroughly. Explain clearly. Build a plan that makes sense.

What Treatment May Look Like

Your Plan Is Built Around Your Findings and Goals.

Depending on your evaluation, treatment may include:

Hands-On Physical Therapy
Targeted manual techniques to address mobility restrictions and help improve movement.

Therapeutic Exercise
Progressive exercises designed to improve strength, stability, mobility, and tolerance to activity.

Movement & Load Assessment
Looking at how your body handles the movements and activities that matter to you.

Education & Self-Management
Helping you understand your symptoms and giving you practical tools to manage your condition outside the clinic.

Progressive Return to Activity
Gradually rebuilding your capacity so you can return to work, exercise, sports, and everyday activities with confidence.

What If Physical Therapy Isn’t the Answer?

We’ll Tell You.
Not every problem requires physical therapy—and not every patient needs the same approach.

If your evaluation suggests that imaging, a physician, another specialist, or a different course of care would be more appropriate, we’ll explain that honestly.

The goal isn’t to keep you coming back indefinitely.

It’s to give you the information, direction, and tools you need to make a confident decision about your next step.

Stop Chasing the Pain. Start Understanding It.

If Back, Hip, or SI Joint Pain Has Been Holding You Back, Let’s Take a Closer Look.

You don’t have to keep guessing what is causing your symptoms or simply move from one treatment to another without a clear plan.

Let’s evaluate what’s happening, discuss what we find, and determine the next step together. Book Your Evaluation Today.