Summary of key points
PGP or Pelvic girdle pain is something that a lot of expecting mothers experience. While most have the baby and are free from pain for some it can even go on after having the baby too. A lot of people think that the most common pregnancy complaint is having lower back pain, but pelvic girdle pain is even more common than that. Seeing a physio Perth is one way a woman can get help with it, whether pregnant or post-natal. Here is a closer look at the causes, symptoms, who is more at risk, and how a physiotherapist can help.
Symptoms of Pelvic Girdle Pain
Different women experience different symptoms and some can be more mild and some a lot more severe. Primarily it involves discomfort or pain or both around the lower back, hips and pubic areas. Specifically, areas that radiate pain include the inner thigh, back of the thigh, groin, gluteal area, sacroiliac joint and posterior iliac crest. A person might choose to see a physio near me when they are having problems carrying out everyday tasks, or even simple movements like sitting, walking and standing are difficult. The pain and discomfort cause a lot of women to have issues with sleep.
Who is at risk and what are the causes?
Women who are more at risk of experiencing pelvic girdle pain are those with a history of lower back pain, those who have had past damage in the pelvic area and those who have had knee or hip issues before. There are three main causes, pregnancy hormonal changes causing ligament laxity, changes in the anatomy of that area due to the pregnancy and the increase in weight.
Pregnancy hormonal changes causing ligament laxity – The hormones that happen during pregnancy cause the pelvic ligaments to become more lax. That can mean the pelvis is more prone to harm and pain from the lack of support and stability in the pelvic area.
Changes in the anatomy – When pregnant there are changes in anatomy in that region. There is a widening, and the sacroiliac joints are flattened. That can lead to pain and discomfort.
The increase in weight – A lot of women gain some weight on top of the extra weight of the baby itself. This adds more load and stress to the pelvic region while they are pregnant and that can lead to pelvic girdle pain. The weight can also lead to the woman changing how she stands and walks which can also make that pain or discomfort worse.
Why should you see a professional physio?
Seeing a physio in Perth is a great way to help with the pain and discomfort so a woman can be more comfortable during pregnancy and experience less pain. After a personal assessment, a professional can talk to her about specific tools and how they might help with pain relief including compression, taping and bracing options. They can also help improve sleep with a better posture in bed to get a good night’s sleep. Some women can also get a massage or other manual therapy sessions to assist them. Just find a physio near me to see how they can help with pelvic girdle pain.
