Pregnancy related pain
Pelvic girdle pain (PGP) or symphysis pubis dysfunction (SPD) is common in pregnancy; it includes pain anywhere from the lumbar spine/abdomen down to the thigh, either at the front or back. The pain may range from a mild ache to severe pain which limits your daily activities. This may start at any time during pregnancy, labour or in the weeks after delivery.
Physiotherapy aims to relieve or ease pain, improve muscle function and improve your pelvic joint position and stability. This may include manual therapy to make sure the joints of your pelvis, hip and spine move normally, exercises to strengthen your pelvic floor, stomach, back and hip muscles, advice and suggestions, including positions for labour and birth, looking after your baby and pain relief, such as TENS. Advice will be given regarding equipment if necessary, eg use of crutches or pelvic support belts.
