pre + postnatal

Lower Back + Pelvic Girdle Pain

◗ Are you currently pregnant or given birth recently?

Are you experiencing pain in the front, back of your pelvis or down the back of your thigh when walking, going up stairs, getting in and out of the car or simply pushing the shopping trolley???

If so, you are likely experiencing pregnancy related pelvic girdle pain (PGP).

KEY FACTS:

  • PGP is the most common musculoskeletal complaint during pregnancy.

  • Around 45% of all pregnant women and 25% of postpartum women experience PGP.

  • The pain can range from mild to severe.

  • PGP can lead to the inability to perform daily activities, work & exercise.

  • Early management is key!

What is the cause of PGP?

PGP is multi-factorial, there is some evidence to suggest that increased oestrogen and relaxin levels during pregnancy correlate with higher risk of experiencing PGP. However; this evidence is now being challenged; we can not only blame hormones for the cause of the pain.

We actually do not know what the primary driver is for the development of PGP in pregnancy. We do know that pain is incredibly complex, and everyone experiences pain differently.

Movement is especially important in the management of PGP, hence why we focus on reducing the fear of movement.

 At Women’s & Pelvic Health Physio Riverland we can develop an individualised management plan with you to address your needs and goals.

Possible factors that may linked:

  • Hormones

  • Increases sensitisation of the soft tissues in the pelvic area, leading to higher pain input

  • Stress

  • Lifestyle factors (posture, movement, activities) 

  • Multiple pregnancies

  • Anxiety

  • Previous history of hip, pelvis and low back pain

Management:

  • Self-management strategies

  • Activity + exercise modification

  • Measure + fitting of pelvic supports garments (SRC shorts/leggings) & belts

  • Soft tissue release

  • Prescription of an individualised home exercise program