PHYSIOTHERAPY

							Philip Wood
PHYSIOTHERAPY
Pregnancy; Your Back & Pelvis
What is pelvic pain?

More than 50% of pregnant women experience some form of pelvic pain, often referred to as
Pelvic Girdle Pain, Sacro-Iliac Joint pain or Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction. Pelvic Girdle Pain is often
confused with Sciatica which is less common in pregnancy. Pelvic pain is often one-sided and may
be concentrated in the buttocks. It is often brought on by sitting or rising from sitting. It may
appear to jump from side to side or be accompanied by general back pain or altered control of
bladder function.

Causes of pelvic pain

       • Prenatal – The hormone relaxin is produced after ovulation and it continues to rise
         during the 1st trimester and in the final weeks of pregnancy. This hormone relaxes or
         loosens the muscles, tendons and ligaments in the body in order to allow the body to
         accommodate the growing baby. Specifically, the hormone loosens and widens the joints
         at the front of the sacroiliac joint and pubic symphysis which reduces their stability and
         changes the efficiency of the muscles which attach around that region. When you couple
         this with the increased load of the baby, you have an unstable pelvis which often causes
         pain.

         Changes in posture and muscle strength generally can also contribute to pelvic pain.

       • Postnatal – Trauma at birth can tear or loosen some of the ligaments in the pelvis.

How can physiotherapy help?

Physiotherapy for pelvic pain is aimed at maximising a high level of function as pain-free as
possible. Your physiotherapist will begin by taking a detailed history from you to work out the
exact cause of your pain. They will then perform a physical assessment, including stress tests for
the groin and hip flexors.

Treatment for pelvic pain may include soft tissue massage to release tight muscles as well as
mobilisation of the pelvis, lumbar spine and hips. An appropriate program of exercises will also be
prescribed to improve core stability. A Pelvic Support Belt may also be beneficial.




     Philip Wood Physiotherapy - Pregnancy; Your Back & Pelvis Fact Sheet