Pain in the front of your pelvis during pregnancy can make everyday movements difficult. Rolling over in bed, climbing stairs, getting dressed, walking, or getting in and out of the car can seemingly out of nowhere, become incredibly painful during pregnancy and postpartum.
One common cause is pubic symphysis dysfunction, sometimes called SPD or pregnancy-related pelvic girdle pain. If you’re looking for Pregnancy & Postpartum Care in Greensburg, PA, pelvic floor physical therapy can help reduce pain, improve strength, and keep you moving throughout pregnancy.
What Is Pubic Symphysis Dysfunction?
The pubic symphysis is the joint at the front of the pelvis where the right and left sides of the hip bones meet.
During pregnancy, changes in muscle function, movement, connective tissue, and the amount of load your body is carrying can place more stress on this area, which can cause pain.
Pubic symphysis pain does not necessarily mean that your pelvis is damaged or permanently unstable. In many cases, improving how the muscles around the pelvis work together can significantly improve symptoms.
Symptoms of Pubic Symphysis Dysfunction
Common symptoms include:
- Pain over the pubic bone
- Groin or inner thigh pain
- Pain while walking or climbing stairs
- Pain standing on one leg
- Pain putting on pants or shoes
- Pain getting in and out of the car
- Pain rolling over in bed
- Clicking, popping, or grinding around the pelvis
Symptoms can range from mildly uncomfortable to severe enough that they interfere with exercise and everyday activities.
Why Does Pubic Symphysis Pain Happen During Pregnancy?
As your baby grows, your center of gravity changes and your hips, abdominal muscles, pelvic floor, and glutes have to manage increasing demands. If these muscles aren’t as strong and coordinated as they could be, you may experience pain.
What Can Help Pubic Symphysis Pain?
Treatment often focuses on keeping you moving while reducing unnecessary stress on the painful area.
Temporary strategies may include:
- Sitting down to put on pants or shoes
- Modifying single-leg exercises
- Shortening your stride while walking
- Adjusting lunges or wide-stance exercises
Using a pelvic support belt when appropriate
Long Term Strategies should include:
- Changing how the muscles in the pelvic floor, abdominals, diaphragm, and hips work together in challenging, painful positions
- Massage and cupping on tight, painful muscles
Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy in Greensburg, PA
Pelvic floor physical therapy involves much more than Kegel exercises.
Our pelvic health physical therapist can evaluate your pelvic floor, hips, abdominal muscles, strength, and movement patterns to determine what may be contributing to your symptoms.
Treatment may include individualized strengthening, movement modifications, manual therapy, pelvic floor rehabilitation, and strategies for activities such as walking, exercise, sleeping, lifting, and caring for other children.
If you've been searching for Women’s Health Near Me in Greensburg, PA, Resilient Women's Health provides specialized pelvic floor physical therapy and Pregnancy & Postpartum Care for women throughout Greensburg and the surrounding Westmoreland County area.
What About Pubic Symphysis Pain Postpartum?
For many women, symptoms improve after delivery, but pelvic pain can sometimes continue postpartum.
Your body is also adapting to new demands including carrying your baby, lifting car seats, feeding, returning to exercise, and recovering from childbirth.
Postpartum physical therapy can help you gradually rebuild strength, coordination, and prepare your body for the activities you want to return to like running, weight lifting, or hiking.
Pregnancy & Postpartum Care in Greensburg, PA
Pelvic pain may be common during pregnancy, but you don't have to simply live with it.
At Resilient Women's Health, our physical therapists specialize in pelvic floor therapy, pregnancy-related pain, postpartum recovery, and helping women safely return to exercise.
If you're looking for Pregnancy & Postpartum Care in Greensburg, PA or searching for Women’s Health Near Me, our team can help you understand your symptoms, reduce pain, and build the strength you need during pregnancy and postpartum.
