Pelvic Girdle Pain

Pelvic Girdle pain is literally a pain in the bum, not to mention the groin. If you've ever had it, you know exactly what we're talking about! It's really an umbrella term for pain that occurs within the joints of the pelvis. 

What does it feel like?
Symptoms and severity vary between women, however the most common ones are:
Pain deep down in the groin (on the bony part of your public bone)
Pain near the dimples of your lower back 
Pain that radiates from the lower back and into the bottom 
Pain when walking, stair climbing, rolling over in bed, getting out of the car, stepping to the side, vacuuming, putting on your underwear whilst standing, and any other movement when one side is favoured.

When does it happen?
Pelvic Girdle Pain can present at any time, however it is most commonly seen from about 14 weeks into your pregnancy. The pain often decreases after childbirth.

Why does it happen?
There's a clever hormone called Relaxin which helps prepare the body for birth by making the ligaments a little more stretchy. This hormone peaks at about 14 weeks gestation. Due to increased laxity in the ligaments in the pelvis, a little bit more shearing happens between the pelvic bones and spine which can create instability, inflammation and pain.

What can I do about it?
Pelvic Girdle Pain can be very debilitating and when it comes to treating it, it's not one size fits all.

• We recommend a trip to your Women's Health Physiotherapist so they can assess your condition. 
• ​Talking to your Women's Health Physiotherapist about wearing a Pelvic Belt to stabilise your pelvis or compression shorts
• Strengthening your glutes, core and pelvic floor
• Apply ice to the achy areas such as your pubic bone for 10 minutes, twice a day
• Minimise excessive walking and stair climbing
• Stand on two legs rather than one as much as you can. For example when you're getting dressed/putting undies on, sit on your bed so your pelvis is supported
• Wear supportive shoes and walk on even ground as much as you can 

Factors that may contribute towards Pelvic Girdle Pain Include:

• ​Increase of relaxin at 14 weeks gestation 
• High work load at work
• Weak pelvic floor and deep abdominal muscles
•  Previous trauma to pelvis 
• Previous lower back pain
• Hypermobile joints 

At Mummas On The Move we can liaise with your Physiotherapist and develop a personalised exercise plan to work around your Pelvic Girdle Pain. We know it's a pain (literally) and we are here to help!