We are women's health physio's in the Shire (Woolooware), Bondi Junction and Cammeray and can help you with your pregnancy pains!

 

What is Pelvic Girdle Pain in Pregnancy? 

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Pregnancy Related Pelvic Girdle Pain is defined as pain experienced in pelvic joints, sometimes known as pubic symphysis pain, sometimes known as sacroiliac joint or SIJ pain, sometimes even know as Sciatica as the pain may radiate to the buttocks and posterior thigh .  

Pelvic girdle pain can be well managed with guidance from your women's health physio (the Shire (Woolooware), Bondi Junction and Cammeray) and a tailored exercise program. However, for some women the pain can become very severe. For this reason, its best to act quickly if you notice discomfort or pain to reduce the likelihood of your symptoms worsening. 

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What causes Pregnancy Related Pelvic Girdle Pain? 

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There is not a single cause of pelvic girdle pain, but rather many factors which may contribute to the development of pelvic girdle pain during pregnancy. These include: 

• Non- optimal pelvic joint loading patterns and poor muscle motor control. 

• Hormonal changes (increasing oestrogen) which softens the pelvic ligaments. Pelvic girdle pain is particularly common if there is asymmetrical laxity. 

• As the baby gets bigger more stretch and load is placed on the pelvic floor, abdominal muscles and pelvic ligaments. 

• The position of your baby 

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You may also be at increased risk of developing pelvic girdle pain if there is a history of previous low back or pelvic pain, previous pregnancies, or a family history of pelvic girdle pain. 

Psychological distress, fear of movement and sleep disturbance has also been found to contribute to the severity of symptoms. 

 

Aggravating factors may include: 

• Prolonged or fast walking 

• Climbing stairs 

• Standing on one leg- eg: Getting dressed 

• Getting in or out of the car 

• Turning over in bed 

• Lying on your side 

• Deep squats or lunges 

• Moving from sitting to standing 

• High Impact exercise 

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Tips for managing PGP 

• Avoid pushing through pain -seek help 

• Taking smaller steps and going shorter distances when walking 

• pelvic belt can help 

• Keep your knees together when 

• rolling in bed 

• getting in and out of bed 

• getting in and out of the car 

• Avoiding aggravating factors above 

• Stand tall and keep even weight into both feet when standing 

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Can Physiotherapy help pelvic girdle pain - YES  - DO NOT PUT UP WITH THE PAIN! Come see our women's heath physio whether you are in the Shire (Woolooware), Bondi Junction or Cammeray.

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We will thoroughly assess your condition, figure out contributing factors and make recommendations specific to you. Usually this will include manual therapy, education and advice, and formulation of an exercise program to stretch tight areas and strengthen muscles supporting the pelvis. Participating in pregnancy exercise classes are a great way to prevent and manage pelvic girdle pain during your pregnancy.