What is
Pelvic Girdle Pain (PGP)?
What is Pelvic Girdle Pain (PGP)?
PGP is pain in the pelvis which is related to pregnancy, symptoms usually start during pregnancy but for some women symptoms start shortly after delivery
Its a condition that affects up to 1 in 5 pregnant women, in varying degrees of severity
PGP is common, but should not be considered as "normal"
It is also sometimes called symphysis pubis dysfunction (SPD)
What are the symptoms?
Symptoms can vary between women, however they may include:
Discomfort over the pubic bone at the front, below your tummy, or across one side or both sides of your lower back/pelvis
Pain in the pelvic joints when walking, climbing the stairs and when turning in bed
Pain on prolonged sitting
Difficulties with daily activities (vacuuming, ironing, washing dishes)
Grinding, clicking, crunching sounds from the pelvis
Pain can happen in 1, 2 or all 3 joints in the pelvis, you may also experience referred pain in the groin area, down the inner thighs and down the back of your leg/s.
What causes PGP?
It is thought to be a combination of factors:
Pelvic joints moving unevenly
A change in activity of the stomach, pelvic girdle, hip and pelvic floor muscles
Postural changes
Previous falls, accidents, lower back or pelvis problems
How can physiotherapy help?
Physiotherapists are specialised in the assessment and treatment of altered pelvic mechanics, muscle imbalances and postural problems. Therefore the background causes of PGP can be identified and then addressed through manual therapy, exercises and advice.
Often asymetries in the pelvis can be identified and treated, muscle weaknesses targeted and posture improved. Whether you are 8 weeks pregnant or 38 weeks pregnant physiotherapy can help you reduce the affect of PGP on your everyday life.
The sooner PGP is identified and assessed the better it can be managed.
For some women the symptoms will completely resolve with early intervention.
Your signs and symptoms should not be dismissed as the “normal aches and pains of pregnancy"
Useful websites:
“The difference was amazing and made everything so much easier and reduced the pain dramatically! I would not hesitate to recommend her. Thank you Becky!”