Pelvic Girdle Pain (PGP): Understanding Your Symptoms and Treatment Options

Overview

Living with pelvic girdle pain can be challenging, but understanding your condition and knowing that effective treatment options are available can provide hope and direction for your recovery journey. At Mendwell Pelvic Health, we're here to help you navigate this condition with expert care and support.

Pelvic girdle pain (PGP) describes discomfort or pain in the joints and muscles of your pelvic region, particularly affecting the sacroiliac joints and pubic symphysis. While this condition affects up to 65% of pregnant individuals, it can occur in anyone regardless of gender or life stage. Understanding that you're not alone in experiencing these symptoms is an important first step in your healing journey.

PGP can significantly impact daily activities, from walking to sleeping comfortably. However, with proper diagnosis and targeted physical therapy treatment, most people experience substantial improvement in their symptoms and quality of life. Our team at Mendwell specializes in providing evidence-based care tailored to your specific needs and circumstances.

Recognizing the Signs and Symptoms

Pelvic girdle pain manifests differently for each person, but common symptoms include:

Pain and discomfort that may:

• Occur in the lower back, hips, or pubic area, sometimes radiating into the buttocks or thighs
• Feel like clicking or grinding sensations in the pelvic region
• Worsen with activities like walking, climbing stairs, or standing for extended periods
• Increase during or after prolonged sitting

Movement challenges such as:

• Difficulty with rolling in bed or changing positions
• Problems with wide-legged movements or single-leg activities
• Limited mobility in the hips and pelvis
• Challenges with daily activities like dressing or getting in and out of cars

These symptoms often vary in intensity throughout the day, with many people experiencing increased stiffness in the morning or worsening pain as the day progresses.

Understanding the Causes

Several factors can contribute to the development of pelvic girdle pain.

During pregnancy, common causes include:

• Hormonal changes that affect joint stability
• Alterations in weight distribution and posture
• Increased pelvic ligament laxity
• Adaptations to accommodate a growing uterus

Beyond pregnancy, PGP can develop due to:

• Joint hypermobility
• Previous pelvic trauma or surgery
• Sports injuries or repetitive strain
• Muscle imbalances
• Poor posture or alignment

Understanding these underlying causes helps our physical therapists develop targeted prenatal pain treatment strategies for your specific situation.

How Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy Makes a Difference

At Mendwell Pelvic Health, we take a comprehensive approach to treating pelvic girdle pain. Our evidence-based treatment methods focus on both immediate pain relief and long-term recovery, including:

Manual Therapy and Hands-On Care:

• Gentle joint mobilization techniques
• Soft tissue release to address muscle tension
• Specific exercises to improve stability and strength
• Postural assessment and correction

Education and Self-Management:

• Understanding proper body mechanics for daily activities
• Learning movement strategies to prevent pain
• Developing a personalized home exercise program
• Guidance on activity modification when needed

Our approach emphasizes building a foundation of stability while addressing your specific symptoms and goals. We work collaboratively with you to develop strategies that fit your lifestyle and needs.

Your Treatment Journey at Mendwell

When you visit our practice, you can expect:

• A thorough initial evaluation to understand your specific symptoms and concerns
• Development of a personalized treatment plan
• Regular progress assessments and plan adjustments
• Ongoing education and support throughout your recovery

We pride ourselves on creating a comfortable, supportive environment where you can feel confident in your care and recovery process.

Common Questions About PGP

How long will it take to see improvement with pelvic floor physical therapy?
‍Most patients notice improvements within 4-6 weeks of consistent treatment. During pregnancy, we focus on symptom management until delivery, with complete resolution typically occurring postpartum.

Can I continue my regular exercise routine with PGP?
‍Exercise modification is often necessary, but staying active is important. We'll help you identify safe activities and teach proper form to prevent symptom aggravation.

What can I do at home to manage my symptoms?
‍We'll provide you with specific exercises and strategies for symptom management, including proper positioning for sleep and daily activities, and guidance on when to rest versus stay active.

Will pelvic girdle pain affect my labor and delivery?
‍If you're pregnant, we'll work with you to develop strategies for various labor positions and teach techniques to manage symptoms during delivery. Many people with PGP have successful deliveries with proper preparation and support.