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Physio For Pelvic Girdle Pain: How It Can Help

Pelvic girdle pain is one of the most common conditions that affects pregnant women.

It often starts in the second trimester but can often occur earlier. It involves discomfort or pain around your pelvis, hips and lower back. Several factors can contribute to this type of condition developing, including:

  • Hormonal changes. During pregnancy, your body produces a hormone called relaxin, which helps loosen the ligaments and joints to prepare you for childbirth. Although it’s necessary for labour, it can destabilise the pelvis, leading to misalignment and more strain on the surrounding muscles and joints.
  • Changes in your posture and weight distribution. As your little-one grows, your centre of gravity shifts, which alters your posture. The increased weight also puts extra pressure on your lower back and pelvis. 
  • Pelvic misalignment. The loosening of ligaments can cause the joints within the pelvic girdle, especially the sacroiliac joint (connecting the spine and pelvis), to move unevenly. This misalignment creates imbalance and pain when walking, standing or performing everyday activities.
  • Weakness in the core muscles. The abdominal muscles stretch to accommodate your growing baby, which can weaken the core and reduce the support for the spine and pelvis. This lack of stability further strains the pelvis.

How can our expert physiotherapy help?

PelviCare can help you reduce pelvic girdle pain during pregnancy. Our physiotherapists offer various treatments and exercises tailored to your needs, helping you relieve pain and improve mobility. 

We can use hands-on techniques like massage or joint mobilisation to realign your pelvis, relieve tension in  your muscles, and restore normal movement to the pelvic joints. This can significantly reduce pain and discomfort.

We can also recommend the best exercises for your needs.

PelviCare can recommend targeted exercises to strengthen the muscles around your pelvis, especially the core, back and hips.

One of our  physiotherapists will guide you with safe exercises designed to improve pelvic stability and support your body during pregnancy. These may include pelvic floor exercises, which can enhance support for the pelvic organs.

Poor posture can worsen PGP symptoms. Our physiotherapists help pregnant women adopt better postures and safe movements that reduce stress on the pelvis. We can also suggest using aids, such as pelvic belts, to provide additional support.

Breathing and relaxation techniques can also help.

Stress and tension can make pain worse. Physiotherapy can include breathing exercises and relaxation techniques that help ease discomfort by reducing muscle tension and improving oxygen flow to the affected areas.

Find out more about our treatments for pelvic girdle pain. Or simply contact our team in London today.