P R E G N A N C Y - R E L A T E D P E L V I C G I R D L E P A I N
Musculoskeletal conditions are quite common during prengnancy.
The common sites of pain during pregnancy are:
Pelvic Girdle Pain
- Pubic symphysis (front of the pelvic girdle)
- Sacroiliac joint (SIJ, back of the pelvic girdle)
Lumbar Spine
- Low back pain
Thoracic Spine
- Upper back pain
Pelvic girdle pain is quite common throughout pregnancy, affecting approximately 20% of ladies in the first trimester and up to approximately 50% by the third trimester. If you did not have pelvic girdle pain prior to pregnancy, it is likely to worsen and the biggest aim of physiotherapy management is to prevent your pain from worsening. It may not be able to be relieved completely until after the baby arrives.
What exactly is Pelvic Girdle Pain?
Pelvic Girdle Pain is pain at the back of the pelvis, above the gluteal fold in the area of the sacroiliac joint (SIJ) which can radiate to the hips and outside of the thigh. Pain can also occur in the pubic symphysis which is the joint in the front of the pelvis. Please see the diagrams below which demonstrate the location of these joints.
Pelvic Girdle Pain symptoms:
- Pain in the back of the pelvis which can sometimes radiate into the hip, buttock or the side of the thigh
- Reduced ability to stand, walk or sit for long periods
- Aggravated by asymmetrical movements like walking, turning in bed, stairs, getting in/out of the car
- ‘Catching’ of the leg when walking
- Pain at the front of the pelvis in the centre (pubic symphysis)
How can physiotherapy help?
A physiotherapist can provide an assessment to help determine which joint is the cause of your pain and then devise an appropriate treatment plan from there.
How can pelvic girdle pain be managed?
- Manual therapy - massage, joint mobilisations
- Activity modification
- Support garments (if appropriate) like SRC shorts/tights, SIJ belt
- Exercises to improve support of the muscles for the joint
- Advice around managing at home
Here at Back In Motion Rosny Park we are passionate about helping our mums or soon-to-be mums live the most comfortable pregnancy possible and helping them return to full function postnatally. If you are pregnant and are experiencing musculoskeletal pain, come and see us for a Free Initial Assessment and a physiotherapy consultation by calling 6281 2499.
Author: Jess Garlick (BHSc, M. Physiotherapy Practice) - Physiotherapist, Back In Motion Rosny Park
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