Current studies show that 50% of pregnant women will suffer from pregnancy related pelvic girdle pain (PPP). PPP involves pain in and around the pelvis, and may include pain in the pubic, hip and lower back areas. Pain may continue after pregnancy and can be severely debilitating during pregnancy, in severe cases women may require crutches to walk.
The most commonly reported areas of pain are over the joint between the tailbone and pelvis, the buttock region or the front of the pelvis. Pain in the legs is less common.
Recent evidence demonstrates that women with PPP have a lack of strength and muscle control in the hip and lower back muscles. These muscles can weaken or become overactive as they try to cope with the extra load as the baby grows.
Aggravating factors for PPP are single leg activities such as going up and down steps and putting on underwear or standing for long periods.
Treatment consists of a specific muscle stabilisation program to retrain the muscles around the pelvis and improve your ability to control your lower back and pelvis.
Pregnancy belts are often used at later stages of pregnancy to control pain in walking and standing.
Clinical Pilates is proven to be extremely effective in the long term management of PPP. It is low impact exercise emphasising movement awareness and is a great way to rebuild the abdominal and pelvic muscle strength lost during pregnancy.
A pelvic floor assessment using a real time ultrasound is recommended for all women following pregnancy to see if these muscles are still working or not. We have a diagnostic ultrasound machine in our clinic that will be used to assess you.
At The Corio Bay Sports Treatment Clinic our female Physiotherapist, Cherise Garner, will assess your muscle strength and create a specific management program to help you return to normal in a caring environment.
Ring the Clinic today on 52322400 to make an appointment with Cherise. If you have any questions email Cherise on [email protected]
At The Corio Bay Sports Treatment Clinic We Can Help!