Pain When Walking From the Pelvis: Treatment in Mineola, NY

MULLIGAN CONCEPT

Pain When Walking From the Pelvis

Some people feel a sharp or aching pain at the back of the pelvis or in the buttock with each step, especially on the stance leg or on stairs. When the SI joint or pelvis is the source, Enhanced Physical Therapy in Mineola uses Mulligan mobilization while you stand and walk, so the treatment matches the activity that hurts, plus belt support and strengthening.

Certified Mulligan Practitioner Over 10 Years of Experience

Our clinics director is a Certified Mulligan Practitioner (CMP) with over a decade
of experience using this evidence-based approach. Each treatment is customized to
your specific diagnosis and movement limitations to achieve optimal outcomes.

Common signs of pain when walking from the pelvis

Pain at the back of the pelvis or buttock with each step
Pain worse on stairs or slopes
A limp or shortened stride
Pain standing on one leg to put on pants
Pain easing when you sit

What causes it

Uneven loading through the pelvis, weak hip muscles, pregnancy-related changes, old injuries and stiff hips can make walking painful at the SI joint.

How we examine it

Before any hands-on treatment, we ask about your health and screen for anything that needs a doctor first. We watch you walk, test SI joint and hip provocation, and check the low back. Then we test a pelvic or hip glide while you stand on one leg or take steps.

Mulligan techniques we use

Weight-bearing SI MWM. A gentle glide of the pelvis held while you step or stand on one leg.
Hip MWM with a belt. A glide at the hip while you walk or step up.
Pelvic belt. Support during walking and exercise.
Taping. Tape to support the pelvis during daily activity.

What the research says

Evidence here is limited to case reports and the broader SI joint research. We use weight-bearing Mulligan techniques when they clearly ease walking pain during the visit, and combine them with strengthening.

What else is in your treatment plan

Your plan includes manual therapy during walking, hip and core strengthening, gait retraining and a graded walking program.

How long recovery takes

Many people walk more comfortably within 4 to 8 weeks.

If you are over 65

Pain at the pelvis when walking can make you walk less and less steadily. We focus on comfortable walking, safe stairs and balance, and check the hip carefully, since hip arthritis and fractures are more common with age.

When to see a doctor first

Call your doctor, or get urgent care, if you have any of the following:

Groin pain with a limp after a fall in an older adult (possible hip fracture)
Pain with fever
Numbness in the saddle area or bladder or bowel changes
Calf pain and swelling
Pelvic pain in pregnancy with bleeding or contractions: call your doctor

Pain when walking from the pelvis treatment near Mineola

Enhanced Physical Therapy is at 137 Willis Ave, Suite 100, Mineola, NY 11501, a short walk from NYU Langone Hospital-Long Island. We see patients from Mineola, Garden City, Williston Park, New Hyde Park, Carle Place, Westbury, Albertson and Manhasset, and across central Nassau County.

Frequently asked questions

Why does my pelvis hurt when I walk?

Each step loads one side of the pelvis. If the SI joint or hip is irritated, walking brings it on.

Could this be my hip?

Yes. Hip and SI pain can overlap, so we test both.

Will a belt help?

A pelvic belt eases pain for some people during walking and exercise.

Is walking still good for me?

Usually yes, in amounts you can manage. We build it up gradually.

Written and clinically reviewed by Jacob Kurian, PT, MSPT, CMP, DPT, Certified Mulligan Practitioner, Enhanced Physical Therapy, Mineola NY. Last updated October 14, 2026.

Move Better, Feel Better

If this is limiting your work, sleep or activity, call Enhanced Physical Therapy at (516) 833-5880 to book an evaluation with Jacob Kurian, Certified Mulligan Practitioner. Mulligan treatment may help reduce pain and improve movement, and we will tell you honestly what to expect.