Pregnancy and Pelvic Girdle Pain in Barrie, On:

How Physiotherapy Can Help Manage Common Musculoskeletal Pain

Pregnancy is a transformative time for a woman's body, but it can also bring about various musculoskeletal challenges. One of the most common issues faced by expectant mothers is pelvic girdle pain (PGP), which affects up to 1 in 5 pregnant women. This discomfort often arises due to the significant physical changes that occur during pregnancy, such as weight gain, postural changes, and hormonal shifts that affect the stability of the joints.

At Integrative Physio, we help pregnant women manage pelvic girdle pain and other common musculoskeletal issues through tailored physiotherapy treatments, ensuring a smoother and more comfortable pregnancy journey.

Understanding Pelvic Girdle Pain (PGP)

Pelvic girdle pain refers to the discomfort experienced around the pelvic region, which includes the pubic bone (symphysis pubis), the sacroiliac joints at the back of the pelvis, and the lower spine. It is typically caused by:

• Increased joint laxity: During pregnancy, the hormone relaxin is released, which softens the ligaments to prepare the body for childbirth. This can cause the pelvic joints to become more mobile and less stable, leading to pain.

• Postural changes: As the baby grows, the mother’s center of gravity shifts, leading to changes in posture that can strain the muscles and joints.

• Pelvic misalignment: Increased mobility in the pelvic joints can sometimes lead to misalignment, which can cause pain when walking, standing, or moving.

PGP can range from mild discomfort to severe pain, limiting mobility and daily activities. Women may feel pain in their lower back, hips, groin, and thighs. Walking, standing on one leg, or rolling over in bed can become challenging and painful.

Common Musculoskeletal Issues During Pregnancy

In addition to pelvic girdle pain, pregnancy can lead to other musculoskeletal conditions, including:

• Lower back pain: As the baby grows, the increased weight places added strain on the lumbar spine, leading to discomfort and pain in the lower back.

• Sciatica: Pressure on the sciatic nerve due to the growing uterus can lead to shooting pain that radiates down the legs.

• Round ligament pain: The round ligaments that support the uterus stretch as the baby grows, sometimes causing sharp pains in the lower abdomen.

• Carpal tunnel syndrome: Swelling during pregnancy can lead to compression of the median nerve in the wrist, causing pain, tingling, or numbness in the hands.

Common Musculoskeletal Issues After Pregnancy

After pregnancy, many people experience musculoskeletal issues due to the physical changes and demands placed on the body during pregnancy and childbirth.

Here are some common ones:

1. Pelvic Girdle Pain (PGP): PGP is pain around the joints and ligaments of the pelvis, which may extend to the lower back, hips, and thighs.

Cause: Hormonal changes, weight gain, and posture adjustments can strain the pelvic area.

Symptoms: Pain with walking, climbing stairs, or turning in bed.

2. Lower Back Pain: Lower back pain is common due to the strain of carrying extra weight and postural changes.

Cause: Increased lumbar lordosis (lower back curve) during pregnancy, weakened abdominal muscles, and lifting or carrying the baby after birth.

Symptoms: Persistent or intermittent pain in the lower back, which may worsen with certain activities.

3. Diastasis Recti: A separation of the abdominal muscles along the midline (linea alba).

Cause: Abdominal stretching from the growing uterus and hormonal relaxation of muscles.

Symptoms: A visible gap or bulge in the mid-abdomen, difficulty stabilizing the core, and sometimes lower back pain.

4. Hip Pain: Pain or discomfort in the hips, often due to joint and muscle imbalances.

Cause: The body’s alignment changes during pregnancy, and the hips bear additional weight, sometimes leading to tension and tightness.

Symptoms: Pain in one or both hips, especially when lying on the side or sitting for extended periods.

5. Knee Pain: Knee pain or discomfort, often stemming from added weight and postural changes.

Cause: Increased body weight, weakened muscles, and shifts in the center of gravity can put extra pressure on the knees.

Symptoms: Pain in the front or back of the knee, which can worsen with stair climbing or squatting.

6. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Tingling, numbness, or pain in the hands and wrists.

Cause: Fluid retention can lead to increased pressure on the median nerve in the wrist.

Symptoms: Tingling or numbness in the thumb, index, and middle fingers, often worsening at night.

7. Neck and Shoulder Pain: Pain or tension in the neck and shoulder muscles.

Cause: Constant lifting and holding of the baby, along with poor posture.

Symptoms: Stiffness, soreness, or pain in the upper back, neck, and shoulders.

Managing Post-Pregnancy Musculoskeletal Issues

Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy: Strengthens weakened pelvic muscles and supports recovery.

Postural Training: Helps align the spine, reduces strain, and improves strength.

Gradual Core Strengthening: Focuses on diastasis recti recovery and stabilizing the body.

Pain Management Techniques: Such as massage, heat therapy, and gentle stretching.

Ergonomic Adjustments: Proper techniques for lifting, feeding, and carrying the baby.

How Physiotherapy Can Help

Physiotherapy is an effective and safe way to manage musculoskeletal pain during pregnancy, helping women stay active and comfortable throughout their pregnancy. At Integrative Physio, we offer personalized physiotherapy treatment plans that focus on pain relief, mobility restoration, and strengthening of the muscles to support the body as it changes.

Our treatment approach includes:

1. Pelvic Stabilization Exercises: Targeted exercises to strengthen the muscles surrounding the pelvis, such as the deep abdominal muscles, pelvic floor, and gluteal muscles, can help support the pelvic joints and alleviate pain.

2. Manual Therapy: Hands-on techniques, such as soft tissue mobilization and joint mobilization, can help relieve tension, reduce pain, and improve pelvic alignment.

3. Postural Education: Proper posture is crucial during pregnancy to avoid unnecessary strain on the muscles and joints. We provide guidance on how to stand, sit, and move in a way that supports the body’s changing biomechanics.

4. Pain Relief Modalities: We use gentle modalities like heat therapy, taping, and gentle massage to help relieve pain and discomfort in the pelvic girdle and other areas affected by pregnancy.

5. Pelvic Floor Therapy: The pelvic floor muscles play a vital role in supporting the pelvic organs and maintaining stability. We offer pelvic floor exercises that help strengthen these muscles, which is essential during pregnancy and postpartum recovery.

6. Ergonomic Advice: We provide advice on how to modify daily activities and movements to reduce pain and prevent further injury. This may include recommendations on sleeping positions, sitting techniques, and movement strategies to minimize strain on the pelvic area.

Why Choose Integrative Physio?

At Integrative Physio, we believe in a one-on-one patient-centred approach, where each treatment plan is tailored specifically to the individual needs of the patient. Our team of highly trained physiotherapists specializes in pregnancy-related pain and pelvic health, ensuring that each patient receives comprehensive care in a friendly and supportive environment.

We provide:

• Personalized Care: We take the time to understand your pain, your body, and your pregnancy journey to create a treatment plan that addresses your specific needs.

• Special Interest in Women's Health: Our physiotherapists have extensive training in pregnancy-related musculoskeletal conditions, ensuring that you receive the most up-to-date and effective treatment techniques.

• Holistic Approach: Our care doesn’t just focus on immediate pain relief but on long-term wellness. We equip you with the tools and knowledge to manage your pain throughout pregnancy and beyond, supporting you from prenatal care through postpartum recovery.

If you’re experiencing pelvic girdle pain or any other musculoskeletal discomfort during pregnancy, don’t let it interfere with your journey. Contact Integrative Physio to book an appointment and learn how physiotherapy can help you stay comfortable and active throughout your pregnancy.

References:

1. Physiopedia. Pelvic Girdle Pain. https://www.physio-pedia.com/Pelvic_Girdle_Pain

2. Mogren IM, Pohjanen AI. Low back pain and pelvic pain during pregnancy: prevalence and risk factors. Spine. 2005;30(8):983-991.

3. Kanakaris NK, Roberts CS, Giannoudis PV. Pregnancy-related pelvic girdle pain: Etiology and management. BMC Medicine. 2011;9:15.

Integrative Physio – Empowering you with the best care for pregnancy and pelvic health.