Post-Operative Instructions: SI Joint Injections

Please pay close attention to the following information and instructions:

1. You may not drive for 12 hours after your injection.
2. It is common to experience mild soreness at the injection site(s) for 24–48 hours. Ice is the best remedy. You may apply ice for 20 minutes at a time, several times a day, as needed.
3. Avoid heat to the injection area for 72 hours. No hot packs, saunas, or steam rooms during this time. A regular shower is OK.
4. You may immediately restart your regular medication regimen, including pain medications, anti-inflammatories, and blood thinners.
5. Please remove the sterile dressing or band-aid tonight or tomorrow morning. Do not leave it on after you have taken a shower or gotten it wet.
6. Corticosteroid side effects can occur after this injection but usually resolve after several days. These side effects can include flushing, hot flashes, mild palpitations, insomnia, water retention, feeling anxious or restless, or headaches.
7. While it is extremely rare to get an infection after joint injections, if you develop any signs of infection, please call the office. These signs include fevers or chills, severe increased pain, redness at the injection site, or any drainage from the injection site.
8. Remember that the corticosteroid benefit (long-term pain relief) from an injection can take as long as 10 days to occur. You may have a period of slightly increased pain after your injection before the cortisone takes effect.
9. You may resume all of your normal daily activities 24 hours after your injection.
10. It is OK to restart your exercise or Physical Therapy program as soon as you feel comfortable doing so.
11. Please complete the Pain Diary given to you after your injection. The information you provide in this diary is used to guide your treatment plan.
12. You should schedule a follow-up visit in 2–3 weeks to review your response to this injection. Please bring your Pain Diary with you to your follow-up visit.