Pelvic girdle pain is a common pregnancy symptom that can cause mild, moderate or severe pain around the sacroiliac joint (SI joint), or pubic symphysis (front of the pelvis). It is often rooted in shifting mechanics, laxity of the ligaments, and decreased core and pelvic stability.
Dr. Gaby is a neurologist who contacted me during her first pregnancy with complaints of severe pain at the front of her pelvis (so much so that she was CRAWLING up the steps). The following is her account of how pelvic floor physical therapy helped her manage her pain in pregnancy but also helped prepare her for birth and postpartum.
I sought help from a pelvic floor PT specialist after suffering un-necessarily for too long with severe pain during my pregnancy. I didn’t know any better and also tried to minimize my own symptoms as regular pregnancy pains. When I first saw Dr. Arienne I was nearly needing a wheelchair or crutches because I had such severe pain and limited mobility from the changes in my pelvic girdle. I couldn’t lift one leg to put on clothes, I couldn’t roll over in bed, I couldn’t be without both feet on the floor at the same time, stand from sitting, or walk without excruciating pain. My job requires me to be on my feet for long periods at a time and sometimes be seated while driving for long amounts of time. My quality of life and ability to work were truly suffering as a result of my severe pain.
Dr. Arienne was so personable, professional, and extremely well versed regarding my issues. She has been through pregnancy herself multiple times so she not only understood my concerns from a PT standpoint, but from a personal standpoint as well. She explains things very thoroughly and in a way that is easy to understand and sets realistic goals from the very beginning.
After my initial evaluation, Dr. Arienne was able to diagnose what was occurring and knew exactly how to approach it. She developed a gradually intensive and holistic plan that included exercise, soft tissue work, body and positional awareness, and the use of a pelvic brace to approach my symptoms. After a couple of weeks my pain went from a 12/10 to a 2/10! I continued with the therapy and while I didn’t have complete resolution of my symptoms (growing belly makes that impossible) I had major relief, improved quality of life, and was able to continue working throughout my pregnancy. It was a complete game changer and I wish I had started sooner but hindsight is 20/20!
Once I was more mobile and getting closer to my due date, we also focused on strategies for proper breathing and pushing techniques, as well as labor positions that were appropriate for my condition. I was clueless about any of this before my sessions with Dr. Arienne. The self-awareness of how my breathing and pushing should feel to protect and promote my pelvic floor function during labor were priceless! I went into my labor confident and ready because I had tools that I felt comfortable using from PT. The nurses all were impressed by my deep breathing and pushing during contractions and I was fortunate enough to have a very easy, quick, natural delivery with no tearing! I didn’t even get to use the labor positions I had learned because I labored quite quickly and my baby was out in 2 pushes! I really, truly think all of the work in PT helped tremendously with this process.
After my delivery, I had a quick recovery and did not suffer from incontinence or pain in my pelvis. I was equipped with mild pelvic floor exercises that I was able to start right away.
I also set up a postpartum appointment for evaluation of my initial symptoms (now resolved) and address new issues postpartum such as tendonitis in my feet and thoracic back pain from breastfeeding. Dr. Arienne once again knew exactly what to do and we are working together for this now!
I paid out of pocket for the therapy and submitted the claims to my insurance, which Dr. Arienne has specific forms for and was very helpful with. It is worth every penny to have these tools and work with Dr. Arienne to improve your symptoms and quality of life.
While we may look at many of the common complaints of pregnancy as “normal”, it’s important to recognize that it is NOT normal to SUFFER through your pregnancy. There are such valuable tools available with the help of a pelvic floor physical therapist, and even some resources available for free online. These tools will serve you in pregnancy, postpartum, and far beyond….because pelvic health isn’t specific to only one stage of life, but all stages.
When Should You Get Help?
If you notice pain in the front or back of your pelvis, hips, back, into your leg(s) or pelvic floor during pregnancy or postpartum, mention it to your health care provider. They may recommend seeing a physical therapist. Alternatively, you can contact a pelvic health physical therapy specialist like myself for more information.
If you are suffering from pelvic girdle pain in pregnancy, please reach out to us here! If you are outside of Miami, FL, you can find a pelvic floor therapist in your area here.
Still have questions? Would you like to book an appointment?
If you would like more information or would like to speak to an experienced physical therapist in Miami, Florida, you can contact me via phone at (305)-982-7595, via email at [email protected], or simply fill out an online form. To schedule an appointment, click here.
If you enjoyed this blog article or have a specific question about it, shoot me a comment below!