A common misconception in pregnancy is that pelvic pain is a normal body response to the complex hormonal changes occurring in a woman’s body while she is pregnant. Pelvic girdle pain refers to several different presentations – “pubic symphysis dysfunction, pelvic instability or pelvic joint dysfunction”. It typically involves pain felt at the front of your pelvis (sometimes accompanied with a feeling of unstable movement/clunking) or in your lower back, buttocks or hips. 25% of women experience pelvic pain while pregnant and this may continue into life after pregnancy. There are many different physiotherapy management options to address this condition.
Pregnancy
How do I know if I have pelvic girdle pain or instability?
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Clunking, grinding or clicking in the front or back of your pelvis
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Sharp, gripping, spasming type of pain in the front or back of your pelvis, buttocks or radiating into your inner thighs
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Unable to take weight on one leg for a usual period of time while walking
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Feeling of giving way in the legs during walking
Physiotherapy management of your pelvic girdle pain may include:
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Soft tissue techniques to release muscles in spasm and gentle joint mobilisation through stiff lumbar spine segments – we have specialised pregnancy bed toppers, that allow you to lie face down, if this is appropriate for your condition
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Specific clinical exercises to address weak pelvic, gluteal and core muscles – drawn from Clinical Pilates mat/equipment programs and traditional strength and conditioning exercises
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Education and advice regarding posture, pain-relieving positions and reducing load
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Fitting of external brace support for problematic pelvic girdle pain, such as the Mitton Pelvic Stability brace
